Olive Bread: A Mediterranean Delight Made Simple

There’s something magical about pulling a freshly baked loaf of Olive Bread from the oven after a long day. The aroma of warm bread mingling with the rich scent of olives fills your kitchen, promising a treat that’s both rustic and sophisticated. Whether you’re hosting an impromptu gathering with friends or simply craving something special for your family dinner, Olive Bread delivers that perfect balance of simplicity and impressive flavor that will have everyone asking for your recipe.

This Olive Bread recipe transforms basic ingredients into a crusty, flavorful loaf studded with briny black olives that add bursts of Mediterranean flavor in every bite. The golden crust gives way to a soft, airy interior that’s perfect for dipping in olive oil, serving alongside soups, or building the ultimate sandwich. Best of all, while it looks and tastes like something from an artisanal bakery, making Olive Bread at home is surprisingly straightforward, even for beginners.

Why You’ll Love This Olive Bread

• ✅ Perfect Olive Bread for beginners with foolproof techniques and simple ingredients
• ✅ The amazing flavor combination of fresh bread and savory olives creates an unforgettable taste experience
• ✅ Health benefits of Olive Bread include heart-healthy fats from both olives and olive oil
• ✅ Authentic Mediterranean Olive Bread that brings vacation vibes to your dinner table
• ✅ Versatile Olive Bread that pairs beautifully with cheese platters, soups, or enjoyed on its own
• ✅ Make-ahead friendly recipe with excellent Olive Bread storage options for busy households

Ingredients for Olive Bread

• 700g strong white bread flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for greasing
• 400-450ml warm water
• a little bread flour, for dusting
• 50g pitted black olives, sliced

Optional Add-ins for Flavor Variations:

• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 50g feta cheese, crumbled
• Zest of 1 lemon

Ingredient Notes:

• For a gluten-free Olive Bread alternative, substitute the strong white bread flour with a high-quality gluten-free bread flour blend and add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum
• Use Kalamata olives for a more authentic Mediterranean Olive Bread flavor, or mix green and black olives for a unique twist
• The best flour for Olive Bread is strong bread flour with high protein content for proper structure

How to Make Olive Bread – Step by Step

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 700g strong white bread flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well.
2. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture.
3. In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon dried yeast with 1 teaspoon sugar.
4. Pour 100ml of the warm water into the yeast mixture, stir, and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
5. Pour the activated yeast mixture into the well in the flour.
6. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and gradually add the remaining warm water (300-350ml), mixing with your hands or a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms.
7. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when poked gently.
8. If making traditional Mediterranean Olive Bread, this is the stage to work in any optional herbs like rosemary or oregano.
9. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
10. Let rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
11. Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release air bubbles.
12. On a lightly floured surface, flatten the dough into a rough rectangle.
13. Scatter the 50g of sliced black olives evenly over the dough.
14. Fold and knead gently to incorporate the olives throughout the dough, being careful not to overmix.
15. Shape the dough into a round loaf or place in a greased loaf tin for a more traditional shape.

Step 5: Second Rise and Bake

1. Cover the shaped dough again and allow to rise for another 45-60 minutes until noticeably puffed up.
2. Preheat your oven to 220°C/425°F/Gas Mark 7.
3. Just before baking, dust the top with a little flour and score the top with a sharp knife to allow expansion.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.
5. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Olive Bread

• The Secret to Perfect Texture: For homemade Olive Bread with the best texture, don’t rush the kneading process. A full 8-10 minutes of kneading develops the gluten properly.
• Prevent Olive Discoloration: Pat your sliced olives dry with paper towels before adding them to the dough to prevent the bread from getting too wet or discolored.
• Create a Bakery-Style Crust: For a professional bakery-quality Olive Bread crust, place a baking tray with water at the bottom of your oven during preheating to create steam.
• Testing for Doneness: The most reliable way to check if your Olive Bread is fully baked is to insert a thermometer into the center – it should read around 190°F (88°C).
• Can I make Olive Bread ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough up to the first rise, then refrigerate it overnight. Bring to room temperature before shaping and proceeding with the second rise.

Best Ways to Serve Olive Bread

The best way to serve Olive Bread is slightly warm, allowing its aromatics to fully develop. Here are some perfect pairings:

• Serve alongside a Mediterranean platter with hummus, tzatziki, and roasted vegetables
• Create the ultimate sandwich with layers of cured meats, aged cheeses, and fresh greens
• Pairing Olive Bread with cheese is a classic choice – try it with soft goat cheese or aged manchego
• Dip slices in high-quality olive oil mixed with balsamic vinegar and fresh herbs
• Toast and top with fresh tomatoes and basil for a simple bruschetta

For a complete Mediterranean meal, serve your Olive Bread with our Mediterranean Lamb Stew or Classic Greek Salad.

Nutritional Information for Olive Bread

Per slice (based on 12 slices per loaf):

• Calories: 175 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 3g
• Fiber: 1.5g
• Sodium: 220mg

This Olive Bread contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from both the olives and olive oil, making it a nutritious choice compared to many store-bought breads.

Storage & Leftovers

How long does Olive Bread last? When stored properly, your homemade Olive Bread will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature when wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or stored in a bread box.

For longer storage, follow these Olive Bread storage and freshness tips:

• To store for up to 5 days: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and keep in the refrigerator
• To freeze: Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months
• For best results when freezing, slice the Olive Bread before freezing so you can thaw individual portions
• Refresh day-old Olive Bread by sprinkling with water and warming in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions About Olive Bread

What ingredients are in Olive Bread?

Traditional Olive Bread contains flour, water, salt, yeast, olive oil, and olives. Some recipes also include herbs like rosemary or oregano for additional Mediterranean flavor. The quality of olives significantly impacts the final taste, with Kalamata olives being a popular authentic choice.

How do you store Olive Bread?

Store Olive Bread at room temperature in a paper bag or kitchen towel for 2-3 days to maintain its crusty exterior. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Olive Bread also freezes well for up to 3 months when properly wrapped.

Can you freeze Olive Bread?

Yes, Olive Bread freezes exceptionally well. Allow the bread to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes to restore the crust.

What goes well with Olive Bread?

Olive Bread pairs beautifully with Mediterranean dishes, soups, and stews. It’s perfect for dipping in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, served alongside cheese boards, or used as the base for sandwiches and bruschetta. The savory flavor of the olives complements both mild dairy flavors and bold Mediterranean ingredients.

Conclusion

Making homemade Olive Bread is a rewarding experience that fills your home with incredible aromas and results in a loaf that’s far superior to anything store-bought. This versatile bread brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table with minimal effort and basic ingredients. The combination of a crisp crust, tender interior, and pockets of savory olive flavor creates a bread that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special gatherings.

Now that you know how to make authentic Olive Bread at home, why not try experimenting with different olive varieties or additional herbs? The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings new flavors to discover. We’d love to hear how your Olive Bread turned out – share your experience in the comments below or tag us in your bread-baking photos on social media!

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