Rustic Olive Artisan Bread

Rustic Olive Artisan Bread

Introduction

Rustic Olive Artisan Bread is a beautiful, crusty loaf packed with the rich, savory flavor of black olives. It’s perfect for those who love homemade bread but want a recipe that’s simple and rewarding. With a chewy crumb, a golden crust, and bursts of briny olive goodness in every bite, this bread pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, cheeses, or simply with olive oil for dipping. Baked in a Dutch oven, it develops that signature artisan texture without the need for complicated techniques.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

• 1½ teaspoons salt

• ½ teaspoon instant yeast

• 1¼ cups warm water (about 100°F / 38°C)

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• 1 cup pitted black olives, chopped

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme (optional)

Instructions

1. Mix the dough
   In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and instant yeast. Add warm water and mix until a sticky dough forms. Fold in the chopped olives and rosemary (if using) until evenly distributed.

2. First rise
   Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise at room temperature for 12–18 hours, or until doubled in size and bubbly on the surface.

3. Shape the dough
   Lightly flour a work surface and gently turn out the dough. With floured hands, shape it into a round loaf, being careful not to deflate too much air. Place on a piece of parchment paper, seam side down.

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4. Second rise
   Cover loosely with a towel and let it rest for 30–40 minutes while preheating the oven.

5. Preheat the Dutch oven
   Place a Dutch oven (with lid) into your oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C) for at least 30 minutes.

6. Bake the bread
   Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Lift the dough with the parchment paper and place it into the pot. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the crust is golden and crisp.

7. Cool and serve
   Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Conclusion

Rustic Olive Artisan Bread is a no-fuss recipe that delivers bakery-quality results in your own kitchen. The combination of a chewy interior, crisp crust, and bursts of savory olives makes it irresistible. It’s perfect alongside Mediterranean dishes, as part of a cheese platter, or simply enjoyed warm with butter or olive oil. This bread not only tastes incredible but also fills your kitchen with an aroma that will make everyone impatient for the first slice.