Olive Bread

Every time I think of fresh bread, I’m reminded of the comforting aroma that wafts through the house, inviting everyone to the kitchen. This is especially true for my favorite recipe: Olive Bread. The first time I made it, I was eager to impress my family with something unique. Little did I know, I was about to create a staple that would quickly become a household favorite. The combination of tender dough, flavorful olives, and fragrant herbs creates a bread that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether paired with a robust soup or enjoyed on its own, each slice tells a story of warmth and love.

Main Ingredients for Olive Bread

Each ingredient in Olive Bread plays a crucial role in the flavor and texture of the final product. The combination of bread flour, yeast, and olives creates a dough that rises beautifully, while the herbs add a fragrant touch. Together, these ingredients harmonize to produce a delicious bread that’s sure to impress.

• Bread Flour: This flour has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, giving the bread its structure and chew. It’s perfect for achieving that delightful crust we all love.
• Instant Yeast: This type of yeast gives the bread a quick rise, making it ideal for busy bakers. It works fast, ensuring you can enjoy freshly baked bread in no time.
• Coarse Salt: Salt not only enhances flavor but also strengthens the dough. It’s an essential ingredient for balancing the taste of the bread.
• Dried Oregano: This herb adds a Mediterranean touch, complementing the olives perfectly. Its savory notes elevate the bread’s flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder: A hint of garlic in the dough creates a warm, inviting aroma. It adds depth without overpowering the other flavors.
• Chopped Pitted Olives: The star of the show! Whether you choose green or kalamata, the olives add bursts of flavor and a delightful texture.
• Lukewarm Water: The right temperature is crucial for activating the yeast, ensuring a good rise and fluffy texture in the bread.
• Extra Flour: Used for dusting, this simple ingredient helps to prevent sticking and makes handling the dough easier.

How to Prepare Olive Bread

Making Olive Bread is a joyful experience that fills your home with delicious aromas. Follow these steps to create a beautiful loaf that you can be proud of. Trust me, your kitchen will feel like a cozy bakery!

1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour, instant yeast, coarse salt, dried oregano, and garlic powder. This creates the dry mixture that forms the base of your dough, ensuring even distribution of flavors.

2. Add the chopped olives to the dry mixture. It’s important to incorporate these early on so their flavors meld beautifully with the bread. Next, pour in the lukewarm water. The water should feel warm to the touch, around 70°F, which is perfect for activating the yeast.

3. Using a spatula or your hands, stir everything together until a sticky dough forms. Don’t worry if it seems a bit messy; that’s a sign you’re on the right track! The dough should be slightly tacky but should hold together well.

4. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap to trap in moisture. Find a warm spot in your kitchen to let the dough rise. Allow it to rest for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial for developing the bread’s airy texture.

5. Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently shape it into a round loaf, being careful not to deflate it too much. The goal is to create surface tension on the outside for a nice crust.

6. Transfer the shaped dough onto a lightly greased baking sheet. Cover it again and let it rest for about 45 minutes. During this time, it will puff up and prepare for baking.

7. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425°F. Once the dough has rested, take a sharp knife and make a shallow score on top of the loaf. This allows steam to escape and gives the bread a lovely rustic look.

8. Now it’s time to bake! Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You want the crust to turn a deep golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

9. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This cooling time helps the inside set properly, ensuring you don’t end up with a gummy texture.

Variations to Try

There are so many fun ways to customize Olive Bread to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to make it your own!

• Add Cheese: Incorporate shredded cheese such as mozzarella or feta for an extra creamy texture and flavor.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme for a unique twist.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a little heat in your bread.
• Nutty Flavor: Toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pine nuts for an added crunch.
• Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag for up to three months.
• Pairing: Serve this bread with a variety of dips or spreads like hummus, tapenade, or your favorite spreads.

What to Serve With Olive Bread

When it comes to serving Olive Bread, the possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas to complement your freshly baked loaf:

• Hearty Soups: Pair it with a bowl of minestrone or tomato basil soup for a comforting meal.
• Salads: Serve alongside a fresh Mediterranean salad filled with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese.
• Antipasto Platter: Include it on a charcuterie board with meats, cheeses, and olives for a delightful appetizer.
• Brunch: This bread makes a lovely addition to brunch, especially served with a side of scrambled eggs.
• Picnics: Slice it up for an easy picnic option, pairing it with cheeses and fresh fruit.
• Gifts: Bake a loaf to share with friends or family as a warm, homemade gift.

FAQ

Conclusion

What makes Olive Bread truly special is its delightful combination of flavors that come together to create a remarkable experience. This bread is not just food; it’s an invitation to gather around the table and enjoy each other’s company. I encourage you to try making this loaf at home; you might end up with a new favorite recipe that you’ll cherish forever.

Olive Bread

The ultimate comfort food, Olive Bread is easy to make and bursting with flavor from olives and herbs. This delicious recipe will quickly become a favorite at your table. Make it tonight for a warm, homemade treat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Side Dishes

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 190

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3¼ cups Bread Flour
• 2¼ teaspoons Instant Yeast
• 1½ teaspoons Coarse Salt
• 2 teaspoons Dried Oregano
• 1¼ teaspoons Garlic Powder
• 1¼ cups Chopped Pitted Olives
• 1½ cups Lukewarm Water about 70°F
• Extra flour For Dusting

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Oven
• Chef's Knife
• Whisk
• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour, instant yeast, coarse salt, dried oregano, and garlic powder. Add the chopped olives and lukewarm water. Stir with a spatula or clean hands until a sticky dough forms.
2. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf. Place it on a lightly greased baking sheet, cover, and let it rest for 45 minutes.
4. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Once the dough has rested, use a sharp knife to make a shallow score on the top of the loaf.
5. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is a deep golden brown.
6. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh.
• Tip 2: You can freeze the baked bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag for up to three months.
• Tip 3: Incorporate shredded cheese such as mozzarella or feta for an extra creamy texture and flavor.
• Tip 4: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme for a unique twist.
• Tip 5: Pair this bread with a variety of dips or spreads like hummus, tapenade, or your favorite spreads.

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Meet Hazel Miller

The Flavor Enthusiast Yes, Jenna and I are related! Growing up, our kitchen was the center of our world, and that hasn’t changed. I am a curious cook who loves exploring new ingredients and techniques. I don’t have a single specialty I just love the magic of transformation. Whether we are grilling outdoors or baking indoors, I am always right there, tasting, testing, and ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.