Are you craving the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread but short on time? This bread machine recipe for olive bread is the perfect solution! It's incredibly easy, requiring minimal effort, and yields a wonderfully flavorful loaf packed with juicy olives. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a healthy and delicious alternative to store-bought bread. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game with this simple yet impressive recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 ½ teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for greasing
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed
- ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
- Optional: 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions:
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Prepare your bread machine: Grease the bread pan lightly with olive oil. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your finished loaf.
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Combine ingredients: Add the warm water, sugar, and yeast to your bread machine pan. Let stand for about 5 minutes until foamy. This proves the yeast is active and will create a lovely rise.
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Add remaining ingredients: Add the olive oil, salt, flour, olives (and any optional ingredients like oregano and sun-dried tomatoes), to the bread machine pan.
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Select the setting: Choose the "basic" or "dough" cycle on your bread machine. If your machine has a setting for "white bread" that is also a great choice.
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Let the machine do its work: Your bread machine will mix, knead, and bake the bread for you. Sit back and relax! Most machines have a timer setting, letting you bake bread while you go about your day.
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Remove and cool: Once the baking cycle is complete, carefully remove the loaf from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy.
Tips for the Best Olive Bread:
- Use good quality olives: The flavor of your olives will significantly impact the taste of your bread. We recommend Kalamata olives for their rich, briny flavor.
- Don't over-flour: Add extra flour only if the dough seems too sticky. Too much flour can result in a dry loaf.
- Check for doneness: While your bread machine handles most of the work, it's always good to check for doneness. The loaf should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to get creative! Add other herbs, spices, cheeses, or nuts to customize your olive bread. Roasted red peppers would be a delicious addition.
Variations:
- Herby Olive Bread: Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary or thyme for an extra aromatic touch.
- Spicy Olive Bread: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Cheese and Olive Bread: Add ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese or shredded Parmesan along with the olives for a savory twist.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: 150-200
- Protein: 4-6g
- Fat: 5-8g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This easy bread machine olive bread recipe is a fantastic addition to any meal. Serve it alongside soup, salads, or as part of a delicious sandwich. Enjoy the wonderful aroma and taste of freshly baked bread made easily in your own home! It’s a perfect recipe for beginners and experienced bakers alike, offering a consistently delicious result every time. Happy baking!