Olive Bread has a special place in my heart. The first time I made it, my kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of baking bread, mingling with the rich, savory scent of olives. It reminded me of family gatherings where fresh bread was always at the center of our meals. With its crispy crust and soft, olive-studded interior, this bread is perfect for dipping in olive oil or enjoying with your favorite cheese. Whether paired with soups or served on its own, this easy homemade olive bread recipe is sure to impress. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Olive Bread
- Simple, no-knead recipe that’s perfect for beginners.
- Flavorful and aromatic, thanks to the olives.
- Great for toasting or serving with dips, making it the best olive bread for sandwiches.
- Ideal for family meals or entertaining guests.
- Healthy snacking option with a Mediterranean flair.
- Can be customized with different types of olives or herbs.
Ingredients for Olive Bread
Here’s everything you need for this delicious olive bread:
- 3 1/4 cups bread flour – gives structure and a chewy texture.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt – enhances flavor.
- 3/4 teaspoon instant yeast – helps the bread rise quickly.
- 1 1/2 cups warm water – activates the yeast and hydrates the flour.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – adds richness and flavor.
- 1 cup chopped olives (kalamata or green, pitted) – provides a briny, savory taste.
How to Make Olive Bread
Making this olive bread is a breeze! Follow these simple steps:
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, salt, and instant yeast.
- Step 2: Add the warm water and olive oil; stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Step 3: Fold in the chopped olives until evenly distributed.
- Step 4: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for 8 to 12 hours, or until bubbly and doubled in size.
- Step 5: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf without deflating it too much.
- Step 6: Place the loaf on parchment paper and let it rest for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Step 7: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) with a Dutch oven inside.
- Step 8: Carefully transfer the dough (with parchment) into the hot Dutch oven.
- Step 9: Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
- Step 10: Uncover and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 11: Let the bread cool completely before slicing.
Pro Tips for the Best Olive Bread
These tips will elevate your olive bread game:
- Use high-quality olives for better flavor.
- Don’t rush the rising time; it’s essential for texture.
- Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme for added depth.
What’s the secret to perfect Olive Bread?
The secret lies in the long, slow fermentation process. This develops flavor and texture. Remember, patience is key!
Can I make Olive Bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator, and let it come to room temperature before baking.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Olive Bread?
One common pitfall is adding too much flour. Always measure accurately. Also, ensure your water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
Best Ways to Serve Olive Bread
Olive bread is incredibly versatile. Here are a few perfect serving suggestions:
- Pair it with a rich olive oil for dipping.
- Toast slices and top with fresh cheese for a delightful appetizer.
- Use it for sandwiches filled with roasted vegetables or cured meats.
Nutrition Facts for Olive Bread
Per serving (1 slice):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Olive Bread
To keep your olive bread fresh, let it cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Olive Bread
Where can I buy Olive Bread?
You can find olive bread at local bakeries or specialty grocery stores. Many also offer homemade options.
What is Olive Bread?
Olive bread is a rustic, flavorful loaf studded with olives, known for its crispy crust and soft interior. It’s popular for its versatility and deliciousness.
Variations of Olive Bread You Can Try
Mix things up with these olive bread variations:
- Olive sourdough: Use sourdough starter for a tangy twist.
- Olive focaccia: Make a flatbread version topped with herbs and more olives.
- Olive ciabatta: Incorporate a wetter dough for a more open crumb.
Olive Bread: 5 Secrets to the Perfect Artisan Loaf
- Total Time: 9 hours
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade olive bread recipe is a rustic, no-knead artisan-style loaf with a crispy crust and briny olive-studded interior. Ideal for dipping, toasting, or pairing with soups and cheeses. Easy to make and deeply flavorful.
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups bread flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3/4 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped olives (kalamata or green, pitted)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast.
- Add warm water and olive oil; stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Fold in chopped olives.
- Cover bowl and let rise at room temperature for 8 to 12 hours.
- Once bubbly and doubled, turn dough onto floured surface.
- Gently shape into a round loaf without deflating too much.
- Place on parchment paper and let rest for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 450°F with a Dutch oven inside.
- Transfer dough with parchment into hot Dutch oven.
- Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes until golden.
- Let cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 to 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
