I’m excited to share with you a delightful recipe for Savory Quick Bread with Cheese and Olives. This bread is a perfect blend of flavors that will leave you craving more with every bite. The combination of tangy cheese and briny olives creates a savory sensation that is truly irresistible.

With a light and fluffy texture, this quick bread is incredibly easy to make and is a great option for a quick snack or to accompany your favorite meal. With each delicious slice, you’ll experience a burst of flavors that will have you coming back for seconds.

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a spicy kick)
1 cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)

1 cup milk (any kind works, but whole milk is preferred for richness)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 large eggs

1 cup chopped olives (green, black, or a mix; drained if using canned)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional for extra flavor)
Butter or non-stick cooking spray for greasing the loaf pan

Instructions for Making Savory Quick Bread with Cheese and Olives

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). This will ensure that the raising agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Add Cheese and Olives: Stir in the grated cheese and chopped olives into the dry ingredients. If you’re using thyme, add it now. This step helps to coat the cheese and olives with flour, preventing them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, olive oil, and eggs until well combined.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense bread.
Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.

Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This bread is delicious served warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Ingredient Quality: The quality of your ingredients significantly affects the bread’s flavor. Use fresh, high-quality cheese and olives for the best taste. If possible, grate your cheese rather than using pre-shredded varieties, as fresh cheese melts and incorporates better.

Oven Calibration: Oven temperatures can vary, so knowing your oven’s quirks can help achieve the best baking results. Consider using an oven thermometer to ensure the accuracy of the temperature setting.

Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until the flour is moistened. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, leading to a denser bread.

Bake Immediately: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, the baking powder starts acting. To ensure a good rise, bake the bread immediately after mixing.

Check for Doneness: Ovens vary, so start checking the bread for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time ends. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, or with a few moist crumbs.

Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to customize the recipe with additional herbs, spices, or other ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or different types of cheese and olives.

Serving Suggestions

As a Standalone Snack: This savory bread is delicious on its own, with a crusty exterior and a moist, flavorful interior. Enjoy it as a midday snack or a hearty breakfast option.

With Soups and Stews: Serve slices of this bread as a side to complement creamy soups, hearty stews, or chili. The bread’s robust flavors make it an excellent accompaniment to a variety of dishes.

Cheese Platter Accompaniment: Add slices or cubes of this bread to a cheese platter for an extra savory element. It pairs wonderfully with soft cheeses, cured meats, and a selection of olives.

Sandwiches: Use thick slices of the bread to create unique and flavorful sandwiches. The bread’s texture and taste provide a perfect foundation for both cold and grilled sandwich creations.

Storage Tips

Cool Completely Before Storing: Let the bread cool entirely to room temperature before wrapping it for storage. This prevents condensation from forming, which could make the bread soggy.

Wrap Tightly: Wrap the bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. For added protection, you can then place it in a resealable plastic bag.

Room Temperature Storage: When stored properly, the bread can last for about 2-3 days at room temperature. Keep it in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage.

Refrigerate for Longer Freshness: For longer storage, refrigerate the bread wrapped in plastic wrap and an additional layer of foil. It can last in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing: This bread freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and place it in a freezer bag. Label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the oven before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this bread with gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Look for a blend that’s designed to be a 1:1 replacement. Note that textures may vary slightly with gluten-free flours.

How can I make the bread more moist?
Ensure not to overbake the bread, as this can dry it out. You can also try adding a bit more olive oil or substituting part of the milk with yogurt for a richer, moister crumb.

Can I add nuts to this bread?
Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or pine nuts can add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the bread. Toast them lightly before adding to the batter for enhanced flavor.

What can I do if my bread didn’t rise well?
Make sure your baking powder is fresh, as expired baking powder can lose its effectiveness. Also, avoid opening the oven door frequently during baking, as this can cause temperature fluctuations that affect the rise.

Is it possible to make this bread vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version by using plant-based milk, vegan cheese, and substituting the

Savory Quick Bread With Cheese And Olives

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Here's an easy and flavorful recipe for a savory quick bread that combines the robust taste of cheese with the zesty flavor of olives. Perfect for enthusiasts of hearty, savory baked goods, this bread makes a wonderful side for salads and soups or can be savored by itself, simply spread with a little butter.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for a spicy kick
1 cup grated cheese cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix
1 cup milk any kind works, but whole milk is preferred for richness

1/4 cup olive oil
2 large eggs
1 cup chopped olives green, black, or a mix; drained if using canned

1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme optional for extra flavor
Butter or non-stick cooking spray for greasing the loaf pan

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). This will ensure that the raising agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Add Cheese and Olives: Stir in the grated cheese and chopped olives into the dry ingredients. If you’re using thyme, add it now. This step helps to coat the cheese and olives with flour, preventing them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, olive oil, and eggs until well combined.

Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense bread.
Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This bread is delicious served warm or at room temperature.