Description
This Easy Olive Cheese Bread recipe is a quick and simple way to bake a savory, cheesy loaf bursting with flavor. Combining the rich taste of olives with melty cheese and a soft, golden crust, this bread makes a perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish that’s loved by all ages.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Add-ins
- ½ cup chopped black or green olives, patted dry
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or preferred melting cheese)
Instructions
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture: Dissolve sugar in warm water, then sprinkle active dry yeast over the surface. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Slowly pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil while stirring to bring the dough together. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Add Olives and Cheese: Gently fold in the chopped olives and shredded cheese evenly throughout the dough without overworking it.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape and Second Rise: Punch down the dough to release air. Shape into a loaf or rounds and place on a lined baking sheet or loaf pan. Cover and rise for another 30 to 45 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake bread for 25 to 30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy warm, olive-studded cheesy slices fresh from the oven.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for better yeast activation and dough texture.
- Chop olives small to ensure even distribution and avoid large salty bites.
- Knead dough thoroughly to build gluten for a bouncy texture and great crumb structure.
- Allow the dough to rise twice for improved flavor and softness.
- Brush the bread with olive oil after baking to enhance crust sheen and moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/10th of loaf)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: olive bread, cheesy bread, easy bread recipe, savory bread, homemade bread, appetizer bread, snack bread
