If you’re a fan of bold, savory flavors wrapped in a warm, cheesy loaf, then this Olive Bacon Cheese Bread recipe will be your new favorite. This irresistible bread is loaded with crispy bacon bits, gooey cheese, and the briny bite of olives—making it a must-try for breakfast, brunch, game days, or even a casual snack. It’s delicious on its own or served alongside soups, salads, or eggs.
What makes this bread special is that it’s incredibly easy to make. You don’t need a mixer, and there’s no yeast or rising time involved. It’s a quick bread that’s mixed, poured, and baked in under an hour. With its rich flavor, tender crumb, and cheesy crust, Olive Bacon Cheese Bread is one of those simple yet impressive recipes that everyone will ask you to make again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Flavorful Add-ins
- 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite mix)
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup black or green olives, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)
How to Make Olive Bacon Cheese Bread?
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Black pepper
This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in:
- Milk
- Yogurt or sour cream
- Olive oil
Whisk until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix—this will keep the bread tender.
Step 5: Add Cheese, Bacon, and Olives
Fold in the grated cheese, chopped bacon, olives, and herbs (if using). Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 6: Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Optionally, sprinkle a little extra cheese and herbs on top for a golden, cheesy crust.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Easy and No-Fuss
This bread doesn’t require yeast, kneading, or rising. It’s a quick bread, ready from start to finish in under an hour.
Full of Flavor
The combination of olives, bacon, and cheese delivers bold, savory flavors in every bite. It’s the perfect balance of salty, cheesy, and rich.
Versatile
Serve it for breakfast with eggs, as a snack with coffee, or as a side for soups and salads. It also makes a great party or brunch option.
Great for Leftovers
It keeps well in the fridge and can be toasted or warmed up for a quick bite anytime.
Delicious Variations
Use Different Cheeses
Try mixing in:
- Swiss for nuttiness
- Pepper Jack for a spicy kick
- Gouda or provolone for a creamy texture
Try Other Meats
Not a fan of bacon? Swap with:
- Cooked ham
- Sausage crumbles
- Prosciutto
Make sure any meat is cooked before adding.
Add Vegetables
Make it even more hearty with:
- Sautéed onions or leeks
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Roasted red peppers
- Spinach (squeeze dry before adding)
Go Gluten-Free
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free. The result is just as tasty and satisfying.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Olive Bacon Cheese Bread with:
- Creamy soups like tomato, mushroom, or potato leek
- Salads like Caesar, Greek, or spinach
- Egg dishes such as omelets or frittatas
- Charcuterie boards as a savory bread option
- Or simply toast it and enjoy with butter or cream cheese
How to Store and Reheat?
Refrigerate
Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze
You can freeze whole or sliced bread. Wrap in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat
Reheat slices in the toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes. This revives the crispy top and melty cheese texture.
FAQs
1. Can I make Olive Bacon Cheese Bread without bacon?
Yes! Simply leave out the bacon or replace it with a plant-based alternative, cooked mushrooms, or extra olives for a vegetarian version.
2. Can I use a different type of olive?
Absolutely. Both black and green olives work well. Choose pitted olives and chop them finely so they mix evenly into the batter.
3. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat before serving if you prefer it warm.
4. Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, but skip the baking powder and salt, as self-rising flour already contains them. Adjust other seasonings to taste.
5. Why is my bread dry or crumbly?
This usually happens if the batter is overmixed or baked too long. Make sure to mix gently and check for doneness around the 40-minute mark.
Related Recipes:
- Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe
- Southern Honey Cornbread Poppers Recipe
- Crispy Oven Garlic Mushrooms Recipe
Final Thoughts
This Olive Bacon Cheese Bread recipe is the perfect blend of ease, flavor, and comfort. Whether you’re making it for a cozy breakfast, casual brunch, or savory snack, it delivers every time. The cheesy richness, smoky bacon, and salty olive bites create a flavor-packed loaf that’s impossible to resist.
With its simple prep and endless customization options, this recipe is one to bookmark and return to often. Serve it warm, toasted, or fresh from the oven—it’s always a hit. Try it today and bring a new favorite to your home baking collection. Don’t forget to share it with fellow food lovers—they’ll thank you!
Olive Bacon Cheese Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread or Italian bread
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked bacon chopped
- ⅓ cup black olives sliced
- ¼ cup green olives sliced
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice bread horizontally (not all the way through) to create a pull-apart pattern.
- In a bowl, mix cheeses, bacon, olives, garlic powder, oregano, and melted butter.
- Stuff mixture evenly into the cuts of the bread.
- Wrap the loaf loosely in foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Unwrap and bake for another 5 minutes to crisp the top.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Add jalapeños or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Great for game nights, potlucks, or holiday spreads.
- Use sourdough for a tangy twist.