Description

Matt’s Olive Cheese Bread is a flavorful, spicy, and cheesy appetizer featuring a crusty ciabatta loaf loaded with a zesty butter and mayo spread, Calabrian chili paste, garlic, mixed olives, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. Baked to golden perfection, this easy-to-make bread is enhanced with fresh parsley and perfect for sharing at gatherings or serving as a savory snack.

Ingredients

Bread and Base

1 (14 ounce) ciabatta loaf, sliced in half lengthwise
2 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 to 2 tablespoons calabrian chili paste, depending on your spice preference
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cheeses and Toppings

1 cup (4 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
⅓ cup pitted castelvetrano olives, roughly chopped
⅓ cup pitted kalamata olives, roughly chopped
¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and place the ciabatta halves cut side up on the prepared sheet.
Mix the Spread: In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, mayonnaise, Calabrian chili paste (adjust based on heat preference), minced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until well blended.
Assemble the Bread: Evenly spread the mixed butter and mayo blend onto the cut sides of the ciabatta halves, spreading all the way to the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over both halves. Follow with an even distribution of the chopped castelvetrano and kalamata olives. Finally, grate the parmesan cheese evenly on top.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starts to turn golden brown.
Slice and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer to a cutting board. Cut each half loaf crosswise into 6 pieces, yielding 12 pieces total. Garnish with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

This recipe is inspired by Pioneer Woman’s Olive Cheese Bread.
If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the Calabrian chili paste.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the ciabatta loaf with your favorite gluten-free bread.
To make it dairy-free, use vegan butter, vegan mayonnaise, and dairy-free or vegan cheese shreds.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-inspired