A secret ingredient makes this Delicious Greek Bread with Kalamata Olives the MUST have appetizer for holiday parties.
It’s time for entertaining and holiday celebrations with family and friends. I love getting together with everyone during the holidays. This time of year, we go to more parties than during the rest of the year combined. Between the cookie swaps, Ugly sweater nights, gift exchanges, dinner with friends, and holiday parties, the next few weeks are filled with fun events. A big part of these events is the holiday party food. When I need to bring anything to a holiday party, I bring this Greek Bread with Kalamata Olives. It is a hit no matter where we go.
When attending a party, I never show up empty handed. If the host/hostess doesn’t request a special item, I’ll bring a bottle of wine and this Greek Bread with Kalamata Olives. When we throw a holiday party, I will often serve this alongside other items. This bread recipe is really simple and it allows me to spend more time with people and less time in the kitchen. The best memories I have of Christmas parties are the ones where I didn’t slave away in the kitchen, but rather laughed with friends.
I mentioned that there is a secret ingredient in this bread. It’s the combination of the Kalamata Olives and Peperoncino Peppers. These mild peppers, when added to the Kalamata Olives and Feta cheese, take this simple bread to amazing heights. The flavor of the olives and tang of the peppers make this bread fly off the plate. You’ll always leave the party with an empty plate when you bring this appetizer.
The ingredients for this recipe are really simple. I like to use these Kalamata olives from Mezzetta. A family owner company since 1935, Mezzetta is committed to bringing their customers the highest quality foods available.
Greek Bread prior to baking with different garnishes
When you have picky eaters, hide the peppers by chopping them up really well and add them to the spread. That way, the pickiest of eaters wouldn’t know they are in there. They’ll just know that this is the BEST food they’ve had this year. If you don't have picky eaters, then add additional garnishes like more olives, green onions, or more peppers, as shown above. Make this recipe for your next holiday event and everyone will agree!
Delicious Greek Bread with Kalamata Olives
A secret ingredient makes this Delicious Greek Bread with Kalamata Olives the MUST have appetizer for parties.
Ingredients
Greek Bread with Kalamata Olives
- 1 Baguette, sliced in half lengthwise
- 8oz cream cheese, softened
- 4oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 Tablespoons Greek Seasoning
- 3 Tablespoons chopped Peperoncino peppers
- 1/4 cupMezzettaKalamata Olives, chopped
- Garnish (optional): Additional Peperoncino pepper slices, chopped Kalamata olives, and chopped green onions.
Greek Seasoning
- 1 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
Greek Bread with Kalamata Olives
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- In a stand mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, feta cheese, Greek seasoning, and Peperoncino peppers. Beat until well combined.
- Add chopped Kalamata olives, just until combined.
- Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over sliced baguette halves. Garnish with additional items, if desired.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned.
- Remove bread from oven and allow to cool slightly. Cut into slices and serve.
Greek Seasoning
- Combine ingredients together. Makes about 3 tablespoons.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1235Total Fat: 95gSaturated Fat: 54gCholesterol: 269mgSodium: 2553mgCarbohydrates: 42gSugar: 9gProtein: 39g
What’s your favorite holiday memory? Share it with us below in the comments.
This looks so delicious! I’d definitely have to hide the green peppers, but I think my kids would like the flavor.
It all works really well together.
This sounds like something good to make and serve with a light soup. Love it!
Yes, it would be delicious with soup.
This is such a clever idea! I wonder, do you do the oven baking at your house – before a party you have been invited to – or do you hope it won’t be a problem to heat it at the house you are visiting? I love how you hide the peperoncino and olives from picky eaters.
If I bring it to a party, I’ll ask the hostess before hand. Otherwise, I’ll bake it at home, slice at and serve it at room temperature.
Delicious bread and I love Kalamata olives!
Thanks Katerina. I’m sure the olives you can get are amazing
I really like that this is simple, but with fabulous flavors!! Great idea!
For entertaining, I have to do simple. Otherwise, I would never get out of the kitchen.
Yum yum, Nicky! During the holidays it’s so helpful having some appetizer ideas that are quick to make, especially prepared in advance and stick in oven right before serving! Can’t wait to try this!
Easy recipes are key for easy entertaining. They allow us to spend more time with our guests. Happy Holidays Brad!
Thanks, Nicky, for lining up at Let’s Get Real even though you aren’t hosting anymore. What a great idea to dress up a baguette in that way. I try to avoid gluten but I am passing on a link to this to my sister who will love it.