This Easy Olive Bacon Cheese Bread is a real treat! It’s cheesy, crispy, and packed with tasty bites of olives and bacon. Perfect for snacking or as a fun party appetizer!
Your friends will love it, and so will you! I can’t resist sneaking a piece every time I make it. Pair it with a cozy drink for an even better time! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: French or Italian bread works best for this recipe. If you prefer a different texture, you can use sourdough or a whole wheat bread. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the toppings!
Bacon: I love using thick-cut bacon for an extra crunch. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon is a great substitute, or you could use chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Olives: Pitted black olives give a nice briny flavor. If you’re not a fan, green olives or even sun-dried tomatoes can add a different flavor profile. I often mix in some Kalamata olives for extra richness!
Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a great bite, while mozzarella brings that gooey goodness. Feel free to experiment with Gouda or pepper jack for a different taste. Just be mindful of how the flavors pair with bacon!
Butter: If you want a lighter option, consider using olive oil instead of butter. It still allows for that delicious garlic flavor without the added calories.
How Do I Get the Cheese to Melt Perfectly?
Achieving that gooey, melted cheese is key for this bread! Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your oven to the right temperature—350°F (175°C) is spot on. This allows the cheese to melt evenly.
- Wrap the bread in aluminum foil. This traps heat and moisture, helping the cheese melt thoroughly without burning.
- If you like a crispy top, unwrap the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking—this allows the cheese to brown nicely.
With these techniques, you’ll have that perfect melt-in-your-mouth cheese every time!
Easy Olive Bacon Cheese Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 loaf of French bread or Italian bread (about 12 inches)
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1 cup pitted black olives, sliced
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need around 35 minutes to whip up this delicious bread. Perfect for a quick snack or party appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bread gets nice and toasty!
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain excess fat. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces.
3. Prepare the Bread:
Take your loaf of bread and slice it horizontally, creating two long halves. This will be the base for all those delicious toppings!
4. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the minced garlic until well combined. This will add great flavor to your bread!
5. Spread the Garlic Butter:
Use a knife to spread the garlic butter evenly on the cut sides of both halves of the bread. Be generous; this will enhance the flavor!
6. Add the Cheeses:
Sprinkle half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the bottom half of the bread. This will act as the foundation for your flavor layers.
7. Layer the Bacon and Olives:
Evenly distribute the chopped bacon and sliced olives on top of the cheese layer. You want every bite to be packed with flavor!
8. Top with More Cheese:
Don’t hold back! Add the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top of the bacon and olives. More cheese means more deliciousness!
9. Assemble the Bread:
Carefully place the top half of the bread on the cheese-topped half. Gently press them together to ensure everything stays in place.
10. Wrap and Bake:
Wrap the assembled bread loaf in aluminum foil to help it steam and melt evenly. Place it on a baking sheet and pop it in the oven.
11. Bake Until Cheesy:
Let the bread bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the bread is warm throughout. If you like a crispier topping, unwrap the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
12. Finishing Touches:
Once baked to perfection, remove the bread from the oven. If you like, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Slice it up and serve warm!
Enjoy your delicious Easy Olive Bacon Cheese Bread!
FAQ for Easy Olive Bacon Cheese Bread
Can I Use Turkey Bacon Instead of Regular Bacon?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon is a great alternative if you want a lighter option. Just cook it until crispy, like regular bacon, to ensure it adds that nice crunch to the bread.
What Can I Substitute for Black Olives?
If black olives aren’t your favorite, feel free to use green olives, Kalamata olives, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor. The key is to choose something that complements the cheese and bacon!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap it in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through. This will help maintain that lovely melty texture!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the bread with all the toppings and wrap it in foil. Just refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, remove it from the fridge and bake directly—just add a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge!
