Inspired by the queen of comforting home cooking, Ree Drummond, also known as The Pioneer Woman, olive cheese bread is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s incredibly simple to make and bursting with flavor. If you’re an olive aficionado, prepare to fall in love with this savory, cheesy bread that’s perfect for parties, game days, or simply a delightful snack. This recipe takes the essence of the Pioneer Woman’s classic and offers a delightful twist that’s sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire.
What makes Pioneer Woman Olive Bread so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of salty olives, creamy cheese, and aromatic herbs, all baked to golden perfection on a crisp baguette. The original recipe is a testament to Ree Drummond’s knack for creating approachable and delicious dishes using everyday ingredients. Our version builds upon this foundation, ensuring maximum flavor and ease of preparation.
For olive lovers, this appetizer is a dream come true. The recipe features a generous blend of different olive varieties, creating a complex and satisfying taste. Combined with the richness of cheese and the freshness of green onions and roasted red peppers, every bite is an explosion of textures and tastes. Whether you are already a fan of the Pioneer Woman’s recipes or are simply searching for a standout appetizer, this olive cheese bread is guaranteed to impress.
This recipe is incredibly versatile and adaptable to your preferences. While we provide specific ingredient suggestions, feel free to experiment with your favorite types of olives, cheeses, and herbs to create your signature olive cheese bread. It’s also easily customizable for dietary needs, with vegan options readily available as demonstrated in the original recipe’s inspiration.
Let’s dive into how to create this delectable Pioneer Woman inspired olive bread in your own kitchen. Get ready to enjoy a truly addictive appetizer that will have everyone asking for seconds – and the recipe!
Crafting Your Pioneer Woman Olive Bread: Step-by-Step
Creating this flavorful appetizer is straightforward and requires minimal cooking skills. The beauty of this Pioneer Woman olive bread recipe lies in its simplicity and the incredible taste payoff. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you bake the perfect olive cheese bread every time.
First, gather your ingredients. For this recipe, a baguette serves as the ideal base, providing a crisp crust and soft interior that complements the olive cheese topping beautifully. You’ll also need a mix of olives – we recommend a combination of black olives, Kalamata olives, and green olives with pimentos for a diverse flavor profile. Roasted red peppers add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color, while green onions bring a fresh, mild oniony note.
The creamy base of the spread is made with softened butter and mayonnaise. For a vegan version, simply substitute vegan butter and mayonnaise, as the original recipe creator suggests. Vegan cheese shreds melt beautifully and provide that essential cheesy element. Garlic granules add a savory depth, and fresh rosemary (optional but highly recommended) elevates the aroma and taste with its piney fragrance.
Preparation Steps:
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Soften the Butter: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature. This is crucial for creating a smooth and easily spreadable mixture. Take it out of the refrigerator at least an hour before you plan to start baking.
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Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This moderate temperature ensures the bread toasts to a golden brown without burning, and the cheese melts perfectly.
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Prepare the Olive Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and mayonnaise. Mix them together until well combined and creamy.
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Add the Flavors: To the butter-mayonnaise mixture, add the sliced black olives, Kalamata olives, and green olives with pimentos. Incorporate the chopped green onions and roasted red peppers.
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Cheese and Spices: Stir in the cheese shreds, garlic granules, and chopped fresh rosemary (if using). Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until everything is evenly distributed and well combined. This fragrant mixture is the heart of your Pioneer Woman olive bread.
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Prepare the Baguette: Slice the baguette into ½-inch thick rounds for classic appetizers. Alternatively, you can cut the baguette into 5-6 inch sections and slice them lengthwise for longer pieces, which can be cut into smaller portions after baking.
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Generously Spread: Spread the olive cheese mixture generously over each baguette slice or section. Ensure each piece is nicely coated for maximum flavor in every bite.
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Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the prepared baguette pieces on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Cool Slightly and Serve: Once baked, let the olive cheese bread cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together even further and makes it easier to handle.
Vegan Olive Spread on toast
Serving Suggestions and Enjoying Your Olive Cheese Bread
Pioneer Woman olive bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. While it’s fantastic as a standalone appetizer, it also pairs wonderfully with other dishes and can be adapted for different occasions.
Appetizer Perfection: Serve your olive cheese bread as a standout appetizer at your next gathering. It’s perfect for holiday parties, game day snacks, potlucks, or any time you need a flavorful and easy-to-make starter. Arrange the golden brown slices on a platter for an inviting and visually appealing presentation.
Beyond the Baguette: While a baguette is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other types of bread. Ciabatta, sourdough, or even sliced Italian bread would work beautifully. The key is to choose a bread that can hold up to the topping and become nicely crisp in the oven.
Spread Sensation: As the original recipe creator discovered, leftover olive cheese spread is a delightful bonus! Use it as a flavorful spread for toast or sandwiches the next day. It adds a zesty kick to breakfast toast or elevates a simple sandwich to something special. It’s also fantastic stirred into pasta or as a topping for crackers.
Variations to Explore:
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Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese. While the recipe calls for mozzarella shreds, consider adding a blend of cheeses like provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a touch of Parmesan for a more complex cheese flavor. For a bolder taste, try incorporating feta cheese crumbles into the olive mixture.
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Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the olive mixture. This will provide a subtle kick that complements the savory flavors.
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Herb Infusions: While rosemary is a classic choice, try other herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil. Each herb will impart a unique aroma and flavor profile to your olive cheese bread.
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Add Protein: For a heartier appetizer, consider adding finely chopped cooked bacon or prosciutto to the olive mixture. This will add a smoky, salty element that pairs wonderfully with the olives and cheese.
Conclusion: Embrace the Pioneer Woman Spirit with Olive Bread
This Pioneer Woman inspired olive bread recipe is more than just an appetizer; it’s an invitation to gather, share, and savor delicious food made with simple ingredients and a lot of heart. Its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing flavor make it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, you’ll find joy in creating and sharing this delightful treat.
So, embrace your inner Pioneer Woman, gather your ingredients, and bake up a batch of this irresistible olive cheese bread. Prepare to be amazed by how something so simple can be so incredibly delicious and satisfying. Enjoy the compliments, and most importantly, enjoy every flavorful bite!
