Savory Cheese and Olive Quick Bread Recipe

Introduction

Delicious Savory Cheese and Olive Quick Bread is a perfect blend of rich cheese, briny olives, and aromatic herbs baked into a moist, tender loaf. Quick to make and packed with flavor, it’s an excellent snack or side for any meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• 1 cup whole milk
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup olives (green, black, or mixed), drained and chopped if large
• 1 teaspoon fresh or dried thyme (optional)
• Butter or non-stick spray for greasing the pan

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan generously with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Ensure these dry ingredients are well combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, olive oil, and eggs until smooth and fully blended.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined. A few lumps are okay—avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
5. Step 5: Fold in the shredded cheese and drained olives carefully to distribute evenly without breaking the cheese.
6. Step 6: If using, stir in the fresh or dried thyme for a fragrant herbal note.
7. Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a wooden skewer into the center; it should come out clean.
8. Step 8: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• Use a blend of cheeses like sharp cheddar and mozzarella for a richer flavor and gooey texture.
• Drain olives well to prevent excess moisture that could make the bread soggy.
• For added heat, increase cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños.
• Fresh thyme can be substituted with rosemary or oregano for a different herbal twist.
• Try adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra depth and color.

Storage

Store the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze sliced portions for up to 3 months. Reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave until warmed through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour is recommended for the best texture, but you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free blends. Keep in mind that different flours may alter the bread’s density and rise.

Can I make this bread dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the milk with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Olive oil keeps the bread moist, so the texture will remain tender.

Savory Cheese and Olive Quick Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 140 reviews

This Delicious Savory Cheese and Olive Quick Bread combines the rich flavors of melted cheese and briny olives into a tender, moist bread with a slightly crispy crust. Made with simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, baking powder, and aromatic thyme, this quick bread is perfect for a flavorful snack, appetizer, or accompaniment to soups and salads. It bakes up quickly at 375°F, making it an easy and satisfying savory bread option that requires no yeast or long rising times.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• 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
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large eggs

Additional Ingredients

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or blend)
• ½ cup olives, drained and chopped (green, black, or mixed)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• Butter or non-stick spray for greasing the loaf pan

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy removal and a pleasant crust.
2. Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. This helps distribute the leavening agent and spices evenly and prevents lumps.
3. Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk whole milk, olive oil, and eggs until fully combined and smooth, ensuring no streaks of oil remain.
4. Combine: Carefully pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender. It’s okay if the batter has some lumps.
5. Add Cheese and Olives: Fold in shredded cheese and the well-drained chopped olives evenly into the batter, taking care not to overwork the mix to maintain texture.
6. Add Thyme (Optional): If desired, stir in fresh or dried thyme for a fragrant, herby accent.
7. Bake: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a wooden skewer into the center; it should come out clean. If the crust browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil during the last 10-15 minutes.
8. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before carefully removing it. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing the interior to set and avoiding sogginess.

Notes

• Use fresh baking powder for best rise and texture.
• Drain olives thoroughly to prevent excess moisture, which can make the bread soggy.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to taste based on your preference for heat.
• Try different cheese combinations such as sharp cheddar and mozzarella for varied flavor profiles.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
• This quick bread can be sliced and toasted for breakfast or served alongside soups and salads.

Keywords: Savory quick bread, cheese bread, olive bread, quick bread recipe, easy savory bread, thyme bread, homemade bread