Easy No-Knead Olive Bread
There’s something profoundly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, and this Easy No-Knead Olive Bread delivers that experience without the fuss of traditional kneading. Imagine a crunchy crust giving way to a soft, warm interior studded with briny, flavorful olives. It’s not just bread; it’s a slice of indulgence that beckons comfort with every bite.
Whether you’re creating a cozy dinner setting with friends or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a slice—and perhaps a pat of butter—this recipe is a delightful reminder of home-cooked love. It’s easy enough for the kids to help with, and with minimal ingredients and a no-fuss approach, you’ll find yourself making it time and time again.
Are Your Taste Buds Ready for a Flavor Explosion?
What if you could indulge in a warm, crusty loaf that bursts with savory flavor and carries a hint of nostalgia from family gatherings? Picture this: baked to perfection, each slice of this olive bread pairs beautifully with your favorite cheeses or a simple olive oil dip. Wouldn’t it be bliss to create this irresistible legacy in your kitchen?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the best things about this Easy No-Knead Olive Bread is that it ticks all the right boxes for bread lovers everywhere:
- Easy Prep: With only one bowl and minimal effort, this loaf comes together quickly.
- Healthy: Full of wholesome ingredients, and the olives add a dash of healthy fat!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Irresistible with a crusty exterior and tender interior—perfect for parties.
- Minimal Ingredients: You don’t need a pantry full of items; just basics plus olives create magic.
Ingredients
To create your heavenly loaf of Easy No-Knead Olive Bread, you will need:
- 3 and 1/4 cups bread flour, plus more as needed for dusting and handling
- 2 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast to give it that perfect rise
- 2 teaspoons coarse salt for flavor enhancement
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano for that Mediterranean touch
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder to infuse each bite with warmth
- 1 heaping cup roughly chopped olives for savoriness
- 1 and 1/2 cups water at about 70°F to bring it all together
- Optional cornmeal for dusting: It will lend a delightful crunch to the crust
Imagine the delight in mixing these aromatic ingredients, the scent of garlic lifting your spirits, and the salty notes of olives setting the stage for the culinary magic to come.
Timing
This Easy No-Knead Olive Bread offers a balance of indulgence and patience.
- Fast and Indulgent: Invest just a few hours to let that dough rise, and you’ll have a flavor-packed loaf ready for an evening meal.
- Slow and Luxurious: For an even richer flavor, let the dough rest in the refrigerator for up to three days before baking. The wait is worth it!
Step-by-Step
Let’s dive into the process of crafting your Easy No-Knead Olive Bread.
Start by taking a large bowl and whisking together the flour, yeast, salt, oregano, and garlic powder. As you combine these ingredients, let the seasoning blend together, creating a fragrant base.
Next, add in your chopped olives and fold them gently into the dry ingredients. Their brininess will meld beautifully with the other flavors.
Now it’s time to pour in the water. Mix until all the flour is moistened and it transforms into a shaggy ball of dough in the bowl—this is one of the beautiful parts of no-knead bread; it does all the magic for you!
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise at room temperature for about 2-3 hours. For even greater flavor, refrigerate it afterward for up to 3 days.
While your dough rises, prepare your baking area by dusting a baking sheet with flour or cornmeal. When the dough has risen adequately, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a ball.
Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet, cover it again, and let it rest for 45 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 425°F. As the heat builds, make a few slashes in the top of your dough using a sharp knife. This will ensure a professional look as it bakes.
To create a perfectly crisp crust, you have the option of pouring boiling water into a shallow pan on the bottom oven rack before baking your loaf.
Finally, pop it in the oven to bake for 35-40 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Afterward, resist the urge to slice it immediately. Allow it to cool for about 10-20 minutes, letting the flavors settle.
If you’re using a Dutch oven, follow the same steps for mixing the dough, but instead of letting it sit on the baking sheet, place it into your preheated Dutch oven, covering it for 30 minutes and then letting it bake uncovered for 10 minutes.
If using a pizza stone, preheat that in advance and transfer your dough onto the hot stone, adjusting the baking time as needed.
Nutritional Information
While indulging in Easy No-Knead Olive Bread, you’re looking at roughly 150 calories per generous slice, depending on the ingredients used. It’s essential to remember that sometimes, a little indulgence brings immense joy and nostalgia, especially when shared with loved ones!
Healthier Alternatives
If you want to make this loaf a touch lighter or cater to specific dietary needs:
- Use whole wheat flour for a fiber-rich alternative.
- Opt for dairy-free alternatives by leaving out any dairy.
Consider low-sodium olives to further control the salt content!
Serving Suggestions
This olive bread is versatile enough to serve on any occasion:
- Pair it with rich cheeses for a hand-crafted charcuterie board.
- Use it as a base for bruschetta.
- Enjoy it alongside your favorite soups or salads.
- Slice it and toast it for breakfast, topping it with avocado or a soft-boiled egg.
During the holidays, serve it warm at family gatherings, and be sure to watch as guests flock to it with eager hearts!
Common Mistakes
Even though making Easy No-Knead Olive Bread is straightforward, here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on the timer—check for that golden brown exterior!
- Texture issues: If your dough is too dry, it’ll yield a dense loaf. Emphasize the water measurement.
- Messy work areas: Embrace flour-covered countertops. This is part of the charm of homemade bread.
Storing Tips
For optimal freshness, store your olive bread in a paper bag at room temperature for a few days. You can also opt for these additional tips:
- Freeze portions to enjoy later. Just slice and wrap tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil.
- To reheat, thaw slices at room temperature and pop them in the toaster or back in the oven to regain that freshly-baked flavor!
Tempting Readers to Bake It ASAP
Don’t wait! The urge to whip up a batch of this Easy No-Knead Olive Bread is too tempting to resist. Let the scent of warm, rustic bread fill your home and your heart. Who knew that so much flavor could come from such a straightforward process? Go ahead; roll up your sleeves and start your knead-free adventure today!
FAQs
-
Can I use different kinds of olives?
- Absolutely! Feel free to mix it up with green, black, or even stuffed olives for a unique twist.
-
Is it necessary to refrigerate dough?
- No, but refrigeration enhances the flavor, allowing the yeast to develop beautifully over time.
-
Can I add other flavors to the dough?
- Yes! Consider adding herbs, cheeses, or sun-dried tomatoes for an exciting variety.
-
What if my dough is too sticky?
- Use additional flour while working with the dough but avoid adding too much or compromising the texture.
-
How long will the bread stay fresh?
- It’s best enjoyed within a few days, but frozen portions can last up to three months without losing flavor!
Let your taste buds embark on this delightful journey with Easy No-Knead Olive Bread—a recipe worthy of the table at every gathering and special moment.
Print
Easy No-Knead Olive Bread
- Total Time: 180 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy No-Knead Olive Bread features a crunchy crust and a soft, flavorful interior packed with briny olives, making it a perfect companion for any meal.
Ingredients
- 3 and 1/4 cups bread flour, plus more for dusting
- 2 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons coarse salt
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 heaping cup roughly chopped olives
- 1 and 1/2 cups water at about 70°F
- Optional cornmeal for dusting
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, salt, oregano, and garlic powder.
- Add the chopped olives and fold them gently into the dry ingredients.
- Pour in the water and mix until the flour is moistened and forms a shaggy ball of dough.
- Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it rise at room temperature for about 2-3 hours.
- Prepare your baking area by dusting a baking sheet with flour or cornmeal.
- Turn the risen dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a ball.
- Transfer it to the baking sheet, cover, and let it rest for 45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Make slashes in the top of the dough and optionally pour boiling water in a shallow pan on the bottom oven rack.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Let cool for 10-20 minutes before slicing.
Notes
For enhanced flavor, refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days before baking. This bread pairs excellently with cheeses or olive oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg

