There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the house, and when that bread is olive cheese bread, it’s an absolute game changer! I remember the first time I made this delicious loaf; my kitchen was an explosion of savory scents, and my family couldn’t resist gathering around the oven, waiting for that golden crust to emerge. The combination of gooey cheese and briny olives creates a flavor explosion that pairs perfectly with soups, salads, or just slathered with butter. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your home, just like it has in mine. So, let’s dive into making this delightful Mediterranean treat!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients for your olive cheese bread is super easy, and you probably have most of them on hand! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded cheese (I love using a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for that perfect melt!)
- 1/2 cup chopped olives (green or black, depending on your taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet yeast (usually about 2 and 1/4 teaspoons)
- 3/4 cup warm water (make sure it’s not too hot, just warm to the touch)
These simple ingredients come together to create a flavor-packed loaf that you won’t be able to resist!
How to Prepare Olive Cheese Bread
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started on this delightful olive cheese bread! It’s a straightforward process that’s super rewarding. Just follow these steps closely, and you’ll be on your way to bread bliss!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial because we want that oven hot and ready for our bread magic!
- In a medium bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll want to see it get frothy—that means the yeast is happy and ready to go!
- Next, add the flour, salt, olive oil, shredded cheese, and chopped olives to the yeast mixture. Mix it all together until a dough forms. It should be a bit sticky—don’t fret, that’s just right!
- Now, it’s time to knead! Sprinkle a little flour on your countertop and knead the dough for about 5 minutes. This helps develop that lovely gluten structure.
- Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. Trust me, this step is key for a fluffy loaf!
- After it’s risen, shape the dough into a loaf and transfer it to a greased bread pan. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Finally, bake your bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s beautifully golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Let it cool slightly before slicing, and enjoy the incredible flavors of your homemade olive cheese bread! You’ve earned it!
Nutritional Information
This olive cheese bread is not just delicious but also surprisingly balanced! Each slice contains approximately 150 calories, with 5 grams of fat and 5 grams of protein. It also has about 22 grams of carbohydrates and 1 gram of fiber. Of course, these numbers are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. But, hey, it’s a tasty treat you can feel good about enjoying!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for a weeknight dinner!
- Made with simple, everyday ingredients that you likely have on hand.
- Loaded with gooey cheese and savory olives for an irresistible flavor.
- Versatile enough to pair with soups, salads, or enjoyed on its own!
- Homemade bread that fills your home with a delightful aroma.
Tips for Success
To make your olive cheese bread truly shine, here are a few tips I swear by! First, when kneading, don’t be afraid to really work the dough for those 5 minutes—this is where the magic happens, and your bread will be fluffy and light! Also, make sure your rising area is warm; I like to place my dough near a sunny window or in a turned-off oven with the light on. Lastly, let your bread cool slightly before slicing—this helps maintain its texture and keeps the cheesy goodness intact. You’ve got this!
Variations of Olive Cheese Bread
One of the best things about olive cheese bread is how easily it can be customized to suit your taste! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the cheese for something like feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist. Want to amp up the flavor? Toss in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted garlic for an extra layer of deliciousness. You can even play with the olives—mix black and green for a colorful touch, or add some spicy jalapeños for a kick! If you’re a herb lover, sprinkle in some fresh rosemary or thyme to elevate the Mediterranean vibe. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your olive cheese bread fresh and tasty, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, I recommend slicing off a piece and popping it in the toaster or oven for a few minutes until warmed through. This way, you’ll revive that delightful crust and melty cheese. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour will give your olive cheese bread a nuttier flavor and a denser texture. Just keep in mind you may need to adjust the liquid slightly.
What type of cheese works best?
I love a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for that perfect melt, but feel free to experiment with your favorites! Feta, gouda, or even pepper jack can add a delightful twist.
How can I make this bread gluten-free?
Try using a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for the best texture!
Can I add herbs or spices?
Yes! Fresh herbs like rosemary or dried spices like oregano can elevate the flavor profile of your olive cheese bread—get creative!
How do I know when my bread is done baking?
Your bread is ready when it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Trust your nose—if it smells amazing, you’re on the right track!
For more information on the health benefits of olive oil, check out this Healthline article. You can also learn about the nutritional value of olives in this NCBI study.
Print
Olive Cheese Bread: 7 Steps to Cheesy Goodness!
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A savory bread filled with olives and cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped olives
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add flour, salt, olive oil, cheese, and olives. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it. Let it rise for 1 hour.
- Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased bread pan.
- Let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Use your favorite type of cheese.
- Adjust the amount of olives to taste.
- Serve warm for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: olive cheese bread
