The Irresistible Homemade Olive Bread Recipe Everyone Loves

Mediterranean kitchens have long celebrated this rustic olive bread with passionate fervor.

Crusty exterior and soft, pillowy insides make this loaf truly irresistible.

Scattered green and black olive fragments create stunning visual appeal throughout each slice.

Salt-packed olives bring intense flavor that dances across your palate with Mediterranean warmth.

Baking enthusiasts appreciate how simple ingredients combine into something remarkably complex and delectable.

Home cooks learn quickly that this recipe transforms humble components into spectacular results.

Picture yourself breaking warm bread with friends, sharing stories and savoring each incredible bite.

How To Mix And Bake Olive Bread Step By Step

Step 1: Awaken the Yeast

Grab a small bowl and pour in warm water. Sprinkle sugar and yeast into the liquid. Watch the mixture transform and become bubbly and frothy. Let it sit quietly for about 10 minutes while the yeast comes to life.

Step 2: Create the Dough Foundation

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Pour in the excited yeast mixture and a splash of olive oil. Mix everything together until a sticky, rough dough forms. Don’t worry about perfection – messy is good!

Step 3: Introduce Flavor Companions

• Rosemary
• Oregano
• Thyme (optional)

Gently fold these flavor heroes into the dough. Knead the mixture on a flour-dusted surface. Work the dough with your hands for 8-10 minutes until it feels smooth and stretchy. If you have a stand mixer, let the dough hook do the hard work for 5-6 minutes.

Step 4: First Rising Adventure

Transfer the dough to a generously greased bowl. Cover with a soft kitchen towel. Find a cozy, warm spot in your kitchen and let the dough rest and expand. Wait 1-2 hours until the dough has doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape Your Bread Canvas

Punch down the puffy dough to release air bubbles. Mold it into a round loaf or classic oval shape. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or inside a greased loaf pan.

Step 6: Final Rising Moment

Cover the shaped dough with a towel. Allow it to rise again for 30-45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) during this time.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the bread into the hot oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown. Test doneness by tapping the bottom – it should sound hollow and confident.

Step 8: Cooling and Serving

Transfer the bread to a wire rack. Let it cool down and settle for a bit. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the fruits of your baking adventure!

Tips For Baking The Best Olive Bread

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure water is warm (not hot) around 110°F to help yeast bloom without killing it, creating a frothy activation that guarantees soft bread texture.
• Customize Olive Variety: Experiment with different olive types like kalamata, green, or mixed olives to create unique flavor profiles and add personal culinary flair to the bread.
• Maximize Herb Freshness: Use fresh rosemary and oregano instead of dried herbs for more vibrant, intense aromatics that elevate the overall bread taste and fragrance.
• Prevent Dense Dough: Knead thoroughly until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, which develops gluten and ensures a light, airy bread with perfect crumb structure.
• Storage Secret: Wrap cooled bread in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness for 2-3 days at room temperature.

How To Store Olive Bread To Keep It Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover olive bread in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag for up to 3-4 days. Keep at room temperature if planning to consume within 2 days.
• Freeze: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months without losing its delicious flavor and texture.
• Reheat Oven Method: Warm slices at 350F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Wrap in aluminum foil to prevent excessive drying and maintain moisture.
• Microwave Quick Option: Heat individual slices for 10-15 seconds for a soft, warm bite. Avoid overheating to prevent rubbery texture.

What To Serve With Olive Bread

• Savor Mediterranean Mezze Moment: Pair this olive bread with a vibrant Greek tzatziki, creamy hummus, and a light cucumber salad for an authentic Mediterranean appetizer experience that transports your taste buds straight to a sunny coastal taverna.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Complement the bread's salty olive flavor with a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing Pinot Grigio, which will cut through the richness and enhance the herbal rosemary and oregano notes.
• Create Rustic Cheese Platter Perfection: Serve alongside a selection of artisan cheeses like tangy feta, creamy goat cheese, and aged manchego, creating a delightful combination that celebrates the bread's robust Mediterranean character.
• Elevate Soup and Salad Companion: Tear pieces of this olive bread to dunk into a hearty tomato basil soup or use as a crunchy topping for a fresh Greek salad, adding textural contrast and depth of flavor to your meal.

Flavor Add-Ins For Olive Bread

• Mediterranean Olive Burst: Replace rosemary and oregano with fresh thyme and parsley, then add crumbled feta cheese into the dough for a tangy Greek-inspired bread.
• Spicy Kalamata Kick: Use only kalamata olives, incorporate red pepper flakes, and sprinkle dried chili powder to create a zesty, bold flavor profile.
• Whole Wheat Rustic Version: Substitute half the white flour with whole wheat flour, mix in sunflower seeds, and use green olives for a heartier, nuttier bread experience.
• Garlic Herb Olive Blend: Mince fresh garlic cloves into the dough, add dried Italian herbs like basil and marjoram, and use a mix of black and green olives for complex taste layers.

FAQs On Olive Bread

• What type of olives work best in this olive bread recipe?

Kalamata or green olives are perfect. They provide a rich, tangy flavor that complements the bread’s herbs and texture. Chop them finely to distribute evenly throughout the dough.

• Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! While a stand mixer makes kneading easier, you can totally knead the dough by hand on a floured surface. Just work the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

• Is it necessary to use fresh herbs like rosemary and oregano?

Fresh herbs give the best flavor, but dried herbs work well too. If using dried, reduce the quantity by about half since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. The herbs add a wonderful Mediterranean touch to the bread.

• How do I know if my yeast is still active?

Check if the yeast mixture becomes frothy and bubbly after 5-10 minutes in warm water with sugar. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old or inactive. Always use fresh yeast for the best bread rise and texture.

Why Olive Bread Is A Savory Showstopper

• Burst with Mediterranean Flavors: Olives, rosemary, and oregano create a vibrant, aromatic bread that transports your taste buds straight to the sunny Mediterranean coastline.
• Incredibly Simple Baking Process: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and basic baking skills, making it perfect for novice bakers wanting to impress friends and family with homemade bread.
• Versatile Serving Sensation: Enjoy this bread as a stunning side dish, appetizer, or standalone snack that pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or as a base for sandwich creations.
• Quick Comfort in Under Two Hours: From mixing to baking, this bread comes together in just about two hours, delivering warm, fresh-baked goodness without consuming an entire day in the kitchen.

Everything You’ll Need For Olive Bread

• Flour: Foundation of the bread, provides structure and texture.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity.

• Olives, Rosemary, Oregano: Add Mediterranean depth and aromatic herbal notes to the bread.

• Warm Water, Sugar, Yeast: Crucial for bread rising, creating soft and airy texture. Use fresh active dry yeast for best results. Room temperature ingredients help yeast activation.

• Olive Oil: Adds richness, moisture, and subtle flavor. Extra virgin olive oil provides more robust taste.

Olive Bread Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Mediterranean sunshine sparkles through this rustic olive bread, bringing robust Mediterranean flavors to your kitchen. Crusty exterior and tender crumb invite warm memories of Greek islands, promising delicious comfort for curious bread enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

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

Seasoning and Flavoring Ingredients:

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

Leavening and Liquid Ingredients:

• 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 warm water and sugar in a compact vessel. Allow the mixture to bloom and become effervescent for approximately 7-9 minutes.
2. Create a flour foundation in a spacious mixing vessel, incorporating salt to enhance flavor profile. Gradually integrate the activated yeast and fruity olive oil, stirring until a cohesive, slightly tacky dough emerges.
3. Gently fold briny chopped olives, aromatic rosemary, and earthy oregano into the developing dough. Transfer the mixture onto a lightly dusted work surface and knead vigorously for 10-12 minutes, developing gluten structure and achieving a smooth, resilient texture.
4. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled ceramic bowl, draping a pristine kitchen towel over the surface. Position in a draft-free, warmth-rich environment for approximately 90 minutes, allowing the dough to expand and develop complex flavors.
5. Deflate the risen dough with a gentle punch, then meticulously shape into a rustic round or elegant oval form. Position the shaped loaf onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring ample breathing space.
6. Cover the shaped loaf and permit a secondary fermentation for 40-50 minutes. Simultaneously, calibrate the oven temperature to a precise 400°F, creating an ideal baking environment.
7. Slide the prepared loaf into the preheated oven, allowing intense heat to transform the dough. Bake until the exterior achieves a golden-brown complexion and emits a hollow percussion when tapped, approximately 35-40 minutes.
8. Extract the bread and transfer to a wire cooling rack, permitting residual heat to complete the cooking process. Slice and serve when temperature stabilizes, revealing a tender, herb-infused interior.

Notes

• Choose kalamata or green olives for a bold, rich flavor that complements the bread’s herbal notes.
• Chop olives finely to distribute flavor evenly and prevent large chunks from disrupting the bread’s texture.
• For a gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with a high-quality gluten-free bread flour blend, adding xanthan gum for better structure.
• Reduce salt if using briny olives to prevent an overly salty result, as olives already contribute significant seasoning to the bread.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 3.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg