Delicious Olive Bread Recipe: A Savory Delight

Making olive bread is a rewarding experience, transforming simple ingredients into a flavorful, aromatic loaf. This Olive Bread Recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring a delicious outcome whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out. This recipe combines the rustic charm of homemade bread with the salty, briny bite of olives, creating a loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. Ready to elevate your bread-baking game? Let’s dive in!

After mastering this recipe, you might be interested in exploring other bread variations like our quick bread recipes.

Understanding the Ingredients for Olive Bread

The beauty of olive bread lies in its simplicity. High-quality ingredients are key to a delicious result. Let’s break down the essentials:

• Flour: The foundation of any good bread. Bread flour, with its higher protein content, gives the bread structure and a satisfying chew. All-purpose flour can be used as a substitute, though the texture might be slightly different.
• Yeast: The magic ingredient that makes bread rise. Active dry yeast is readily available and easy to use. Ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal results. Proofing the yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the dough is a crucial step.
• Water: The lifeblood of the dough, hydrating the flour and activating the yeast. The temperature of the water is critical; too hot, and it will kill the yeast; too cold, and the yeast won’t activate properly. Aim for lukewarm water.
• Olive Oil: Contributes to the bread’s soft texture, enhances the flavor, and adds a beautiful golden hue to the crust. A good quality extra virgin olive oil is recommended.
• Olives: The star of the show! Choose your favorite olives, whether green, black, Kalamata, or a mix. Pitted olives are easier to work with, but whole olives offer a more intense flavor. Roughly chop the olives for even distribution throughout the dough.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors and controls yeast activity. Don’t underestimate its importance!
• Optional additions: Get creative! Consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme, or spices like red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Mixing and Kneading: Building the Foundation of Your Olive Bread

The mixing and kneading process is where the magic happens. This step develops the gluten in the flour, which gives the bread its structure and elasticity.

1. Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, and salt.
2. Add the wet ingredients: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the warm water and olive oil. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time.
4. Incorporate the olives: Gently fold the chopped olives into the dough, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.

The First Rise: Patience is Key

After kneading, the dough needs time to rest and rise. This first rise, also known as bulk fermentation, allows the yeast to work its magic, producing carbon dioxide and creating a light and airy loaf.

1. Place the dough in an oiled bowl: Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning to coat it with oil. This prevents the dough from sticking to the bowl.
2. Cover and let rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. The rise time can vary depending on the temperature and humidity.

Shaping and Proofing: Preparing for the Oven

Once the dough has doubled in size, it’s time to shape it and prepare it for its final rise, known as proofing.

1. Punch down the dough: Gently deflate the dough to release the air. This helps redistribute the yeast and ensures an even rise.
2. Shape the loaf: Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf. For a round loaf, pull the edges of the dough towards the center, pinching the seams together to create a smooth surface. For an oval loaf, gently roll the dough into an oblong shape.
3. Proof the loaf: Place the shaped loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let it proof for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.

Proofing Olive Bread Loaf

If you enjoy cheesy flavors, you might find our cheesy bread recipe equally enticing.

Baking: The Final Transformation

The aroma of baking bread filling your kitchen is one of life’s simple pleasures. This is where the crust develops its golden color and the inside becomes soft and airy.

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Score the loaf: Just before baking, score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife or lame. This allows the bread to expand during baking and prevents cracking.
3. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C). If the crust is browning too quickly, tent it with foil.
4. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the internal temperature to stabilize and prevents a gummy texture.

Serving and Enjoying: The Reward for Your Efforts

Olive bread is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it warm with a drizzle of olive oil, alongside soups and salads, or as a base for sandwiches. Its savory flavor complements various cheeses, cured meats, and dips.

Sliced Baked Olive Bread

Have you ever tried making bread in a bread machine? Check out our sourdough bread machine recipe for a convenient alternative.

Tips for Perfect Olive Bread

• Use high-quality olives: The flavor of the olives will shine through, so choose your favorites.
• Don’t overknead the dough: Overkneading can result in a tough loaf.
• Proper proofing is essential: Give the dough enough time to rise for a light and airy texture.
• Check for doneness with a thermometer: Ensuring the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C) guarantees a fully baked loaf.
• Experiment with flavors: Add herbs, spices, or different types of olives to create your signature olive bread.

Olive Bread Serving Suggestions

For those who enjoy experimenting with different ingredients, our bread recipe with potato offers a unique twist. Or, if you’re looking for a familiar taste, try our outback bread recipe.

This olive bread recipe provides a foundation for a delicious and satisfying baking experience. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and enjoy the process of creating a homemade loaf that will impress your friends and family. Happy baking!