Looking for a delicious and savory bread recipe that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this Olive, Bacon, and Cheese bread! Packed with amazing flavors and easy to make, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of salty olives, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
- This bread is simple to make and requires minimal prep time, making it a great option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- It’s perfect for meal prep – you can enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted the next day for a quick and tasty snack.
Ingredient Notes:
- All-purpose flour: Provides the base for the bread and gives it structure.
- Active dry yeast: Helps the bread rise and creates a light and airy texture.
- Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to the bread.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Lukewarm water: Activates the yeast and helps the dough come together.
- Olive oil: Adds moisture and richness to the bread.
- Pitted green or Kalamata olives: Adds a briny and tangy flavor to the bread.
- Cooked bacon: Provides a smoky and savory element.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (or your choice of cheese): Adds a creamy and cheesy goodness.
- Fresh rosemary (optional): Adds a fragrant and earthy flavor.
- Egg, beaten (for egg wash): Gives the bread a shiny and golden crust.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add the lukewarm water and olive oil, then mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Gently fold in the olives, bacon, cheese, and rosemary.
- Shape the dough into a loaf and let it rise again until puffy.
- Brush with egg wash and bake until golden brown and cooked through.
Helpful Tips:
- For a quicker rise, place the dough in a warm oven or near a sunny window.
- Feel free to customize the ingredients with your favorite mix-ins like sun-dried tomatoes or different cheeses.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use quality ingredients for the best flavor – opt for fresh olives, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese.
- Don’t over-knead the dough to keep it light and fluffy.
- Let the bread cool slightly before slicing to prevent it from becoming too dense.
Serving Suggestions:
This Olive, Bacon, and Cheese bread pairs perfectly with a bowl of soup, a fresh salad, or a glass of wine. It’s also great on its own as a snack or appetizer.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store, wrap the bread in foil or plastic wrap and keep at room temperature. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven or toaster oven until warm and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? – Yes, you can substitute instant yeast, just skip the proofing step.
- Can I freeze this bread? – Yes, this bread freezes well, just wrap it tightly in foil and store in an airtight container.
- Can I omit the bacon for a vegetarian version? – Absolutely, feel free to leave out the bacon or replace it with your favorite veggies.
Conclusion:
Now that you have all the tips and tricks for making this delicious Olive, Bacon, and Cheese bread, it’s time to get baking! Enjoy the amazing flavors and share your feedback with us. Happy baking!
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Olive, Bacon, and Cheese Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25-30 mins
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 mins
- Yield: 1 loaf (12 slices) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Olive, Bacon, and Cheese Bread recipe combines savory flavors in a delicious homemade bread. Perfect for serving as a side dish or snack.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup lukewarm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup pitted green or Kalamata olives, roughly chopped
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the yeast mixture: In a small bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and lukewarm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, mix until a dough forms.
- Add the toppings: Fold in the olives, bacon, cheese, and rosemary into the dough until evenly distributed.
- Knead and let it rise: Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, then place it in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1-2 hours.
- Bake the bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Shape the dough into a loaf, brush with egg wash, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bread to cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can customize the toppings by adding different types of cheese or herbs.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add more olives or vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg