Olive Bread

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Golden crusty on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside — this homemade Olive Bread is the kind of loaf that turns a simple snack into something unforgettable. Loaded with briny olives and rustic charm, it’s a Mediterranean-inspired dream that pairs beautifully with cheeses, soups, or simply dipped in olive oil.

Whether you’re a seasoned bread maker or just dipping your toes into the world of no-knead loaves, this recipe offers a wonderfully forgiving process. With its rich aroma and gorgeous crumb dotted with green and black olives, it’s a showstopper that looks as impressive as it tastes.

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Why You’ll Love This Olive Bread

This bread is more than just a savory bake; it’s an experience. The olives provide bursts of flavor in every bite, while the airy texture of the dough makes it light enough to enjoy any time of day. Plus, it’s naturally vegan and doesn’t require any fancy equipment or techniques.

You’ll love this recipe if you’re looking for a rustic, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for brunch spreads, hearty sandwiches, or a cozy evening with a glass of wine.

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What Kind of Olives Should I Use?

For the best flavor and texture, a mix of green and black olives works beautifully. Choose firm, pitted olives — kalamata, manzanilla, or castelvetrano are all excellent options. Avoid pre-sliced canned olives, as they lack the robust flavor that whole olives bring to the dough.

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Ingredients for the Olive Bread

Each ingredient plays a unique role in creating the perfect loaf of olive bread, from texture to flavor:

• Bread Flour – Gives structure and chewiness to the loaf. It has a higher protein content, which supports a good rise.
• Instant Yeast – Helps the dough rise beautifully and gives that airy texture.
• Warm Water – Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour to form the dough.
• Salt – Enhances the flavor and balances the brininess of the olives.
• Chopped Olives – The star of the show. Use a mix of green and black for variety in flavor and color.
• Olive Oil – Adds a hint of richness and helps with the crust.

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How To Make the Olive Bread

Step 1: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine bread flour, instant yeast, and salt. Slowly add warm water while stirring with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms. Fold in the chopped olives and a drizzle of olive oil. Mix just until incorporated.

Step 2: Let It Rise

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let it rise at room temperature for 8 to 12 hours or until doubled in size and bubbly.

Step 3: Shape and Rest

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Gently shape it into a round loaf. Place it on parchment paper and let it rest for about 30-45 minutes while the oven preheats.

Step 4: Preheat and Bake

Place a Dutch oven in your oven and preheat to 450°F (232°C). Once hot, carefully transfer the dough (with parchment) into the Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake another 10-15 minutes until golden brown.

Step 5: Cool Before Slicing

Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This helps the texture set and prevents it from becoming gummy.

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Serving and Storing Your Olive Bread

This olive bread is perfect served warm with a drizzle of olive oil or alongside your favorite dips and cheeses. It makes about one medium-sized loaf, enough to feed 6 to 8 people, depending on portion size.

To store, wrap the bread in parchment or a clean kitchen towel and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze it; just toast it straight from the freezer when you’re ready to enjoy.

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What to Serve With Olive Bread?

Hummus and Dips

Creamy hummus, baba ghanoush, or tzatziki make a lovely pairing with the briny olives.

Cheese Board

Pair with a variety of cheeses like goat cheese, feta, or aged cheddar for a Mediterranean platter.

Soups and Stews

Olive bread is excellent with tomato-based soups, lentil stews, or minestrone.

Salad Lunches

Slice it up and serve with a Greek salad or a simple arugula and lemon combo.

Grilled Vegetables

The earthy flavors of grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant complement the bread well.

Olive Tapenade

Double down on olive flavor with a tapenade spread.

Pasta Dishes

Serve it on the side of creamy or tomato-based pasta dishes.

Breakfast Toast

Toasted with a little butter or cream cheese for a savory start to your day.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly softer. Bread flour gives the loaf more chew and structure.

2. Do I have to use a Dutch oven?
A Dutch oven helps create steam, which gives the bread a crispy crust. If you don’t have one, bake on a preheated baking stone and toss a few ice cubes into the oven to simulate steam.

3. What kind of olives are best?
Use high-quality, pitted olives. A mix of green (like Castelvetrano) and black (like Kalamata) gives a great balance of flavor.

4. Can I add other ingredients like herbs or cheese?
Absolutely! Rosemary, thyme, sun-dried tomatoes, or even chunks of feta make delicious additions.

5. How long will this bread stay fresh?
It’s best enjoyed within 1-2 days, but you can freeze slices for up to 2 months.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest bread board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try a mix of olives or stick to one variety? Did you go classic or throw in some herbs?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake smarter.

Find more daily recipes on my Life With Livia Pinterest for more tasty ideas!

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Conclusion

This Olive Bread is the perfect combination of rustic charm and savory depth. It’s simple enough for beginners and rewarding for experienced bakers alike. Whether you serve it warm with olive oil, alongside a hearty meal, or toasted for breakfast, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

With just a few ingredients and a bit of patience, you can enjoy artisan-style bread fresh from your own oven.

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