Bread with olives and cheese
Olive and cheese bread - a delicious recipe for unforgettable moments
What could be more comforting than freshly baked, warm, fluffy bread filled with savory filling? This olive and cheese bread recipe is not only simple but also versatile, allowing you to experiment with different fillings. Perfect for a hearty breakfast, a snack between meals, or to be served alongside a homemade pâté, this bread is sure to become a family favorite.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 40-50 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 slices
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 500 g of flour (ideally, use type 000 flour for a finer texture)
- 1 packet of dry yeast (7 g)
- 270-300 ml of lukewarm water (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 25 ml of olive oil (this adds a wonderful flavor and a soft texture)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt (to balance the taste)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (helps activate the yeast)
For the filling:
- 150 g of cheese (choose a cheese with a pronounced flavor that melts well)
- 4 tablespoons of grated Parmesan (adds a note of flavor and an intense taste)
- 50 g of pitted black olives, sliced thin (green olives can also be used, depending on preference)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (to brush the bread before baking, for a golden crust)
- Pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds (for added texture and flavor)
Step by step:
1. Preparing the dough:
Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl to aerate it. Add the dry yeast, salt, and sugar. Mix the dry ingredients well. This step is essential as it ensures even distribution of the yeast and flavors in the dough.
2. Adding the water:
Gradually pour the lukewarm water into the flour mixture, mixing constantly with a spatula or your hands. Continue kneading until you achieve an elastic and slightly sticky dough. Kneading is a crucial step as it develops the gluten, giving the bread a fluffy texture.
3. Incorporating the oil:
Finally, add the olive oil and knead the dough again to incorporate it well. The oil not only adds a pleasant taste but also helps maintain moisture in the bread.
4. Let the dough rise:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a draft-free place for 40-50 minutes. You will notice how the dough doubles in volume - a sign that the yeast is doing its job!
5. Preparing the filling:
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Slice the olives thinly, grate the cheese and Parmesan. These ingredients will add an intense flavor and delicious texture to the bread.
6. Shaping the bread:
After the dough has risen, sprinkle flour on the work surface, turn the dough out, and divide it into two equal parts. Roll out the first piece of dough into a rectangular shape that fits into the lined baking tray. Evenly spread the filling of olives, cheese, and Parmesan over the first sheet.
7. Covering the filling:
Roll out the second piece of dough and carefully place it over the filling. Let it rise for another 10-15 minutes. This is an important step as it allows the dough to relax and become fluffier.
8. Preparing for baking:
Brush the surface with olive oil and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds. This not only improves the aesthetic appearance but also adds a special aroma.
9. Baking the bread:
Preheat the oven to 180-200°C. Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until it is golden and crispy on the surface. A simple method to check if the bread is baked is to tap it lightly on the bottom - if it sounds hollow, it is done!
10. Cooling and serving:
After baking, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a rack. If you are not serving it immediately, cover it with a thick towel to retain moisture and prevent it from drying out.
Serving suggestions:
This bread is wonderful served warm, alongside a homemade pâté or even with a bowl of plain yogurt. A delicious combination of flavors that will delight anyone's taste buds!
Possible variations:
- Experiment with different fillings, such as green olives, feta cheese, or even sautéed vegetables.
- Add herbs like oregano or basil to the dough for an even more intense flavor.
- Substitute the cheese with goat cheese for a stronger aroma.
Nutritional benefits:
This bread is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats from olive oil and seeds. Olives add a boost of antioxidants and unsaturated fats, beneficial for the heart.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can replace dry yeast with fresh yeast, using about 20-25 g. Make sure to activate it before adding it to the dough.
2. How can I keep the bread fresh for longer?
Store the bread in a paper bag or covered with a clean towel. Avoid storing it in the refrigerator, as this can lead to it drying out quickly.
3. Can this bread be frozen?
Yes, the bread freezes very well. Make sure to wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
I hope this olive and cheese bread recipe inspires you to spend time in the kitchen, exploring and experimenting with delicious ingredients. Feel free to share your impressions and variations! Bon appétit!
Ingredients: For the dough: 500 g flour, 1 packet of dry yeast (7 g), 270-300 ml warm water, 25 ml oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon sugar. For the filling: 150 g cheese, 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan, 50 g pitted black olives, 1 tablespoon olive oil, pumpkin seeds, sesame, poppy seeds.
