Are you craving the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread? Do you love the burst of salty olives and the creamy richness of cheese? Then look no further! This Cheese Olive Bread recipe is perfect for a cozy night in, a delicious lunchbox addition, or even a stunning centerpiece for your next dinner party. It’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and the result is a truly delicious homemade loaf bursting with flavour. This recipe offers quick dinner ideas and is also a great way to enjoy healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for greasing
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, roughly chopped
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Once the yeast is foamy, stir in the olive oil and salt.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add a little extra flour if the dough is too sticky.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Olives
Incorporate the Parmesan cheese and chopped olives into the dough by gently kneading them in.
Step 6: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 7: Shape the Loaf
Punch down the dough to release the air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
Step 8: Second Rise
Cover the loaf pan loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.
Step 9: Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the loaf with the beaten egg. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy!
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your delicious homemade cheese olive bread!
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Use good quality ingredients: The flavor of your bread will be significantly enhanced by using high-quality olive oil, cheese, and olives.
- Don't overknead the dough: Overkneading can result in a tough bread.
- Check for doneness: Use a bread thermometer to ensure your bread is fully baked.
- Let the bread cool completely: This allows the crumb to set properly and prevents a soggy loaf.
Variations:
- Add herbs: Experiment with adding fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano to the dough for extra flavor.
- Different cheeses: Try using other cheeses such as mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Substitute sun-dried tomatoes for some or all of the olives.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Around 150-200
- Protein: Around 5-7g
- Fat: Around 6-8g
- Carbohydrates: Around 25-30g
This easy recipe for cheese olive bread is perfect for beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike. This delicious dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy your homemade baking experience!