Your Go-To Olive Bread Recipe: Craft a Flavorful Artisan Kalamata Loaf with Ease

I’ve perfected this Olive Bread Recipe Artisan Kalamata Loaf over countless batches, and I’m thrilled to share how simple it is to achieve bakery-quality results at home. Imagine a warm loaf, its aroma filling your kitchen, boasting a crisp, golden crust and a soft, chewy interior studded with savory Kalamata olives. This family-friendly Olive Bread Recipe is a joy to bake, transforming simple ingredients into a truly satisfying experience for your easy dinner ideas or as a wholesome snack.

Ingredients That Make It Work

Crafting this incredible Olive Bread Recipe Artisan Kalamata Loaf begins with a few foundational items. Using quality ingredients ensures the best flavor and texture for your homemade bread.

• All-purpose or Bread Flour: 3 cups (360g) – Provides the main structure for the loaf. For a healthier option, consider organic flour.
• Active Dry Yeast: 2 tsp (7g) – The essential leavening agent for a light, airy crumb.
• Salt: 1.5 tsp (9g) – Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity.
• Warm Water: 1.5 cups (360ml) – Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough.
• Kalamata Olives: 1 cup (150g), pitted and chopped – Offers a briny, savory signature taste. Choose olives packed in brine, not oil, for a lighter profile. (Swap: green olives or sun-dried tomatoes work beautifully for a different twist.)
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 2 tbsp (30ml) – Adds richness, moisture, and contributes to a golden crust. (Swap: avocado oil is a neutral alternative if you’re out of EVOO.) Opt for a high-quality oil for better flavor.

Cooking Steps Made Easy

Follow these steps to bake a beautiful Olive Bread Recipe Artisan Kalamata Loaf, perfect for elevating any meal. These precise instructions ensure a delicious, rewarding result.

1. Activate Yeast (5-10 minutes): In a large bowl, combine 1.5 cups (360ml) warm water (105-115°F/40-46°C), 2 tsp active dry yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Stir gently; it should become foamy within 5-10 minutes. If your yeast doesn’t foam, it might be old or the water temperature was incorrect. Start with fresh yeast and verify water temp.
2. Mix the Dough (10 minutes): Add 3 cups (360g) flour, 1.5 tsp salt, 1 cup chopped Kalamata olives, and 2 tbsp olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until shaggy. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise (60-90 minutes): Place dough in a lightly oiled large bowl, turning once to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 60-90 minutes, until it doubles in size and feels light.
4. Shape the Loaf (5 minutes): Gently deflate the risen dough. Shape into a rustic round or oblong loaf on a floured surface. Place onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Second Rise (30-45 minutes): Cover the shaped loaf and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes. It should become puffy; a gentle poke should spring back slowly.
6. Bake to Golden Perfection (30-40 minutes): Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Score the loaf top. Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. Cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes before slicing.

Quick-Prep Hack: For this Olive Bread Recipe, I often use a stand mixer with a dough hook for kneading; it’s a great shortcut for preparing family meals faster.

Inline Variations: For an herbal twist, fold in 1-2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary or thyme during mixing for an aromatic Olive Bread. You can also incorporate 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for a richer flavor, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicier Olive Bread Recipe.

When and How to Enjoy This Hearty Olive Loaf

This Olive Bread Recipe Artisan Kalamata Loaf is incredibly versatile, fitting many occasions:

• Best Occasions

  It’s a perfect side for fast dinners, an excellent addition to meal prep for easy lunches, a showstopper for gatherings, or a rustic treat for weekend brunches.

• Serving Suggestions

  Serve warm with a bowl of soup or stew, alongside a fresh salad, or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer spread with cheeses and dips. It also makes incredible sandwiches, ideal for family-friendly meals.

• Storage/Reheating Advice

  Store leftover homemade bread at room temperature in an airtight container for 2-3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To freeze, slice the cooled loaf, wrap tightly, and store for up to 3 months. Reheat slices in a toaster or the whole loaf in the oven (350°F/175°C) until warmed through and crusty.

Nutrition & Lifestyle Benefits of This Homemade Olive Loaf

Enjoy the goodness of homemade bread with these wholesome benefits:

• A satisfying option that provides sustained energy from complex carbohydrates.
• A delightful addition to easy healthy dinner recipes when paired with lean protein and vegetables.
• Olives contribute healthy monounsaturated fats, supporting a balanced diet.
• This homemade Olive Bread Recipe Artisan Kalamata Loaf can be portioned for meal prep for various goals.
• It’s a natural, wholesome alternative to highly processed store-bought breads, offering control over ingredients.

Time, Money, and Convenience

• Quick Breakdown

  Active prep for this delicious Olive Bread Recipe Artisan Kalamata Loaf takes about 20-25 minutes. Total time, including rising and baking, is around 3-4 hours.

• Approximate Cost Per Serving

  Baking this artisan bread at home is far more economical than buying it from a bakery, typically costing less than $1.00 per serving.

• Batch Cooking or Make-Ahead Benefits

  Prepare two loaves at once and freeze one for a convenient grab-and-go option. The dough can also be cold-proofed in the fridge overnight for fresh baking the next morning, perfect for meal prep recipes.

Smart Shopping Tips for Your Olive Bread Recipe

• Where to Buy Quality Ingredients

  Find fresh, high-quality flour and yeast at your local supermarket. Specialty olives can often be sourced from gourmet food stores or the deli counter. Opting for organic ingredients is a great choice for enhanced flavor.

• Notes on Fresh vs. Frozen vs. Canned

  For Kalamata olives, good quality jarred or canned options are perfectly fine and offer great convenience. Choose pitted olives for easier preparation of your homemade artisan loaf.

• Mentions

  Explore organic grocery delivery services for unique flours, or check health food stores for special olive varieties to elevate your loaf.

Expert Tips & Adjustments for Your Artisan Loaf

• Chef-Style Upgrades for Flavor or Texture

  Bake this homemade loaf in a Dutch oven for a professional-grade crust and crumb. I’ve found this trick truly elevates the texture, giving a beautiful artisan finish every time.

• Seasoning Tweaks for Different Palates

  Finish with flaky sea salt before baking for an extra crunch and burst of saltiness. A sprinkle of dried oregano or za’atar can add an authentic Mediterranean flair.

• Allergy and Kid-Friendly Adjustments

  Ensure a gluten-free flour blend is used for those with sensitivities. For family-friendly meals, chop the olives very finely or offer a plain dough version alongside.

FAQs about Making Olive Bread

• Can this Olive Bread Recipe be made ahead for meal prep?

  Absolutely! You can prepare the dough for this delicious Olive Bread Recipe Artisan Kalamata Loaf and refrigerate it for a slow, overnight proof. This method develops deeper flavors and allows for fresh baking in the morning, making it an excellent option for meal prep.

• How long does cooked Olive Bread last?

  Your homemade Olive Bread Recipe Artisan Kalamata Loaf will stay fresh for 2-3 days when stored at room temperature in an airtight container. If you need it to last longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. For reheating, slices can go in a toaster, or warm the whole loaf in a 350°F (175°C) oven until crusty.

• How to make this Olive Bread gluten-free?

  To make this Olive Bread Recipe Artisan Kalamata Loaf gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of a good quality 1:1 gluten-free bread flour blend. Ensure your chosen blend specifically contains xanthan gum to provide the necessary elasticity and structure for a proper rise.

• Is this Olive Bread recipe suitable for beginners?

  Yes, it’s very family-friendly and suitable for beginners. The instructions for this artisan loaf are broken down into clear, manageable steps, designed to build confidence. You’ll achieve impressive results even if you’re new to bread baking.

• What’s the healthiest substitute for Kalamata olives in this loaf?

  For a healthy alternative, consider Castelvetrano olives, which are milder and offer similar beneficial monounsaturated fats. Sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers are also great choices, providing different vitamins and antioxidants while keeping the loaf flavorful and wholesome.

• Does this Olive Bread recipe freeze well?

  Yes, this Olive Bread Recipe Artisan Kalamata Loaf freezes exceptionally well. For the best results, I always slice the cooled loaf before freezing; this way, you can easily thaw only what you need, ensuring minimal waste and fresh enjoyment.

Ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread? This easy Olive Bread Recipe Artisan Kalamata Loaf delivers incredible flavor, impressive results, and nourishing goodness with minimal effort, making it a cost-effective choice for family dinners. Don’t wait! Pin this Olive Bread Recipe Artisan Kalamata Loaf to your favorite board, add the ingredients to your shopping list, and plan to bake this deliciousness next week!

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