Oh my goodness, let me tell you about olive cheese bread! It’s this incredible savory loaf that’s bursting with flavor and just the right amount of gooeyness from the cheese. I whip it up for everything from cozy weekend brunches to impromptu gatherings with friends. Trust me, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s baking is enough to make anyone’s mouth water! I’ll never forget the first time I brought a loaf to a potluck; it disappeared within minutes! You can serve it warm, slice it up, or even toast it for a crunchy delight. It’s just so versatile and absolutely delicious!
Ingredients for Olive Cheese Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella, your choice!)
- 1 cup pitted olives, chopped (feel free to use green or black olives)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk gives it a rich flavor, but any milk works)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin if you want that lovely olive taste)
- 2 large eggs (make sure they’re room temperature for the best mix!)
How to Prepare Olive Cheese Bread
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your bread bakes evenly and gets that lovely golden crust we all love. So, go ahead and set that oven while you gather your ingredients!
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. I like to give it a good whisk to make sure everything is evenly distributed. This step is crucial because it helps create a fluffy texture in the final loaf—no one wants a dense bread, right?
Add Cheese and Olives
Now comes the fun part! Toss in the shredded cheese and chopped olives into your flour mixture. Use a spatula or your hands to gently fold them in. I can’t tell you how amazing this smells already! The cheese will melt beautifully while baking, and the olives add such a delightful briny punch—yum!
Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, olive oil, and eggs until they’re well combined. This is where the magic happens! If you can get your eggs to room temperature, they’ll blend in much better, making everything nice and smooth. Plus, it helps the bread rise better!
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are totally okay! Overmixing can lead to a tough bread, and we definitely want soft and fluffy!
Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan (don’t forget this step, or your bread will stick!). Pop it in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone rushing to check on it!
Cool and Slice
Once it’s baked to perfection, take it out and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This part is important—resist the urge to slice it right away! Cooling helps the bread set up, making sure you get those perfect slices later. After it’s cooled a bit, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just about 50 minutes!
- Flavor-packed with the perfect blend of olives and cheese.
- Great for any occasion: brunch, snacks, or as a side dish.
- Perfect for sharing with friends and family; it’s a crowd-pleaser!
- Customizable—use your favorite cheese or olives to make it your own.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) make a fantastic toasted snack.
- The aroma while baking will have everyone asking, “What’s cooking?”
Tips for Success
Here are my top tips to ensure your olive cheese bread turns out absolutely perfect every time!
- Cheese Choices: Don’t hesitate to mix up the cheeses! I love using a combination of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella for that gooey texture, but feel free to experiment with gouda or feta for a unique twist.
- Olive Variety: The type of olives you use can really change the flavor profile. I often use kalamata olives for a robust taste, but green olives add a nice tanginess. Choose your favorite or even mix them!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the batter come together smoothly and contributes to that lovely rise!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf. You want it light and fluffy, so stir until just combined!
- Check for Doneness: Every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on your bread as it bakes. If the top browns too quickly, you can tent it with foil to prevent burning while it finishes baking.
- Cooling Time: Patience is key! Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents it from becoming gummy and helps it slice beautifully.
- Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (which is a big if!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze slices for a quick snack later—just pop them in the toaster for a warm treat!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious olive cheese bread, storing it properly is key to keeping it fresh and flavorful! If you have any leftovers (and let’s be honest, that’s a big “if”), simply place them in an airtight container. This keeps the bread moist and prevents it from drying out. You can store it at room temperature for up to 2 days, but if you want to keep it longer, I recommend slicing it and wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap before popping it in the freezer. It will last for about a month in there!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat your slices in a couple of ways. For a quick and easy option, just pop them in the toaster—this will give you that lovely crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside warm and soft. If you prefer a gentler approach, you can place the slices on a baking sheet and warm them up in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Either way, you’ll be back to savoring that delightful olive and cheese goodness in no time!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying olive cheese bread, it’s nice to have an idea of what you’re indulging in! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values based on a typical serving size of one slice:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 1g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and the size of your slices. But no matter the numbers, I promise this bread is worth every delicious bite!
FAQ About Olive Cheese Bread
Can I use different types of olives? Absolutely! You can use green, black, or even a mix of both. Each type will give your olive cheese bread a unique flavor, so feel free to experiment!
What can I serve with olive cheese bread? This bread pairs wonderfully with soups and salads. It also makes a fantastic appetizer with some olive oil for dipping. You can even enjoy it on its own—it’s that good!
How do I know when my bread is done baking? The best test is to insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached. Also, the top should be a lovely golden brown—just perfect!
Can I make this bread ahead of time? Yes, you can! Olive cheese bread stores well, so you can make it a day or two in advance. Just keep it in an airtight container and enjoy it fresh when you’re ready!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Pasta or Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole.
Print
Olive Cheese Bread: 5 Irresistible Reasons to Bake Today
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Olive cheese bread is a savory loaf packed with olives and cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 cup pitted olives, chopped
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add cheese and olives to the dry ingredients.
- In another bowl, whisk milk, olive oil, and eggs.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Pour into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool before slicing.
Notes
- Use your favorite type of cheese.
- Adjust olive quantity to taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: olive cheese bread
