Olive Herb Bread
Olive Herb Bread is a savory, flavorful bread that combines the rich taste of olive oil, briny olives, and fragrant fresh herbs.This easy-to-make homemade bread is perfect for pairing with soups, salads, or simply enjoyed on its own with a drizzle of olive oil.It’s the perfect combination of soft, tender crumb and a golden, slightly crisp crust. The bread requires minimal effort and yields a mouthwatering result every time.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl – 1 large (for combining ingredients)
- Wooden Spoon – 1 (for stirring dough)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – 1 set (for precise ingredient amounts)
- Stand Mixer with Dough Hook – 1 (optional, for easier kneading)
- Baking Sheet – 1 (for baking the bread)
- Loaf Pan – 1 (optional, for a loaf shape)
- Parchment Paper – 1 sheet (for lining the baking surface)
- Clean Kitchen Towel or Plastic Wrap – 1 (for covering the dough during rises)
- Sharp Knife or Razor Blade – 1 (for scoring the bread before baking)
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups 440g – All-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons 10g – Active dry yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoons 7g – Salt
- 1 cup 240ml – Warm water
- ¼ cup 60ml – Olive oil
- ¾ cup 100g – Chopped olives (green or black)
- 1 tablespoon 2g – Fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon 2g – Fresh thyme (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon 2g – Fresh oregano (chopped)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast. Stir together. In a separate bowl, combine the warm water and olive oil, then pour into the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms.
Add Olives and Herbs
- Once the dough begins to come together, fold in the chopped olives and fresh herbs. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 5-7 minutes.
First Rise
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Shape the Dough
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf or a loaf shape if using a loaf pan. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet (or into the loaf pan).
Second Rise
- Cover the dough and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, until it has puffed up.
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, score the top of the dough with a sharp knife to create decorative slashes.
Bake the Bread
- Bake the dough in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom and is golden brown. Smaller rolls will bake in about 15-18 minutes.
Cool and Serve
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to switch up the herbs based on what you have on hand. Basil, sage, or marjoram are excellent additions.
- Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze it for up to 3 months by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer bag.
- Olive Options: Green olives have a milder flavor, while black olives are slightly more robust. Choose your favorite or mix both!
- For a Crustier Bread: If you like a crispier crust, you can place a shallow pan of water at the bottom of the oven while baking to create steam.