So, today I am sharing a delicious and easy cheesy bread recipe with you. Rather, this post is more of an assembly than recipe. Simply look at the photos. Because, baking ciabatta bread with the ultimate cheesy olive topping creates a flavour explosion for your tastebuds! Combining three different cheeses gives the best flavour and creamy, melting texture that compliments both the kalamata olives and fresh basil. Resulting in crisp, crusty bread with the most flavourful, salty, fresh herb spiked, cheesy covering, Baked Cheese Olive Ciabatta Bread.
Combining Philadelphia cream cheese, mozzarella and sharp cheddar together creates the ultra cheesy topping. Resulting in a bake that is meltingly gooey with an incredible cheesy flavour. While the meaty kalamata olives and fresh basil, result in an overall herby saltiness that adds another flavour level to the cheese. Resulting in a tasty appetiser or snack that pairs well with cocktails, especially a Martini. Because the topping is overly generous, it could be split to cover two open Ciabattas. Alternatively, slice the ciabatta thinly, or cut into squares and serve as an elegant, pre-dinner canapé.
I love cheese and think it tastes even better when melted?
Recipe: Baked Cheese Olive Ciabatta Bread
1 x Regular size Ciabatta Bread – split open – I use Waitrose own make Ciabatta bread
200g/7oz Mozzarella
75g/3oz Philadelphia Cream Cheese – I find own brands too watery for this recipe
75g/3oz Grated Sharp/Mature Cheddar – I use Wyke Mature Cheddar
50g/2oz Kalamata Olives – I use olives with the stones in
1tbsp chopped fresh basil
1/4 – 1/2tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper – to taste
Method: Preheat the oven to 220C/200C fan, gas mark 7, 425F
Making the cheese and olive topping
- First of all place a medium sized bowl on to some digital scales. This will make adding ingredients much easier.
- Spoon the Philadelphia cream cheese into the bowl and break up the drained mozzarella cheese, adding it to the cream cheese.
- Next add the grated mature cheddar to the bowl.
- Remove the stones from the olives. Press each olive with the flat side of the knife. Remove the stone with your fingers.
- Chop the olives roughly, adding to the bowl until the correct weight is achieved.
- Now chop the fresh basil fairly roughly and add to the bowl.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
- Use a fork to mix all of the ingredients together.
Cutting and covering the ciabatta
- Cut the Ciabatta bread in half lengthways and place on to a baking tray.
- Divide the cheese mixture in half and cover each half of the ciabatta.
Baking the cheese covered ciabatta
- Place the ciabatta into the top of the preheated oven and bake for 15 – 20 minutes. When it turns golden and crusty and the cheese is meltingly bubbly on top it is done!
- While the ciabatta is baking pour yourself a long, cool glass of your favourite drink!
- As soon as the ciabatta is baked remove from the oven. And scoop any melted cheese that has escaped from the bread back on top.
Because I love cheese, especially when it is melted, I could probably eat this everyday. I prefer savoury over sweet anyday. Especially when it has the salty kick of olives.
Finally to serve, place on to a wooden board and slice the ciabatta across, dividing each half into 5 or 6 pieces. And enjoy the reaction as you pass these around to your guests.
Especially handy, you can make the topping one day ahead and keep in a sealed container in the fridge.
Also, devour this delicious, cheesy olive bread on the same day as baking it.
If you have enjoyed this recipe for Baked Cheese Olive Ciabatta Bread you may also enjoy these:
Cherry Tomato Mozzarella Basil Focaccia
Cheddar Sun Dried Tomato Scones
Feta Sun Dried Tomato Soda Bread
While baking from scratch is something I enjoy, quick easy recipes are also an essential to have.. Whether we are rushing around with the busyness of life, or the opposite, too hot or tired to contemplate ‘cooking’, we all need a stash of no fail, easy recipes. After assembling and baking, we can breath a collective sigh of relief, take a deep breath and enjoy our time together.
So, whatever you are making, baking or even assembling in your kitchens, remember to have fun. Because food tastes better when shared and the hostess is relaxed!
Sammie xx
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