Easy Olive Cheese Bread
Easy Olive Cheese Bread is a quick and simple homemade bread featuring the savory flavors of Mediterranean olives and melty cheese in a soft, fluffy loaf with a golden crust. Perfect for snacks, brunches, or appetizers, this bread combines everyday pantry staples with bold, customizable ingredients for a delicious and versatile treat that’s sure to impress.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10-12 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dry Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Mix-ins
- 3/4 cup chopped black or green olives (pitted)
- 3/4 cup shredded or crumbled cheese (mozzarella, feta, or blend)
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture: Dissolve the active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy to activate the yeast.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then mix until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Incorporate Olives and Cheese: Gently fold in the chopped olives and your chosen cheese, distributing them evenly through the dough without squashing.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf: Punch down the dough and shape it into a round or oval loaf. Transfer it onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Final Rise: Let the shaped dough rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) during this time.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped. Cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to help yeast activate efficiently and improve dough texture.
- Do not over-knead; knead until dough is elastic but still soft to avoid a tough loaf.
- Chop olives uniformly to distribute flavor evenly and prevent soggy spots.
- Ensure oven is properly preheated for even baking and a crisp crust.
- Let the bread cool at least 15 minutes before cutting to prevent cheese from oozing out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 50g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: olive bread, cheese bread, Mediterranean bread, savory bread, easy bread recipe, snack bread, appetizer bread