Description
This rustic olive bread is soft on the inside, crispy on the outside, and packed with briny, flavorful olives. Itโs perfect for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or enjoying on its own. With just a few simple ingredients, this homemade bread is easier to make than you think!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water (110ยฐF/45ยฐC)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup (150g) pitted olives (green, black, or mixed), chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Extra flour for dusting
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, oregano, and garlic powder. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth. Add the chopped olives and knead for another 2 minutes to evenly distribute them.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Bread: Punch down the dough, shape it into a round or oval loaf, and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC). Lightly dust the top of the bread with flour and make a few slashes with a sharp knife. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool & Serve: Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm with olive oil and balsamic vinegar or enjoy as is!
Notes
- Use a mix of Kalamata and green olives for extra flavor.
- If using instant yeast, you can mix it directly into the dry ingredients.
- Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.
- This bread freezes wellโwrap it tightly and store it for up to 3 months.