Inspired by the queen of comfort food herself, Ree Drummond, also known as The Pioneer Woman, this olive cheese bread recipe takes a classic appetizer and elevates it with robust flavors and simple preparation. If you’re an olive aficionado, prepare to meet your new favorite snack. This recipe, while paying homage to the original Pioneer Woman olive cheese bread, offers a delightful twist and is incredibly easy to make, perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in.
Inspired by The Pioneer Woman’s Kitchen Magic
Like many home cooks, I find myself drawn to the comforting and approachable recipes of The Pioneer Woman. Ree Drummond’s original Olive Cheese Bread recipe caught my eye because of its simplicity and, of course, the starring ingredient: olives! As someone who believes olives make almost anything better, I was instantly inspired to create my own version, focusing on enhancing the olive flavors and ensuring a delightful texture. This recipe is a nod to Ree’s fantastic original, with a few tweaks to amplify the taste and make it even more irresistible for olive lovers.
Crafting the Perfect Olive Cheese Bread
This isn’t just any cheese bread; it’s an olive lover’s dream come true. We’re talking a medley of olives – black, Kalamata, and green – combined with roasted red peppers, green onions, and creamy vegan mozzarella. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. While the original recipe is fantastic, this adaptation allows for customization to your taste preferences. Whether you prefer a stronger olive flavor or want to add a hint of spice, this olive cheese bread is your canvas.
Here’s what makes this recipe stand out:
- Olive Trio: A mix of black, Kalamata, and green olives provides a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible. Each type of olive brings its unique taste profile to the party, creating a harmonious blend.
- Roasted Red Peppers: These add a touch of sweetness and smokiness that complements the salty olives perfectly.
- Fresh Green Onions: They provide a mild oniony bite and a pop of color, enhancing the overall freshness of the spread.
- Vegan Mozzarella: Melts beautifully and creates that gooey, cheesy texture we all crave, while keeping the recipe plant-based. (Of course, you can use regular mozzarella if you prefer.)
- Simple Baguette: A baguette is the ideal bread for this appetizer, offering a satisfying crunch and the perfect size for bite-sized servings.
This olive cheese bread is not just an appetizer; it’s an experience. The combination of salty, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, along with the contrasting textures of the crunchy baguette and the creamy olive cheese spread, makes it utterly addictive.
Serving Suggestions and More
While this olive cheese bread is fantastic served warm as an appetizer, straight out of the oven, its versatility extends beyond that.
- Perfect Party Appetizer: Ideal for New Year’s Eve, holiday gatherings, game days, or any casual get-together. It’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Delicious Spread: Leftover olive cheese spread? Don’t worry, it’s incredibly versatile! Spread it on toast for a quick snack or use it as a flavorful sandwich spread. It adds a burst of flavor to any ordinary sandwich.
- Bread Options: While a baguette is recommended for its texture and size, feel free to experiment with other breads. Sliced Italian bread, sourdough, or even crackers would work well.
No matter how you choose to serve it, this Pioneer Woman inspired olive cheese bread is sure to be a hit. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing (or enjoying all to yourself!).
A close up shot of the vegan olive cheese bread on baguette slices, showcasing the olive mixture and melted cheese.
Olive Cheese Bread Recipe
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Yields: 3 cups of spread
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 3/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 3/4 cup green olives with pimento, sliced
- 2 – 3 green onions (scallions), chopped
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) softened vegan butter (or dairy butter if not vegan)
- 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise (or regular mayonnaise if not vegan)
- 3/4 cup vegan cheese shreds (or dairy cheese if not vegan)
- 1/2 – 1 teaspoon garlic granules
- 1 Tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped fine (Optional)
- 1 baguette or bread of your choice
Instructions
- Soften the butter: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C).
- Combine ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth.
- Add olives and vegetables: Add the sliced black olives, Kalamata olives, green olives, roasted red peppers, and green onions to the bowl.
- Incorporate cheese and seasonings: Add the vegan cheese shreds, garlic granules, and optional fresh rosemary.
- Mix well: Mix all ingredients together thoroughly until well combined.
- Prepare baguette: Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick slices and also cut some 5-6 inch sections lengthwise, then halve them lengthwise.
- Spread the mixture: Generously spread the olive cheese mixture on the baguette pieces.
- Bake: Place the baguette pieces on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm. Cut the longer baguette pieces into smaller appetizer sizes if desired.
Enjoy this delightful olive cheese bread inspired by the wonderful Pioneer Woman! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Vegan Olive Cheese Spread on toast
The leftover vegan olive cheese spread is shown on toast, highlighting its versatility as a spread.
