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Cheesy Olive Garlic Bread

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Warm, crispy garlic bread loaded with buttery herbs, briny green and black olives, gooey mozzarella, and savory Parmesan. It is an easy shareable appetizer or side dish with crisp golden edges and a soft, cheesy center.

Ingredients

  • 1 large French or Italian bread loaf
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup sliced green olives
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for finishing

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Slice the bread loaf in half lengthwise and place both halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
  3. Combine the softened butter, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Mix until the garlic and herbs are evenly distributed.
  4. Generously spread the garlic butter over the cut surfaces of both bread halves, spreading it all the way to the edges.
  5. Scatter the sliced green and black olives evenly over the garlic butter and gently press them into the surface.
  6. Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the bread, followed by the Parmesan. Add the optional red pepper flakes if desired.
  7. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and the bread edges are becoming golden and crisp.
  8. For a more deeply browned top, switch the oven to broil and broil for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  9. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon fresh parsley. Rest for a couple of minutes, then slice into pieces and serve while warm.

Notes

  • Drain the olives thoroughly before adding them to help keep the bread crisp.
  • French, Italian, or ciabatta bread can be used as the base.
  • For extra cheese, add shredded cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack.
  • For a Mediterranean variation, add Kalamata olives, crumbled feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and additional oregano.
  • For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add thinly sliced jalapeños.
  • Fresh basil, rosemary, or thyme can be mixed into the garlic butter.
  • The bread can be assembled several hours ahead, covered, and refrigerated until baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
  • Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 8 minutes.
  • Individual pieces can be frozen for up to 2 months and reheated directly from frozen in the oven.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/cheesy-olive-garlic-bread/