Savory Cheese & Olive Quick Bread Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the milk and olive oil, whisking until fully combined.
- 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.
- Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the grated cheese, chopped olives, and fresh parsley or chives, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- 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.
- Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- 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
