Rustic Herb-Infused Olive Bread Recipe: A Tasty Homemade Delight

Warm, crusty olive bread with briny Mediterranean olives brings comfort to any table.

Bread lovers savor each delectable slice packed with robust flavors.

Olives scattered throughout the dough create a rustic, artisanal texture that delights the senses.

The aroma of freshly baked bread fills the kitchen with warmth and anticipation.

Simple ingredients combine to create a masterpiece that transports you to sun-drenched coastal regions.

Salt-kissed olives provide a delightful punch of flavor in every bite.

Each slice promises a culinary journey worth experiencing.

Dive into this Mediterranean-inspired bread that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Directions To Bake Olive Bread From Scratch

• Magical Yeast Awakening

Warm water and yeast dance together, creating a bubbly potion that signals the start of bread transformation.

• Flour Power Mixing

Flour and salt welcome the yeast mixture and olive oil, creating a sticky, promising dough that hints at deliciousness.

• Olive and Herb Symphony

Chopped olives, rosemary, and oregano weave into the dough, giving it character and depth through gentle kneading until smooth and supple.

• Dough Resting and Rising

The dough nestles in a cozy, greased bowl, stretching and growing in a warm corner of the kitchen for about two hours.

• Shaping the Bread

Gently deflate the risen dough, molding it into a beautiful round or oval shape that promises rustic charm.

• Final Rise and Oven Preparation

Let the shaped dough relax and puff up while the oven heats to a perfect golden-brown temperature.

• Baking Transformation

The bread turns from pale dough to a gorgeous, crusty marvel with a golden exterior that beckons hungry souls.

• Cooling and Enjoying

Allow the bread to rest and cool, releasing its tantalizing aroma before slicing into its soft, olive-studded interior.

Customize The Flavor Of Olive Bread Your Way

• Olive Oil Drizzle Magic: Enhance the bread's flavor by drizzling extra virgin olive oil over the top just before serving for a luxurious Mediterranean touch.
• No-Knead Shortcut: For busy bakers, skip hand-kneading by letting the dough rest longer (12-18 hours) at room temperature, which develops gluten naturally and creates deeper flavor complexity.
• Gluten-Free Transformation: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum, ensuring the bread maintains a similar texture and structure for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Flavor Boost Techniques: Experiment with different olive varieties like Kalamata or green olives, and toast herbs briefly before adding to intensify their aromatic profile and create a more robust taste experience.
• Make-Ahead Strategy: Wrap the fully cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or freeze for up to one month, preserving its freshness and allowing you to enjoy homemade olive bread whenever the craving strikes.

How To Cut And Serve Olive Bread Right

• Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Create a colorful spread with hummus, tzatziki, feta cheese, and sliced cucumber to accompany the olive bread, adding delightful Mediterranean flavors.
• Bruschetta Appetizer: Top bread slices with fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil for a classic Italian-inspired starter that complements the bread's herbal notes.
• Soup Companion: Pair with hearty tomato soup, lentil stew, or creamy vegetable bisque for a comforting meal that highlights the bread's robust olive and herb characteristics.
• Wine Pairing Suggestion: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Mediterranean red to enhance the bread's rich, savory profile and elevate the dining experience.

Store Olive Bread To Keep It Soft And Tasty

• Quick Refrigeration Technique: Store your olive bread in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its moisture and preventing staleness.
• Freezing Strategy: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for soft, delicious results without compromising texture.
• Fresh Slice Revival: Reheat refrigerated or frozen bread slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350F for 3-5 minutes to restore its crispy crust and warm, soft interior. Brush with olive oil for extra flavor enhancement.
• Slice Separation Tip: Before storing, slice the bread completely, placing parchment paper between each slice to prevent sticking and make individual portion removal easier during future serving moments.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes

Calories: 160 kcal

Servings: 11

All The Ingredients In Olive Bread

• Warm Water: Crucial for waking up yeast and creating the perfect rising environment.
• Sugar: Provides food for yeast to become bubbly and active.
• Active Dry Yeast: Magical ingredient that helps bread rise and develop rich flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure and soft texture for the bread.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast growth.
• Olive Oil: Adds moisture, richness, and creates tender crumb.

• Kalamata Olives: Bring bold, briny Mediterranean character and delightful texture.
• Fresh Rosemary: Introduces aromatic, piney notes that complement the olive's saltiness.
• Dried Oregano: Adds earthy, slightly peppery undertones typical of Mediterranean cuisine.

Kitchen Gear For Baking Olive Bread

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients and kneading dough.
• Stand mixer (optional): Helps knead dough quickly and efficiently with a dough hook attachment.
• Parchment paper or loaf pan: Provides a non-stick surface for baking the bread.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
• Knife or bench scraper: Useful for chopping olives and handling dough.
• Wire rack: Allows bread to cool evenly and prevents soggy bottom.
• Clean kitchen towel: Covers dough during rising process to keep moisture in.

Rustic Olive Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Mediterranean olive bread showcases the rich, rustic flavors of Greece with a crisp crust and tender crumb. Savory herbs and briny olives create a delightful loaf you’ll crave alongside soups, salads, or as a standalone treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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)
• 1 packet (2.25 tsps) active dry yeast
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tsps salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp dried rosemary (or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped)
• 1 tsp dried oregano

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Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Whisk yeast with warm water and sugar in a small bowl. Let the mixture foam and become bubbly for 7-9 minutes.
2. Dough Foundation: Mix flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Pour in activated yeast and olive oil, stirring until a sticky dough forms. Incorporate chopped olives, rosemary, and oregano.
3. Kneading Process: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead vigorously for 10-12 minutes, developing a smooth and elastic texture. The dough should become supple and responsive.
4. First Proofing: Place dough in a lightly oiled ceramic bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel. Rest in a warm, draft-free location for 90 minutes, allowing significant volume expansion and flavor development.
5. Shaping and Second Proofing: Punch down the risen dough and shape into a rustic round or oval. Position on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow a secondary fermentation for 40-50 minutes while preheating the oven to 400°F.
6. Baking Performance: Transfer loaf to preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The bread is ready when it turns golden-brown and produces a hollow sound when tapped.
7. Cooling and Serving: Remove bread from oven and place on a wire rack. Let it cool completely to allow internal temperature to stabilize before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Master Yeast Activation: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to perfectly activate yeast without killing it; too hot or cold will compromise bread rising.
• Optimize Olive Distribution: Chop olives into uniform, small pieces to prevent large chunks disrupting bread’s texture and ensure even flavor throughout the loaf.
• Control Kneading Technique: Use consistent, firm motions when kneading to develop strong gluten network; under-kneading results in dense bread, while over-kneading makes it tough.
• Manage Proofing Environment: Place dough in warm, draft-free area around 75-80°F for ideal rising; cover with damp cloth to prevent surface from drying and cracking during fermentation.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 190 mg
• Fat: 4.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg