Savory Cheese & Olive Quick Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Savory Cheese & Olive Quick Bread is a flavorful and easy-to-make treat perfect for brunch or parties. Loaded with melted cheese and savory olives, it delivers a delightful combination of textures and tastes in every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup milk
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 1 cup grated Gruyère or sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup pitted olives, chopped (green or black, or mix)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and dried herbs if using.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the milk and olive oil. Whisk until everything is well combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Step 5: Fold in the grated cheese, chopped olives, and fresh herbs evenly.
6. Step 6: Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the surface and optionally spritz the top with olive oil for a golden crust.
7. Step 7: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Step 8: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and place on a rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of green and black olives for a more complex flavor.
• Substitute Gruyère with sharp Cheddar or your favorite melting cheese if preferred.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
• Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can be switched according to taste or omitted for simplicity.

Storage

Store cooled slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a toaster oven or microwave briefly until soft and warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour for this bread?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking. Make sure it contains a binding agent like xanthan gum to help with texture.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to bake the bread immediately after mixing to ensure the baking powder is active and the bread rises well. However, you can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine just before baking.

Savory Cheese & Olive Quick Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 466 reviews

This Savory Cheese & Olive Quick Bread is a flavorful and easy-to-make loaf perfect for brunches, parties, or a savory snack. Featuring Gruyère or sharp Cheddar cheese combined with chopped olives and fresh herbs, this bread offers a moist, tender texture with a golden crust. Baked in under an hour, it’s a delightful addition to any meal or gathering.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)

Wet Ingredients

• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup milk
• ⅓ cup olive oil

Add-ins

• 1 cup grated Gruyère or sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup pitted olives, chopped (green, black, or mixed)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy release after baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme or rosemary if using.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the milk and olive oil, whisking until fully combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
5. Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the grated cheese, chopped olives, and fresh parsley or chives, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
6. Transfer to Pan and Prepare Surface: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top, and spritz lightly with olive oil to encourage a golden crust.
7. Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
9. Store: For storage or transport, place cooled slices in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Notes

• Use a sharp cheese like Gruyère or aged Cheddar for best flavor.
• Chop olives evenly to distribute their flavor throughout the bread.
• Don’t overmix the batter to keep the bread light and fluffy.
• Use fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add a bright, fresh note.
• Oil spritz on top ensures a beautifully golden and slightly crispy crust.
• Store in an airtight container to keep the bread fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week refrigerated.

Keywords: savory bread, cheese bread, olive bread, quick bread, brunch recipe, party appetizer