This recipe yields a delicious and aromatic Savory Olive and Cheese Loaf, a wonderful bread that is packed with the briny flavor of olives and the rich, salty taste of cheese. This loaf offers a delightful combination of a tender crumb, studded with chunks of olives and melted cheese, and a golden-brown crust. It’s a flavorful alternative to plain bread and makes a fantastic accompaniment to soups, salads, or cheese boards, or can be enjoyed on its own as a savory snack. The dough is typically a simple yeast-leavened bread dough, often enriched with milk or yogurt for added softness and a slightly tangy flavor. The key to this loaf’s unique taste is the generous incorporation of olives, which can be a mix of green and black, Kalamata, or any variety you prefer. They are usually chopped or sliced and added to the dough during the kneading process. Shredded or cubed cheese, such as cheddar, Gruyère, feta, or Parmesan, is also folded into the dough, creating pockets of melted, cheesy goodness throughout the loaf. Some recipes might include additional savory ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, or herbs such as rosemary or thyme to further enhance the flavor profile. The loaf is typically baked in a standard loaf pan until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. The aroma that fills the kitchen as this bread bakes is simply irresistible. Once cooled slightly, it can be sliced and served warm, allowing the flavors of the olives and cheese to truly shine. This Savory Olive and Cheese Loaf is easy to make and offers a delightful twist on traditional bread, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy savory baked goods. The image shows a loaf of golden-brown bread in a metal loaf pan, sitting on a wooden surface with a green and white checkered cloth underneath. The top of the loaf is studded with slices of black and green olives and has a slightly cracked texture. The bottom image shows a slice cut from the loaf, revealing a soft, airy interior with pockets of olives and melted cheese distributed throughout.
The texture of Savory Olive and Cheese Loaf is characterized by a golden-brown and slightly firm crust, giving way to a soft, tender, and airy interior studded with moist, briny olive pieces and pockets of gooey, melted cheese.
The flavor profile is a delightful savory blend of the salty and briny olives, the rich and often sharp or nutty flavor of the melted cheese, all within a soft and slightly tangy bread base.
Savory Olive and Cheese Loaf is a flavorful and aromatic bread that combines the briny taste of olives and the rich flavor of cheese baked into a soft and tender loaf.
The preparation involves making a yeast dough, incorporating chopped olives and shredded cheese during kneading, shaping it into a loaf, and then baking until golden brown and cooked through.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
- ¼ cup olive oil or melted unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary, optional)
For the Olive and Cheese Filling:
- 1 cup pitted olives (a mix of green and black, Kalamata, etc.), roughly chopped or sliced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella, feta, Parmesan, or a blend)
For the Topping (Optional):
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Coarse sea salt or extra shredded cheese
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Clean work surface
- Dough scraper (optional)
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Baking sheet (optional, for preheating pan)
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it stand for 5-10 minutes, until foamy.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Stir in the olive oil or melted butter, minced garlic (if using), and dried herbs (if using) into the yeast mixture.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
- Incorporate the Olives and Cheese: Flatten the dough into a rectangle. Sprinkle about half of the chopped olives and shredded cheese over the dough. Fold the dough in half and knead gently to distribute the olives and cheese. Repeat with the remaining olives and cheese, kneading until they are evenly incorporated throughout the dough.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat. 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.
- Shape the Loaf: Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until noticeably puffed.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the Bread: If desired, brush the top of the loaf with olive oil and sprinkle with coarse sea salt or extra shredded cheese. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. The internal temperature should reach around 200-210°F (93-99°C).
- Cool the Bread: Carefully remove the loaf from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the internal structure to set and makes slicing easier.
- Serve: Slice the Savory Olive and Cheese Loaf and serve warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own or as an accompaniment to your favorite meals.
Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying Savory Olive and Cheese Loaf! It’s a wonderful addition to any bread basket.