Savory Cheese and Olive Quick Bread Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk whole milk, olive oil, and eggs until fully combined and smooth, ensuring no streaks of oil remain.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Thyme (Optional): If desired, stir in fresh or dried thyme for a fragrant, herby accent.
- 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.
- 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
