Italian Olive Bread

Transport your taste buds to the rustic heart of Italy with this savory Italian Olive Bread, a divine fusion of tradition and bold Mediterranean flavors. Crafted with a blend of all-purpose flour, fragrant fresh rosemary, and briny Kalamata olives, this artisan-style bread boasts a golden, crusty exterior and a tender, olive-studded crumb. Perfectly balanced with a touch of extra virgin olive oil and a hint of salt, every slice offers a harmonious medley of earthy and tangy notes. Ideal as an accompaniment to soups, stews, or antipasto platters, this bread is a showstopper whether served warm or toasted. With straightforward steps like kneading and a rewarding double rise, this recipe is suitable for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. Discover how to make this homemade Italian Olive Bread, a crowd-pleaser for every occasion and a timeless favorite in Mediterranean cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.25 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)

Directions

Step 1

In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy to activate the yeast.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.

Step 3

Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 4

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes on medium speed.

Step 5

Gently knead in the chopped olives and rosemary until evenly incorporated.

Step 6

Place the dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 7

Punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf or an oval. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 8

Cover the loaf loosely with a towel and let it rise again for 30-40 minutes.

Step 9

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Just before baking, use a sharp knife to make 2-3 shallow slashes on the surface of the bread to allow it to expand as it bakes.

Step 10

Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 11

Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	998.6 grams (998.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2280

Total Fat 71.80g	92%
Saturated Fat 9.40g	47%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1898mg	83%
Total Carbohydrate 343.50g	125%
Dietary Fiber 20.90g	75%
Total Sugars 5.10g
Protein 49.30g	99%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 221mg	17%
Iron 25mg	137%
Potassium 754mg	16%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 29.1%

Protein: 8.9%

Carbs: 62.0%