Olive Bread

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Golden crusted, airy, and speckled with briny green and black olives, this Olive Bread is a rustic loaf that delivers a bold flavor punch with every bite. With a chewy interior and a perfectly crisp crust, it makes a standout addition to any bread basket, charcuterie board, or casual appetizer spread. What makes it irresistible is how each olive infuses its unique saltiness into the dough, adding character without overwhelming the natural wheaty flavor.

Whether you’re a home baker testing your sourdough game or just someone who loves a slice of artisan-style bread fresh from the oven, this Olive Bread is a no-fuss recipe that rewards your time with bakery-level results. No stand mixer, no kneading marathons—just a slow ferment and a hot oven to make this stunner of a loaf come to life.

What Kind of Olives Should I Use?

You can mix and match olives depending on what you love most. Green Castelvetrano olives bring a mellow, buttery sweetness, while Kalamata or black olives contribute a deep, briny richness. Use pitted olives for ease, and give them a rough chop before folding them into the dough. The key is to keep them evenly distributed for that beautiful cross-section in every slice.

Ingredients for the Olive Bread

• Bread Flour – Provides the high protein content necessary for strong gluten development and a chewy structure.
• Warm Water – Activates the yeast and helps form the dough.
• Instant Yeast – Speeds up the fermentation process without sacrificing flavor.
• Salt – Essential for seasoning and strengthening the dough structure.
• Chopped Olives – The star ingredient; provides salty, savory bursts and beautiful color contrast.
• Olive Oil – Enhances the richness of the bread and adds moisture.

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How To Make the Olive Bread

Step 1: Create the Dough Base

In a large bowl, mix together the bread flour, salt, and yeast. Slowly add warm water and stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Let it rest for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Olives

After the initial rest, fold in the chopped olives and a drizzle of olive oil. Use your hands to gently incorporate them without overworking the dough.

Step 3: Bulk Ferment and Stretch

Cover the dough with a towel and let it rise at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours, stretching and folding every 30 minutes to build strength.

Step 4: Shape and Rest

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a round or oval loaf. Transfer it onto parchment paper and let it proof for another 45 minutes.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Preheat your oven to 475°F with a Dutch oven inside. Carefully transfer the dough into the hot Dutch oven, cover, and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the lid and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until deep golden and crisp.

Serving and Storing This Bread

Olive Bread is best enjoyed slightly warm with a slab of good butter or dipped into olive oil and balsamic vinegar. For leftovers, wrap it tightly in foil or a bread bag and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. To refresh it, pop it in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Freeze slices in zip-top bags for up to 2 months. Toast them straight from frozen for a quick fix any time.

What to Serve With Olive Bread?

With Charcuterie

Slice and pair with cured meats, cheeses, grapes, and pickles.

With Soup

It’s perfect with tomato soup, lentil stew, or creamy broccoli cheddar.

As Sandwich Bread

Use thick slices for paninis with mozzarella, tomato, and basil.

With Pasta

Serve alongside spaghetti bolognese or shrimp Alfredo to mop up sauces.

As Bruschetta

Top with chopped tomatoes, garlic, and basil for a rustic starter.

With Eggs

Use for avocado toast or alongside scrambled eggs with feta.

With Dips

Pair with hummus, artichoke dip, or whipped feta.

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Want More Bread Ideas?

If you love this Olive Bread, you’ll want to check out these other crave-worthy creations:

• Easy Homemade Bread if you’re starting from scratch.
• Sourdough Naan Flatbread for a tangy, stovetop twist.
• Cream Cheese Olive Spread to smear over fresh bread.
• Green Olive Dip for a bold, creamy companion.
• Garlic Roasted Cherry Tomatoes for a vibrant topping.

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 use green, black, or both? Did you add herbs or keep it classic?

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

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting breads and more on ChefAlchemy Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for flavorful creations!

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