Olive Bread Recipe: Easy Homemade Olive Loaf for Delicious Flavor

Introduction

Baking olive bread at home invites a sense of timeless tradition blended with culinary creativity It brings together earthy olives and comforting dough in a way that sparks both imagination and appetite The moment the bread emerges from the oven you catch the aroma of olive oil and warm yeast and feel an urge to slice into that golden crust Soft crumb flecked with pieces of olive promises texture and flavor in every bite Home bakers and food lovers appreciate how olive bread makes a loaf feel special whether it is served for breakfast alongside slow cooked eggs or used to soak up savory soups The simple ingredients mask the skill it takes to build just the right chewy structure and subtle tang in every slice Readers exploring how to bake olive bread will find friendly guidance here shaped by experience rather than formula You will discover how to gather ingredients knead gently proof carefully and customize the loaf to your taste All steps follow natural logic so even new home bakers can follow along with confidence And search engines pick up phrases like olive bread recipe bread with olives olive loaf olives in bread adding visibility while the prose stays inviting and warm

Ingredients Needed

Here is a clear list of the elements you will need along with calorie counts per portion if you make eight slices

Ingredient	Quantity	Calories per Slice (approx)
All purpose flour	3 cups	150
Warm water	1 cup	0
Yeast (instant dry)	2 teaspoons	2
Sea salt	1 teaspoon	0
Extra virgin olive oil	2 tablespoons	30
Pitted kalamata olives	1 cup chopped	40
Optional herbs	1 teaspoon (herb of choice)	0

Slice count based calorie figures use an estimate of eight slices per loaf Actual calories will vary slightly depending on olive size and exact slice weight

Step by Step Cooking Instructions

Begin by stirring yeast into warm water until it dissolves gently Let the mixture rest for a few minutes until it appears foamy that signals active yeast Add flour salt and olive oil into a large bowl Pour in the yeast mixture and use your hand or a wooden spoon to bring the flour into hydration Fold in the chopped olives with care to keep them from bleeding dark color too much onto the dough Turn the mixture onto a lightly floured surface and knead with gentle, patient strokes Press palm into dough and push forward then fold it back and turn Repeat for around ten minutes until dough feels smooth and elastic Clean the bowl with a bit of oil to prevent sticking Place the dough back inside and cover with a clean damp cloth Let it rest for one hour in a warm area until it doubles in size After the first rise gently deflate the dough then shape it into a round or an oval loaf Place it on a parchment lined baking tray or in a loaf pan Cover it again and let it rise for another thirty to forty five minutes while your oven heats to around 425 degrees Fahrenheit Bake on the middle rack for around thirty to thirty five minutes The crust should turn golden and if tapped gently on the bottom it will sound hollow Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack before slicing

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

Many home bakers delight in personal touches So consider these friendly suggestions to make the loaf your own

• Use green olives instead of kalamata to shift flavor in a milder direction
• Add rosemary thyme or oregano in small amounts to layer in herbal notes
• Mix in grated lemon zest before baking to give fragrance and brightness
• Try whole wheat flour partially replacing white flour to add fiber and nutty aroma
• Brush a little olive oil on the crust before baking to deepen shine and softness
• Sprinkle coarse salt on top just before the oven to create a salty crunch

Each variation shifts the loaf in its own unique direction while maintaining the comforting olive bread identity

Nutritional Information

A typical slice of home made olive bread weighs roughly seventy five grams Each slice contains about 222 calories based on the ingredients above Breaking down the profile per slice you can find:

• Total calories roughly 222
• Carbohydrates around thirty five grams which provide sustained energy
• Fat approximately six grams from olive oil and olives giving richness without heaviness
• Protein around four grams from flour and olive contributions
• Fiber remaining moderate especially if you include whole wheat flour portion
• Sodium driven by sea salt and olives moderation matters if watching sodium intake

Because olive bread contains healthy fats from olive oil and olives it offers better balance compared to fat free bread options The choice of olive type and whether to include herbs or whole grain alters both nutrition and flavor gently

Serving Suggestions

Olive bread shines across many meals and occasions Serve thick slices spread with soft cheese like ricotta or goat cheese for breakfast pair it with refreshing tomato slices for a warm lunch or use it to dip into soups like tomato basil minestrone or thick vegetable stew It makes an elegant base for open face sandwiches with roasted vegetables fresh mozzarella or smoked salmon Olive bread toasts beautifully so you can even make bruschetta topped with diced tomato garlic and basil or serve alongside olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping at a casual gathering Pair with lighter wines like pinot grigio or chilled rose for a relaxed evening spread The flavored crumb itself complements Mediterranean dishes especially when you want bread that matches the olive flavor theme

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use jarred olives instead of fresh pitted olives
Yes jarred olives work well Just drain and pat them before chopping Fresh or jarred difference is primarily in firmness and water content and drying helps them not soften the dough too much

How long does olive bread stay fresh
At room temperature the loaf stays fresh for about two days when wrapped in a clean kitchen towel Beyond that you can slice and freeze it for up to one month To re enjoy thawed slices simply warm them in the oven or toaster

Can I make olive bread without yeast
It is possible but that veers into quick bread territory Using baking powder yields a different texture and flavor It loses that chewy crumb and subtle fermentation Notes If yeast feels difficult explore but expect different results

Is olive bread suitable for sandwiches
Absolutely The firm but tender crumb holds fillings like grilled vegetables deli meats cheeses or even avocado without falling apart It makes a flavorful base from which sandwiches taste elevated

Can I reduce salt in the recipe
Reducing added sea salt is fine just aware olives already contribute salty notes Taste before baking to adjust Balance helps maintain loaf flavor without over seasoning

Conclusion

Every slice of olive bread brings comfort and character A loaf you bake yourself carries more warmth and satisfaction than anything bought Fresh olives enrich every bite while the thin crust and soft crumb invite multiple uses From morning toast to dinner accompaniment your homemade olive bread fits the table with ease The steps you follow remain simple yet meaningful as dough responds to your patience and care Flavor deepens over time as you adapt the recipe to your kitchen style and taste Each experiment helps you discover just how olive bread can become your signature loaf