Oh my goodness, let me tell you about olive bread! It’s one of my all-time favorites. The moment you bite into a slice, you’re greeted with that incredible savory flavor of olives, which just elevates everything. I love that it’s rooted in Mediterranean traditions—there’s something about that cuisine that just feels warm and inviting, don’t you think? This bread is perfect for so many occasions, whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty soup, slathering it with a bit of butter, or making the most fabulous sandwiches. Honestly, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s baking is enough to make anyone swoon! Trust me, once you make this olive bread, it’ll become a staple in your home, and you’ll find yourself craving it again and again.
Ingredients for Olive Bread
Let’s gather everything you need to whip up this delicious olive bread! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water (make sure it’s just warm, not hot, to help the yeast work its magic)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin is my go-to for that rich flavor)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt (don’t skip this; it enhances all the flavors!)
- 1 cup chopped olives (green or black, depending on your taste preference)
These simple ingredients come together to create a savory loaf that’s truly unforgettable. You’re going to love the smell of this baking in your kitchen!
How to Prepare Olive Bread
Alright, let’s dive into making this amazing olive bread! It might sound a little intimidating, but trust me, it’s super straightforward and oh-so-rewarding. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful loaf in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by combining your warm water and active dry yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s nice and frothy—this means your yeast is doing its job!
- Next, add in the olive oil and salt. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until a dough begins to form. It should be a little sticky, but don’t worry, that’s normal!
- Now comes the fun part: knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes. You want it to be smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour as you go.
- Once kneaded, gently fold in those lovely chopped olives. This is where the savory magic happens!
- Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This is where all the delicious flavor develops.
- After it’s risen, punch it down gently, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan. Let it rise again for another 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Finally, bake your bread for 30-35 minutes until it’s golden brown and makes your kitchen smell heavenly. Let it cool before slicing, and enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to adore about this olive bread! Here are just a few reasons why it should be your next baking adventure:
- Incredible savory flavor that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes.
- Versatile enough to enjoy on its own or as part of a meal—think sandwiches, toasts, or even alongside a charcuterie board!
- Simple and straightforward preparation, perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
- Great for sharing with friends and family at gatherings or cozy dinners.
- Fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that’s sure to make everyone’s mouth water!
Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be hooked!
Tips for Success
To ensure your olive bread turns out perfectly every time, here are my top tips:
- When kneading, don’t rush it! You want the dough to become smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour on your surface and hands.
- To check if your dough has risen properly, gently press your finger into it. If the indentation remains, it’s ready to go!
- For an extra flavorful kick, try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme along with the olives.
- Let your bread cool completely before slicing; this helps maintain its texture and makes it easier to cut.
With these tips, you’ll be a pro at making olive bread in no time!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your olive bread fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its life, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to slice it before freezing, so you can take out individual pieces as needed!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw the bread at room temperature. For a warm, crispy crust, pop slices in the toaster or the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will bring back that fresh-baked taste that’s hard to resist!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a slice of this delicious olive bread:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fiber: 1g
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this gives you a great idea of what to expect!
FAQ About Olive Bread
Got questions about making olive bread? No worries, I’ve got you covered with some common queries!
Can I use different types of olives?
Absolutely! You can use green, black, or even stuffed olives, depending on your flavor preference. Each type will give your bread a unique taste!
What if I don’t have active dry yeast?
You can substitute with instant yeast—just mix it right in with your flour. No need to activate it first!
How can I serve olive bread?
Olive bread is incredibly versatile! It’s fantastic on its own, but you can also slice it for sandwiches, serve it with dips, or pair it with soups and salads.
Can I add other ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in herbs like rosemary or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. The possibilities are endless!
How do I know when it’s done baking?
Your olive bread is ready when it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Enjoy your baking adventure!
For more delicious recipes, check out this Olive Garden salad recipe or this Mediterranean quinoa salad for a delightful pairing!
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Olive Bread: 7 Savory Steps to Irresistible Flavor
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and savory bread made with olives.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped olives
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add olive oil, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes.
- Incorporate the chopped olives into the dough.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it. Let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
- Place the loaf in a greased loaf pan. Let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use green or black olives based on your preference.
- Experiment with adding herbs for extra flavor.
- Store in an airtight container for freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breads
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: olive bread, savory bread, Mediterranean bread
