Olive and Cheese Bread Recipe

Olive and Cheese Bread Recipe

Introduction

Transform your baking routine with this Olive and Cheese Bread—a savory delight bursting with Mediterranean flavors. With the perfect balance of melty cheese and briny olives baked into a soft, golden loaf, this bread is versatile enough to serve at a dinner party or enjoy as a snack. Let’s dive into this foolproof recipe!

Ingredients

For the bread dough:

• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup (180ml) warm water (110°F/45°C)
• ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil
• ½ cup (120ml) warm milk

For the filling:

• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (75g) pitted green or black olives, chopped
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)

For the topping (optional):

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds or poppy seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough:

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, olive oil, and warm milk. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the filling:

• In a medium bowl, mix the shredded cheese, chopped olives, Parmesan, and dried oregano (if using). Set aside.

3. Assemble the bread:

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle (about 12×8 inches).
2. Spread the olive and cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the longer side. Pinch the seams and ends to seal.

4. Shape and rise:

• Place the rolled dough seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet or into a greased loaf pan. Cover loosely and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes.

5. Bake the bread:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brush the top of the bread with olive oil and sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds if desired.
3. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

6. Cool and serve:

• Allow the bread to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Success

• Olive selection: Use high-quality, pitted olives for the best flavor. A mix of green and black olives works beautifully.
• Cheese variety: Experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, feta, or Monterey Jack for a unique twist.
• Freezing: Wrap the baked bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for a fresh taste.

Conclusion

This Olive and Cheese Bread is a savory masterpiece, combining the richness of cheese with the tangy, briny flavor of olives. It’s a versatile loaf that can complement any meal or be enjoyed on its own. Give it a try, and watch it become a household favorite!

Would you like this recipe adapted for a no-knead version or with gluten-free options? 😊