Olive Cheese Bread Recipe

Olive cheese bread is the perfect blend of savory olives, gooey cheese, and soft bread that melts in your mouth. Whether you're looking for a snack, a side for your soup, or a sandwich base, this recipe delivers rich flavors and a delightful texture that everyone will love. 

It’s a homemade bread that combines the Mediterranean charm of olives with the indulgence of melted cheese baked to golden perfection. 

If you’ve ever wanted to make bakery-quality olive cheese bread at home, this step-by-step guide will help you achieve it easily.

💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This olive cheese bread recipe stands out because it’s incredibly versatile, flavorful, and easy to make at home. You get the perfect crusty exterior with a soft and cheesy interior, enhanced by the briny bite of olives. 

Plus, it’s great for gatherings, lunchboxes, or simply as a comforting treat with a cup of tea. The ingredients are simple, and the steps are straightforward, making it a rewarding baking experience even for beginners.

🧾 What Do You Need to Prepare Olive Cheese Bread?

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 2 teaspoons instant yeast

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 cup pitted olives (green or black), chopped

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar)

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)

• Extra flour for kneading

🍞 How to Make Easy Olive Cheese Bread Step-by-Step?

Olive Cheese Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add olive oil and yeast mixture. Stir until the dough begins to come together.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 4: Add Olives and Cheese

Flatten the dough slightly, scatter the chopped olives and shredded cheese over it. Fold and knead gently to evenly incorporate the ingredients without crushing the olives.

Step 5: First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 6: Shape the Bread

Punch down the dough, shape into a loaf or round boule, and place on a parchment-lined baking tray.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffed.

Step 8: Bake

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.

Step 9: Cool

Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack before slicing.

🔄 Variations

You can easily customize this olive cheese bread to your liking. Swap mozzarella for feta or goat cheese for a tangier twist. For added texture, try mixing in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or fresh rosemary. If you want a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend, though you may need to adjust liquid quantities.

Adding garlic powder or fresh minced garlic to the dough creates a delicious garlicky flavor. For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes. For a heartier loaf, replace half the flour with whole wheat flour, but note the texture will be denser. 

You can also create mini rolls instead of a loaf, perfect for sandwiches or appetizers. Feel free to experiment with the olive types Kalamata, Castelvetrano, or even spicy olives each gives a unique flavor dimension.

🍳 Cooking Note

To get the best olive cheese bread, use fresh yeast or good-quality instant yeast to ensure a proper rise. The water temperature is crucial: too hot will kill the yeast, too cold slows down the fermentation. Kneading is important to develop gluten, which gives bread its chewy texture, so don’t skip or rush it. Be gentle when mixing in olives to avoid breaking them into small pieces that can stain the dough. 

If the dough feels too sticky, add flour little by little but avoid over-flouring which can make bread dense. Make sure the bread is baked thoroughly an underbaked loaf will be doughy inside. Using a baking stone or preheated baking sheet can help achieve a crisp crust. 

Cooling the bread on a wire rack prevents sogginess by allowing air circulation. Olive cheese bread is best eaten fresh but can be wrapped tightly and stored for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Olive cheese bread is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with many dishes. Serve it warm with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. 

It’s a great accompaniment to soups like tomato basil or butternut squash. Use slices to make gourmet sandwiches stuffed with roasted veggies, deli meats, or grilled chicken. Olive cheese bread also shines when paired with a cheese platter or charcuterie board, adding a savory element. 

Toast slices and top with avocado, hummus, or tapenade for a quick snack. It works wonderfully as a breakfast side with eggs or alongside a fresh salad for a light lunch. You can also cube it and toss in salads as croutons or use it to soak up sauces in pasta dishes.

💡 Helpful Tips

For best results, always proof your yeast properly the mixture should be bubbly and active. Use room temperature ingredients to help the dough rise evenly. When kneading, apply moderate pressure and fold the dough over itself repeatedly to build strength. 

Incorporate olives and cheese carefully, folding them in rather than mixing aggressively. Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap during rising to prevent drying. If you live in a cold environment, let the dough rise in the oven with just the light on or near a warm spot. Use a sharp serrated knife to slice the bread to avoid squashing the soft crumb. 

If you want extra crustiness, spritz the oven with water before baking to create steam. Avoid slicing the bread immediately after baking; wait at least 30 minutes for the cheese to set and flavors to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container or freezer bags to maintain freshness.

🌟 Tips for the Best Olive Cheese Bread

Always use high-quality cheese and olives they are the stars of this recipe. Freshly grated cheese melts better and tastes fresher than pre-shredded. Choose olives with a robust flavor but not too salty to avoid overpowering the bread. Don’t skimp on kneading proper gluten development ensures a light, airy crumb. Avoid adding too much flour; a slightly sticky dough often results in softer bread. 

Let the dough rise until doubled; rushing this step will yield dense bread. For even baking, rotate the tray halfway through baking. Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup. 

Lastly, experiment with adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavor. This bread tastes best the day it’s baked but freezes well for convenience.

⏲️ Timing Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 2.5 hours (including rising times)

🥗 Nutritional Information (per slice approx.)

Calories: 180 kcal
Protein: 7 g
Sodium: 300 mg
Fat: 6 g
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Fiber: 1 g

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I use canned olives for this recipe?
A: Yes, but drain them well and pat dry to avoid adding extra moisture to the dough.

Q: Can I make this bread without cheese?
A: Absolutely! It will be olive bread instead of olive cheese bread but still delicious.

Q: How do I store leftover olive cheese bread?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Q: Can I use whole wheat flour?
A: Yes, but the bread will be denser. Try substituting half the flour for whole wheat.

Q: Can I add herbs?
A: Yes, rosemary, thyme, or oregano complement olives and cheese well.

🧑‍🍳 Conclusion

Making olive cheese bread at home is easier than you think and yields a bakery-worthy result packed with flavor and texture. This recipe combines the briny bite of olives with melty cheese and soft bread, perfect for any occasion. Whether served warm as a snack or sliced for sandwiches, it’s a crowd-pleaser everyone will ask for again. 

With simple ingredients and clear step-by-step instructions, even novice bakers can enjoy the satisfaction of homemade bread. 

Try this recipe today and elevate your bread game to delicious new heights!