Olive Bread Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Olive bread is a rustic, flavorful bread packed with briny olives that add a savory depth to every bite. With a crispy crust and a soft, airy interior, this bread is perfect for pairing with soups, salads, or as a snack with cheese and olive oil. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is simple and requires minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Warm water
• Active dry yeast
• Salt
• Sugar
• Black or green olives, pitted and chopped
• Olive oil
• Garlic (optional)
• Herbs like rosemary or thyme (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix Ingredients: Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Incorporate the chopped olives and any optional herbs.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape and Second Rise: Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and let it rise again on a baking sheet for another 30-45 minutes.
6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes 1 loaf (about 8-10 slices)
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Rise Time: 1.5-2 hours
• Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: About 2.5-3 hours

Variations

• Cheesy Olive Bread: Add shredded Parmesan or feta cheese to the dough for extra richness.
• Spicy Olive Bread: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
• Whole Wheat Olive Bread: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a denser texture.
• Stuffed Olive Bread: Create a stuffed version by layering cheese and olives in the middle before baking.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container or wrapped in foil for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to a week, but reheat before serving to restore freshness.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or toast slices as needed.

FAQs

How can I make this bread without yeast?

You can use baking powder or baking soda as a leavening agent, but the texture will be more like soda bread.

Can I use different types of olives?

Yes! Black, green, or Kalamata olives all work well, and you can mix different varieties for a more complex flavor.

Do I need a bread machine for this recipe?

No, this bread can be made by hand or with a stand mixer.

Can I add other ingredients like nuts or seeds?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds can add extra texture and flavor.

Why did my bread turn out too dense?

Over-kneading, insufficient rising time, or too much flour can cause dense bread. Ensure the dough is soft and elastic before baking.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may be slightly different.

How do I get a crispier crust?

Place a pan of hot water in the oven while baking or brush the crust with olive oil before baking.

What herbs go best with olive bread?

Rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil pair well with olives.

How do I prevent the olives from sinking?

Coat the chopped olives in a little flour before mixing them into the dough.

Can I make mini olive bread rolls instead of a loaf?

Yes! Shape the dough into small rolls and bake for 15-20 minutes instead of 25-30 minutes.

Conclusion

Olive bread is a delicious, versatile bread that adds a Mediterranean touch to any meal. Whether enjoyed plain, toasted, or paired with cheese and dips, its rich flavor and crispy crust make it a must-try. Give this homemade recipe a try and enjoy the perfect balance of chewiness, crunch, and briny goodness!

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