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Easy Olive Cheese Bread

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Incorporate Olives and Cheese: Gently fold in the chopped olives and your chosen cheese, distributing them evenly through the dough without squashing.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Final Rise: Let the shaped dough rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) during this time.
  7. 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

Keywords: olive bread, cheese bread, Mediterranean bread, savory bread, easy bread recipe, snack bread, appetizer bread