Rustic Homemade Olive Bread Recipe – Flavor-Packed Delight

Mediterranean kitchens have long treasured this olive bread with its rustic charm and deep, earthy flavors.

Crusty exterior and soft interior promise a delightful sensory experience that transports you straight to sunny hillsides.

Fragrant herbs and briny olives weave magic into each slice, creating something far beyond ordinary bread.

Kneading the dough becomes a meditative ritual, connecting you to generations of bakers who perfected this craft.

Salt-studded and golden, the bread emerges from the oven with an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

Warm slices beg to be torn and shared, inviting conversation and connection around your table.

You’ll want to slice into this bread while it’s still steaming, letting its complex flavors tell a delicious story.

Why Olive Bread Brings Bold Flavor to the Table

• Infuse your kitchen with Mediterranean vibes by creating this rustic olive bread that transforms simple ingredients into a sensational homemade treat.
• Perfect for novice bakers, this recipe requires minimal technical skills and offers forgiving steps that guarantee a delicious result even for first-time bread makers.
• Elevate breakfast, lunch, or dinner with this aromatic bread that pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, charcuterie boards, and creates stunning sandwich foundations.
• Minimal hands-on time and straightforward techniques make this recipe an ideal choice for home cooks seeking delectable results without complicated processes.

Key Ingredients for Savory Olive Bread

• Flour: The main structure of the bread, provides the foundation for the recipe.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity.
• Warm Water: Activates and supports yeast growth.

• Active Dry Yeast: Key ingredient for bread rising and creating texture.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps with fermentation process.

• Olive Oil: Adds moisture and rich Mediterranean flavor to the bread.
• Black or Kalamata Olives: Provides savory, briny taste and interesting texture.
• Rosemary: Brings aromatic herb notes and classic Mediterranean profile.
• Oregano: Contributes additional herbal complexity and depth to the bread.

Baking Instructions for Homemade Olive Bread

Step 1: Awaken The Yeast

Grab a small bowl and pour in warm water. Sprinkle sugar and yeast, then let the mixture bubble and transform for 5-10 minutes until it looks frothy and alive.

Step 2: Create Dough Foundation

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and combine flour and salt. Pour in the awakened yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir and mix until a sticky, promising dough emerges.

Step 3: Enrich With Mediterranean Flavors

• Chopped olives
• Fresh rosemary
• Dried oregano

Knead the dough on a flour-dusted surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and stretchy. Pro tip: Use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes if you prefer.

Step 4: First Rise Adventure

Transfer dough to a greased bowl. Drape a clean kitchen towel over the top and park it in a cozy, warm corner. Allow the dough to expand and double in size within 1-2 hours.

Step 5: Shape The Bread

Gently deflate the risen dough. Mold it into a round or oval loaf. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet or inside a greased loaf pan.

Step 6: Second Rise Preparation

Cover the shaped dough with a towel. Let it rise again for 30-45 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the oven to 400F.

Step 7: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the bread into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the crust turns golden brown. Test doneness by tapping the bottom- it should sound hollow.

Step 8: Cool And Savor

Transfer bread to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature with butter or olive oil.

Olive Bread Tips for Great Texture and Taste

• Knead with Confidence: Use a stand mixer or your hands to develop gluten, ensuring a soft, chewy texture that makes the bread irresistible.
• Olive Selection Matters: Choose high-quality, briny olives like kalamata or green olives for a more intense, robust flavor that elevates the entire bread.
• Herb Freshness Boosts Flavor: Use fresh rosemary and oregano instead of dried herbs to create a more vibrant, aromatic olive bread that truly stands out.
• Moisture is Key: Avoid over-flouring the surface when kneading to maintain a moist, tender crumb that keeps the bread soft and delicious.
• Cooling Technique: Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack to prevent soggy bottoms and maintain a crisp, golden crust that crackles when sliced.

How to Store and Reheat Your Olive Bread

• Store leftover olive bread in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
• Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Warm slices at 350F for 5-7 minutes to restore crusty exterior and soft interior. Sprinkle water on bread before heating to prevent dryness.
• Keep bread at room temperature in a bread box or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel for 1-2 days, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Dishes That Work with Olive Bread

• Pair the olive bread with creamy feta cheese and a crisp white wine for a delightful taste experience.
• Serve alongside a zesty tomato bruschetta or a light Greek salad to enhance the bread's herbaceous notes.
• Choose a dry Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio that complements the olives' salty richness and herbal undertones.
• Create a simple dipping sauce with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and cracked black pepper to elevate the bread's Mediterranean character.

Unique Variations of Olive Bread to Try

• Gluten-Free Olive Bread: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum, ensuring the same texture and flavor for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Mediterranean Vegan Version: Swap olive oil with coconut oil and use plant-based milk instead of water to create a dairy-free and egg-free olive bread with rich Mediterranean flavors.
• Low-Sodium Option: Select low-sodium olives or rinse brined olives thoroughly to reduce salt content while maintaining the bread's signature olive taste.
• Whole Grain Protein Boost: Substitute half the white flour with whole wheat or spelt flour, adding ground flaxseeds for extra nutrition and a nutty undertone.

Olive Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Mediterranean olive bread weaves rich, tangy flavors into a rustic loaf that whispers of sun-drenched coastal kitchens. Crusty exterior and tender crumb invite you to savor each aromatic slice with pure Mediterranean charm.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3.5 cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (150 g) pitted olives, chopped (black, green, or a mix)
• 1.5 cups (360 ml) warm water (110°F/43°C)

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Leavening and Binding Agents:

• 1 packet (2.25 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by whisking it with tepid liquid and a pinch of sweetener, allowing the mixture to bloom and become foamy for approximately 8 minutes.
2. Create a flour foundation in a spacious mixing vessel, integrating salt and creating a central well for the activated yeast and fragrant olive oil.
3. Gently incorporate chopped Mediterranean olives, aromatic rosemary, and earthy oregano into the developing dough, ensuring even distribution of these flavor-enhancing ingredients.
4. Transform the dough on a lightly dusted work surface, kneading with rhythmic motions until achieving a smooth, supple texture that springs back when gently pressed.
5. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled ceramic bowl, draping a clean cloth over the top and positioning in a draft-free, warm environment to encourage expansive rising for approximately 90 minutes.
6. Deflate the risen dough with a careful punch, then mold into a rustic round or elegant oval shape, positioning on a parchment-lined baking surface.
7. Allow a secondary rising period, covering the shaped loaf to protect it from drafts, which will further develop its complex texture and flavor profile.
8. Heat the oven to a precise 400 degrees Fahrenheit, creating an ideal baking environment for transforming the raw dough into a golden, crusty masterpiece.
9. Bake until the exterior achieves a rich, burnished golden hue and produces a hollow resonance when tapped, signaling perfect internal development.
10. Rest the freshly baked bread on a wire cooling rack, permitting it to stabilize and develop its final texture before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Ensure water temperature is precisely lukewarm around 110°F to activate yeast without killing it, preventing dense bread texture.
• Experiment with different olive varieties like Kalamata or green olives for unique flavor profiles and visual interest.
• For gluten-sensitive individuals, substitute wheat flour with gluten-free blend plus xanthan gum to maintain bread’s structural integrity.
• Enhance bread’s nutritional value by incorporating whole wheat flour or adding seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for extra crunch and nutrients.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg