Olive Cheese Bread is one of those recipes that people either instantly adore or are intrigued to try. If you fall into the latter category, prepare to be converted. This cheesy, savory bread, especially when made following the famous Pioneer Woman’s recipe, has a way of winning over even the most skeptical palates. It’s a guaranteed hit at any gathering, from casual weekend picnics to holiday parties. While we might gently overlook the health benefits thanks to the generous amounts of butter and cheese involved, the flavor payoff is undeniably worth it.
Close-up of Pioneer Woman Olive Cheese Bread showcasing melted cheese and olive topping.
The Pioneer Woman’s “Chick Food” Revelation
This recipe originates from the queen of easy and delicious home cooking, The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond. Initially, she playfully labeled it “chick food” after it became the unexpected star of a ladies’ dinner party. Despite serving more substantial dishes, it was the Olive Cheese Bread that everyone clamored for the recipe of. Interestingly, she humorously noted that her meat-loving husband, the Marlboro Man, wasn’t initially a fan, highlighting its perceived feminine appeal.
However, the truth is, this Olive Cheese Bread transcends gender preferences. The allure of gooey, melted cheese combined with the salty bite of olives is universally appealing. The olives aren’t overpowering; instead, they lend a delightful saltiness and visual appeal to the cheesy topping. It’s remarkably simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and consistently a crowd-pleaser, proving its worth as an occasional indulgence for any occasion. And the best part? You don’t need fancy deli olives; canned olives work perfectly, making it both budget-friendly and convenient.
Slices of Olive Cheese Bread on a plate, ready to serve, showcasing the toasted edges.
Slightly Adapted Pioneer Woman Olive Cheese Bread Recipe
This recipe is only minimally changed from The Pioneer Woman’s original, with a personal preference for a little extra baking time and a spicy cheese kick.
Yields: 12 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40-45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf French bread
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can black olives, drained and roughly chopped
- 1 (6 ounce) jar pimiento stuffed green olives, drained and roughly chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- ¼ pound (1 stick) butter, softened
- ½ cup real mayonnaise
- 1 pound Monterey Jack cheese, grated (for a spicy twist, use jalapeno Monterey Jack)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius).
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped black olives, green olives, and green onions.
- Add the softened butter, mayonnaise, and grated Monterey Jack cheese to the bowl. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Cut the French bread in half lengthwise.
- Divide the cheese and olive mixture evenly between the two bread halves, spreading it generously over the cut sides. It will seem like a lot of topping, but it will bake perfectly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Enjoy this incredibly easy and delicious Pioneer Woman Olive Cheese Bread at your next get-together! It’s guaranteed to be a hit, regardless of olive opinions.
