Name: Matt’s Olive Cheese Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup sliced green olives

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If you are craving a loaf that is bursting with bold flavors and ooey-gooey cheesy goodness, you are going to fall head over heels for Matt’s Olive Cheese Bread Recipe. This savory quick bread combines the perfect tang of green olives with sharp cheddar cheese, resulting in a delightful treat that feels comforting and extraordinary all at once. Whether you serve it alongside a cozy bowl of soup or as a show-stealer at your next gathering, this bread brings a savory punch and a beautiful golden crust that you just can’t resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl with two mixed layers: the bottom layer is creamy white, and the top layer is a bright orange-red sauce swirled through the white base, giving a textured, marbled look with spices visible. The bowl has a wooden-handled white spatula resting inside, angled to the right. Surrounding the bowl on a white marbled surface are fresh green parsley leaves in the top right corner, a cluster of green and dark olives in a small bowl above, a head of white garlic to the right, and two small bowls at the bottom filled with shredded white cheese and shredded pale yellow cheese. To the left, there are rustic slices of crusty white bread with a textured golden-brown crust. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

It’s amazing how just a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together to create such a flavorful masterpiece. Each component of Matt’s Olive Cheese Bread Recipe plays its part perfectly, contributing to the moist texture, the savory notes, and the vibrant appeal of the bread.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives this bread its structure and perfect crumb.
1 tablespoon baking powder: Essential for that rise, making sure your bread turns out light and fluffy.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the other flavors, especially the cheese and olives.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a hint of warmth without overpowering the loaf.
2 large eggs: Bind everything together while enriching the texture.
1 cup milk: Keeps the bread moist and tender without being heavy.
1/4 cup olive oil: For richness and a subtle fruity note that pairs beautifully with the olives.
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star flavor that brings a savory sharpness and melty goodness.
1 cup sliced green olives: Bursts of briny, tangy flavor that add just the right salty balance.

How to Make Matt’s Olive Cheese Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease a loaf pan generously to prevent the bread from sticking and ensure a smooth release once baked. This little prep step sets you up for a flawless baking experience.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. This blend of dry ingredients will create the base flavors and help your bread rise beautifully. It’s important to mix these evenly so every slice has the right seasoning and lift.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, beat the eggs lightly before whisking in the milk and olive oil. This wet mixture adds moisture and richness, perfectly complementing the dry ingredients for a tender crumb with plenty of flavor.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. You want to avoid overmixing to keep the bread nice and tender. The batter will be thick but smooth, ready for the star elements of this recipe.

Step 5: Fold in Cheese and Olives

Now for the best part — fold in 1 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of sliced green olives. These additions bring that irresistible blend of melty cheese and salty, tangy bites throughout the bread. Gently fold them so they’re evenly distributed without crushing the olives.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell wafting from the oven during this time is absolutely inviting and will make your mouth water.

Step 7: Cool Before Slicing

Once out of the oven, let the bread cool for a few minutes in the pan so it firms up slightly. Then, carefully remove it and slice. Serving the bread warm enhances the flavors and the cheese’s melty comfort, but it’s just as amazing at room temperature.

How to Serve Matt’s Olive Cheese Bread Recipe

The image shows a white bowl with a creamy mixture swirled with bright red chili oil, creating a marbled effect of white and fiery orange-red colors with a slightly textured surface. The bowl contains a white and brown spoon resting on the right side. Surrounding the bowl, there is a large slice of rustic bread with a golden crust on the left, a small bowl of mixed green and dark purple olives above the main bowl, fresh green parsley leaves on the top right side, a whole garlic bulb on the bottom right, a bowl of grated white cheese at the bottom center, and a smaller bowl with shredded pale yellow cheese on the right side. The entire setup is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This bread is delightful on its own, but a little extra touch can turn it into something truly special. Spread a pat of softened butter or a drizzle of olive oil over warm slices for a simple yet indulgent experience. Fresh herbs like chopped rosemary or thyme sprinkled on top add a fragrant, herbal note that complements the olives beautifully.

Side Dishes

Matt’s Olive Cheese Bread Recipe pairs perfectly with hearty soups like tomato basil, creamy potato leek, or a rustic vegetable stew. It’s also a fantastic accompaniment to crisp green salads, where the bread’s rich, savory flavors balance fresh, peppery leaves. For gatherings, offer it alongside charcuterie boards or dips for an irresistible snack that guests will rave about.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make your presentation extra fun, slice the bread into thick wedges and toast them lightly, then top with a smear of cream cheese or goat cheese and a few chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes. You can also cut the loaf into cubes and serve as croutons with salads or soups, bringing a cheesy, olive-infused twist to your dishes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any left (though it rarely lasts long!), wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three days at room temperature, maintaining that wonderful moist texture and savory flavor.

Freezing

Matt’s Olive Cheese Bread Recipe freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Slice the loaf before freezing so you can thaw individual portions as needed. Wrap slices tightly in plastic and place in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored frozen for up to two months without losing its taste or texture.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, reheat slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes. For a quick fix, microwave a slice for 15 to 20 seconds and then give it a quick toast for a crispy finish. Don’t forget to add a little butter on top for extra richness!

FAQs

Can I use black olives instead of green olives in Matt’s Olive Cheese Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! Black olives offer a milder, sweeter flavor compared to the tangier green olives. Using black olives will give the bread a subtly different taste, which some people prefer, but either choice works wonderfully.

Is this bread vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, Matt’s Olive Cheese Bread Recipe is completely vegetarian as it contains no meat or animal-derived rennet in its basic form. Just be sure to check your cheese’s label if strict vegetarianism is a concern.

Can I substitute a different type of cheese?

Definitely. While sharp cheddar provides the classic flavor punch, you can experiment with pepper jack for some heat, mozzarella for gooeyness, or even a tangy feta. Keep in mind different cheeses will alter the flavor and texture slightly.

How long does it take to bake the bread?

The baking time ranges from 45 to 55 minutes at 350°F until the bread is golden and set. It’s best to start checking around 45 minutes with a toothpick to avoid overbaking and drying out the loaf.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

While the recipe calls for all-purpose flour, you can try substituting a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to help mimic the texture, and keep in mind that the rise and crumb might vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

I’m genuinely excited for you to try Matt’s Olive Cheese Bread Recipe because it’s that rare combination of super simple to make yet incredibly flavorful and satisfying. This bread feels like a little celebration in every slice and has quickly become one of my all-time favorites for sharing with friends and family. Give it a go, and I promise it will become a staple in your kitchen too.