Yield: Serves 10-12 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time:55 minutes | Rating: 5.0 (6 reviewers)
Allergens: Gluten, Milk, Wheat | Diet:Vegetarian
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There is something irresistible about pull-apart bread—the way it invites everyone at the table to reach in and grab a warm, buttery piece. This Olive Bread takes the beloved monkey bread concept and gives it a savory Mediterranean makeover that will steal the show at any gathering. With tender biscuit pieces layered between briny Kalamata and green olives, creamy feta, and melty mozzarella, all seasoned with garlic and oregano, this bread is a flavor explosion in every bite.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Canned refrigerated biscuits transform into a golden, pull-apart masterpiece with minimal effort. The bundt pan creates a beautiful presentation, while the combination of olives and cheese delivers a sophisticated flavor profile that pairs perfectly with soups, salads, or as a stand-alone appetizer. Whether you are hosting a dinner party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply want to elevate your weeknight meal, this Olive Bread delivers every time.
The Magic of Savory Monkey Bread
Monkey bread is traditionally a sweet, cinnamon-sugar treat, but this savory version proves that the pull-apart format is equally perfect for bold, savory flavors. The concept is genius: pieces of dough are coated in seasoned butter, layered with fillings, and baked until golden and irresistible. The result is a bread that is simultaneously crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, and studded with pockets of melted cheese and briny olives in every pull-apart piece.
The refrigerated biscuits are the perfect shortcut. Their flaky, buttery texture bakes up beautifully, creating layers that separate easily. Cutting each biscuit into quarters ensures every piece is coated in the seasoned butter and creates the signature pull-apart texture.
The olive combination is what sets this bread apart. Kalamata olives bring a rich, fruity brininess, while green olives add a brighter, saltier note. Together, they create a complex olive flavor that permeates the bread. The feta cheeseadds creamy, tangy pockets that contrast beautifully with the olives, while the mozzarella melts into gooey strings that make each pull-apart piece extra satisfying.
The seasoning blend of oregano and garlic powder is classic Mediterranean, complementing the olives and cheese perfectly. The butter and olive oil mixture ensures every piece of dough is generously coated, creating a golden, flavorful crust as it bakes.
The Complete Recipe: Olive Bread
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes | Servings: 10-12
Ingredients
- 2 (16-ounce) cans refrigerated biscuits
- ⅓ cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, roughly chopped
- ½ cup green olives, roughly chopped
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a standard 10 to 12-cup bundt pan with butter, making sure to coat all the crevices thoroughly. This ensures the bread releases cleanly after baking.
2. Prepare the Biscuits
Open the cans of refrigerated biscuits and separate each biscuit. Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, cut each biscuit into four equal quarters. Place all the biscuit pieces in a large bowl.
3. Season the Dough
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and olive oil. Pour this mixture over the biscuit pieces and toss gently until all pieces are evenly coated. Sprinkle the dried oregano and garlic powder over the dough and toss again to distribute the seasonings evenly.
4. Prepare the Olive and Cheese Mixture
In a separate small bowl, combine the chopped Kalamata olives, chopped green olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss to mix.
5. Layer in the Bundt Pan
Begin by sprinkling a thin layer of the olive and feta mixture into the bottom of the prepared bundt pan. This ensures every piece has flavorful bits throughout.
Add about one-third of the seasoned biscuit pieces to the pan, spreading them evenly. Sprinkle another portion of the olive mixture over the dough, then add half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the layers: add another third of the biscuit pieces, followed by the remaining olive mixture, and the rest of the mozzarella cheese. Finish with a final layer of the remaining biscuit pieces on top.
6. Bake
Cover the bundt pan tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes. The foil traps steam, ensuring the inside cooks through without burning the top.
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread is cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
7. Cool and Invert
Allow the olive bread to cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to release from the pan.
Place a serving plate upside down over the bundt pan. Carefully invert the pan and plate together, then lift the pan away. The bread should release cleanly in a beautiful ring.
8. Serve
Serve warm, pulling apart pieces to reveal the layers of olives and melted cheese. This bread is best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Olive Bread
- Grease Generously: Bundt pans have many crevices, so take your time greasing every nook and cranny. A pastry brush helps reach all the curves.
- Chop Olives Evenly: Aim for uniform, bite-sized pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the bread. Large olive chunks can make it difficult to pull apart.
- Customize the Olives: Feel free to adjust the olive ratio to your preference. Castelvetrano olives add a buttery, mild option, while oil-cured black olives bring intense, concentrated flavor.
- Cheese Variations:Substitute the feta with goat cheese for a creamier tang, or use provolone instead of mozzarella for a sharper flavor.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the bread in the bundt pan, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 5 to 10 minutes to the covered baking time.
Delicious Variations
- Mediterranean Herb: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped rosemary or thyme to the butter mixture.
- Spicy Olive Bread: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the oregano for a subtle heat.
- Sun-Dried Tomato and Olive: Add ¼ cup of chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes to the olive mixture.
- Artichoke and Olive: Fold in ½ cup of chopped marinated artichoke hearts with the olives.
- Three-Cheese Olive Bread:Add ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the butter mixture for extra savory depth.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside a bowl of tomato soupor minestronefor a comforting meal
- Pair with a green saladdressed in lemon vinaigrette for a light lunch
- Offer as an appetizer with marinated olives and roasted red peppers
- Serve with pasta dishes in place of ordinary bread
- Enjoy on its own as a savory snack with a glass of wine
Storage and Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store leftover bread wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes to restore the crispy exterior and warm, melty interior. The microwave will soften the bread but works in a pinch.
- Freezing: This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes.
Conclusion: A Showstopping Savory Bread
Olive Bread is proof that a few simple ingredients and a clever technique can create something truly memorable. This savory monkey bread transforms ordinary refrigerated biscuits into a stunning, pull-apart masterpiece that looks as impressive as it tastes. The combination of briny olives, creamy feta, and gooey mozzarella, all wrapped in buttery, garlic-oregano seasoned dough, is simply irresistible.
Whether you are hosting a holiday gathering, contributing to a potluck, or simply want to elevate a weeknight dinner, this bread delivers. It invites sharing, sparks conversation, and disappears quickly. Once you try it, this Olive Bread is sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.