Description
This Cheese and Olive Bread is a savory delight that’s perfect for any occasion. Imagine a golden-brown loaf with a soft, fluffy interior filled with a rich cheese blend and aromatic olives. The dough, crafted from a simple combination of flour, yeast, and milk, is first allowed to rise to create a light and airy texture. It’s then rolled with a flavorful cheese mixture, adding layers of creamy goodness to every bite. The topping, a decadent blend of feta cheese, honey, cream cheese, and olives, is spread over the dough before baking, creating a beautifully crispy crust with a burst of Mediterranean flavors.
The addition of green and black olives adds a tangy contrast to the richness of the cheese, while the honey and cream cheese topping introduces a hint of sweetness and creaminess. This bread is versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or as a complement to soups, salads, or as a party appetizer. Each slice offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes, from the crunchy exterior to the tender, cheesy filling.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
Dough:
- 300 ml warm milk
- 8 g dried yeast
- 6 g sugar
- 5 g salt
- 450 g all-purpose flour
- 30 ml vegetable oil
Filling:
- 200 g cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 30 ml vegetable oil
Topping:
- 120 g feta cheese, crumbled
- 10 g honey
- 40 g cream cheese
- 30 ml vegetable oil
- 40 ml water
- 3 g salt
- 2 g black pepper
- 3 g lemon zest
- 40 g green olives, chopped
- 40 g black olives, chopped
- 30 ml vegetable oil
- 2 g black pepper
- 3 g salt
- 3 g dried thyme
Directions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, combine warm milk, dried yeast, sugar, and salt. Let it sit for a few minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
- Add the flour and vegetable oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
First Rise: 4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 40 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling: 5. In a separate bowl, mix together the grated cheese and 1 egg. Set aside.
Assemble the Bread: 6. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two portions. 7. Roll out each portion into a rectangle. 8. Spread the cheese and egg mixture evenly over each rectangle. 9. Roll up each rectangle tightly from the long side, then pinch the edges to seal.
Second Rest: 10. Place the rolled dough in a greased baking pan. Let it rest for another 10 minutes.
Prepare the Topping: 11. In a small bowl, combine feta cheese, honey, cream cheese, vegetable oil, water, salt, black pepper, lemon zest, green olives, black olives, vegetable oil, black pepper, salt, and dried thyme. Mix well.
Bake: 12. Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F). 13. Spread the topping mixture evenly over the prepared dough in the baking pan. 14. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve: 15. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. 16. Enjoy your delicious cheese and olive bread warm or at room temperature.
Additional Information
Possible Questions About This Recipe:
- Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?
- Yes, you can use other types of cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses.
- Can I add more vegetables to the topping?
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or tomatoes to the topping for extra flavor and texture.
- Can I prepare the dough in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead. After the first rise, cover the dough tightly and refrigerate. Allow it to come to room temperature and rise again before baking.
- What if I don’t have dried yeast?
- You can use fresh yeast instead. Use about 25 g of fresh yeast and dissolve it in the warm milk with the sugar before mixing with the flour.
Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 8 servings):
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Protein: 9 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Sugars: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
- Sodium: 750 mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store the bread in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the bread for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Tips for Making the Best:
- Warm Milk: Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly. It should be around 40°C (105°F).
- Knead Thoroughly: Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This helps develop the gluten, giving the bread a good texture.
- Proper Rising: Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area. This will help it rise evenly.
- Moisture Control: Ensure the filling and topping ingredients are well-mixed but not too wet. Excess moisture can affect the texture of the bread.
- Check Doneness: The bread should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool Before Slicing: Let the bread cool slightly before slicing to avoid the filling from becoming too gooey.
Enjoy baking and savoring your homemade cheese and olive bread!
Conclusion
Cheese and Olive Bread is more than just a loaf—it’s an experience in every bite. This recipe combines the simplicity of homemade bread with the luxurious flavors of cheese and olives, making it an excellent choice for both casual and festive gatherings. The process of preparing and baking this bread is straightforward, but the end result is a beautifully crafted bread that looks and tastes gourmet.
From the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread to the satisfying crunch of the crust and the creamy, cheesy interior, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven, or let it cool slightly and serve it with a variety of accompaniments. Either way, this Cheese and Olive Bread will be a hit with everyone who tries it. Happy baking!