This rustic Olive Bread is soft and flavorful, packed with briny olives and seasoned with herbs. It’s perfect as a side to soups, salads, or simply enjoyed with a smear of butter or olive oil.
Author:Beth
Prep Time:20 minutes
Chill Time:2 hours
Cook Time:35 minutes
Total Time:2 hours 55 minutes
Yield:1 loaf (12 slices) 1x
Category:Breads
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
For the bread dough:
3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 ½ cups (360 ml) warm water (110°F/43°C)
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the filling:
1 cup (150 g) pitted olives, chopped (black, green, or a mix)
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Mix the dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
Add the olives and herbs:
Fold in the chopped olives, rosemary, and oregano. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes.
First rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the dough:
Punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf or an oval. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a greased loaf pan.
Second rise:
Cover the dough with a towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Bake the bread:
Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool and serve:
Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Use kalamata or Castelvetrano olives for a more robust flavor.
This bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.