Indulge in the rich flavors of this Cheese and Olive Bread. Combining a soft, fluffy dough with a savory cheese filling and a tangy, herb-infused topping, this bread is perfect for any meal or snack. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it’s sure to impress your family and friends with its delicious taste and beautiful presentation.

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:

1. In a bowl, combine warm milk, dried yeast, sugar, and salt. Let it sit for a few minutes until foamy.
2. Add the flour and vegetable oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

First Rise:

1. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 40 minutes or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling:

1. In a separate bowl, mix together grated cheese and 1 egg. Set aside.

Assemble the Bread:

1. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two portions.
2. Roll out each portion into a rectangle.
3. Spread the cheese and egg mixture evenly over each rectangle.
4. Roll up each rectangle tightly from the long side, then pinch the edges to seal.

Second Rest:

1. Place the rolled dough in a greased baking pan. Let it rest for another 10 minutes.

Prepare the Topping:

1. 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:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
2. Spread the topping mixture evenly over the prepared dough in the baking pan.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Serve:

1. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.
2. Enjoy your delicious cheese and olive bread warm or at room temperature.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Kcal: 300 kcal per serving | Servings: 8 servings

Ingredient Spotlight

Key Ingredients:

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and a soft texture to the bread.
• Dried Yeast: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the dough rise and become fluffy.
• Milk and Vegetable Oil: Keep the dough moist and tender.
• Cheese Filling: A mix of grated cheese and egg adds richness and flavor to the bread.
• Olive Topping: A combination of feta cheese, olives, cream cheese, honey, and herbs creates a tangy and savory topping that complements the bread perfectly.

Cooking Tips

1. Preparing the Dough: Ensure the milk is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast properly. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic for the best texture.
2. Rising Time: Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place to ensure it doubles in size.
3. Rolling and Filling: Roll the dough out evenly and spread the filling uniformly to ensure every bite is flavorful.
4. Topping: Mix the topping ingredients well to distribute the flavors evenly. Spread it generously over the dough before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Cheese and Olive Bread warm from the oven or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, a bowl of soup, or as part of a cheese and charcuterie board. For a more indulgent treat, serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
• Protein: High protein content from the cheese and eggs
• Fat: Contains healthy fats from the vegetable oil and olives
• Carbohydrates: Provides energy from the flour and milk

Variations

This recipe can be easily customized to suit your preferences:

• Cheese Variations: Substitute or add different types of cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda for a unique flavor profile.
• Herb Additions: Add fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, or oregano to the dough or topping for an extra aromatic touch.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the topping mixture for a spicy twist.

Conclusion

This Cheese and Olive Bread is a savory and flavorful addition to any meal. With its soft, cheesy filling and tangy olive topping, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the process of baking and the delightful taste of this homemade bread. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.