Olive and rosemary bread
This Olive and rosemary loaf of bread is bursting with savory flavor and rustic charm. This easy recipe delivers a golden crust, airy crumb, and aromatic herbs in every slice.
INGREDIENTS
Bread flour: 500 g / 4 cups
Warm water: 300 ml / 1¼ cups
Active dry yeast: 7 g / 2¼ tsp (1 packet)
Salt: 10 g / 2 tsp
Sugar: 5 g / 1 tsp
Olive oil: 30 ml / 2 tbsp
Butter (melted): 70 g / 5 tbsp (¼ cup)
Chopped black or green olives: 100 g / ¾ cup
Fresh rosemary (chopped): 15 g / 2 tbsp
PREP TIME
20 minutes (plus 1–2 hours rising)
COOKING TIME
30–35 minutes
STEP-BY-STEP COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Option A – Activate yeast: Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Option B – Add yeast directly: Mix bread flour, salt, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Add warm water and olive oil, melted butter stirring until dough begins to form.
3. Add olives and rosemary – Gently fold in chopped olives and rosemary.
4. Knead dough – Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Dough will be slightly sticky due to olives.
5. First rise – Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled.
6. Shape loaf – Punch down dough, shape into a round or oval loaf, and place on a greased baking tray.
7. Second rise – Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
8. Bake – Bake at 200°C / 400°F for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
9. Cool – Transfer to a wire rack and cool before slicing.
HELPFUL COOKING TIPS
1. Use high-quality olives – Briny, flavorful olives elevate the taste of the loaf.
2. Dry olives before adding – Excess moisture can affect dough texture.
3. Chop rosemary finely – This ensures even distribution and prevents overpowering bites.
4. Brush with olive oil before baking – Adds shine and enhances crust flavor.
5. Cool completely before slicing – This preserves the crumb and prevents tearing.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (PER SLICE, ~60 G)
Calories: ~180 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~28 g
Protein: ~5 g
Fat: ~5 g
Fiber: ~2 g
DIETARY TAGS
Vegetarian
Nut-free
ALLERGEN INFORMATION
Contains gluten (from bread flour)
Contains yeast
Contains olives (check for sensitivities)