Homemade whole grain bread filled with olives and cheese

Whole grain homemade bread filled with olives and cheese

Who doesn't love the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread? Making whole grain homemade bread filled with olives and cheese is not only a delightful activity but also an excellent way to bring a touch of warmth to your mornings. This recipe will guide you step by step to achieve a bread with a crispy crust and a fluffy interior, perfect for a savory breakfast alongside a glass of buttermilk or even as an appetizer at a festive meal.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 slices

Necessary ingredients:

For the dough:
- 220 ml warm water
- 150 ml buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon sunflower oil
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1.5 teaspoons sugar
- 500 g whole grain flour
- 100 g wheat flour type 650
- 20 g fresh yeast

For the filling:
- 100 g black olive slices
- 200 g aged telemea cheese
- 100 g grated cheese
- 2 green onion stalks
- a bit of freshly ground pepper
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano

For finishing:
- 1 egg for brushing the bread
- 2 tablespoons seed mix (optional)

A bit of history
Bread is a staple food in many cultures, symbolizing not only nourishment but also community and tradition. Whole grain bread, in particular, has gained popularity due to its nutritional benefits, being an excellent source of fiber and nutrients. The fillings with cheese and olives are inspired by Mediterranean traditions, where simple ingredients turn into delicious dishes.

Step by step for perfect bread
1. Prepare the dough
Start by activating the yeast. In a bowl, put the sugar over the yeast and rub well until the mixture becomes liquid. Add a little warm water to help the yeast activate.
In another bowl, combine the white flour with the whole grain flour. After the yeast has activated, pour the yeast mixture into the flour bowl. Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes.

2. Add the wet ingredients
After 10 minutes, add the oil, salt, buttermilk, and the rest of the warm water, a little at a time. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to knead the dough until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. If necessary, you can sprinkle a little flour to help achieve the desired consistency.

3. Rising the dough
Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about an hour or until it doubles in volume.

4. Prepare the filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Grate the telemea and cheese on a fine grater. Add the olive slices and finely chopped green onion. Season with freshly ground pepper and dried oregano, then incorporate the beaten egg. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous composition.

5. Forming the bread
After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide it into two equal parts. Roll each portion into rectangular sheets, about 1 cm thick. Place the cheese filling on each sheet and roll them lengthwise. Twist the two rolls together to form a beautiful pattern.

6. Second rising
Place the bread in a loaf pan lined with baking paper. Cover again with a towel and let it rise for 30 minutes.

7. Baking the bread
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Before placing the bread in the oven, brush it with the beaten egg and sprinkle the seed mix on top. Place a bowl of water in the oven to create steam, which will help achieve a crispy crust. Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until it turns golden and sounds hollow when lightly tapped on the bottom.

8. Cooling and serving
After the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and place it on a rack to cool completely before slicing. The enticing aroma will make you want to try a slice immediately!

Practical tips
- Make sure the water used to activate the yeast is not too hot, otherwise, you will kill the yeast. The ideal temperature is around 37-40 degrees Celsius.
- If you want extra flavor, you can add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the filling.
- This bread keeps well stored in a paper bag or a glass container for a few days.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but make sure to use a smaller amount (about 7 g for this recipe).
- How can I improve the texture of the bread?
Proper kneading is key, so make sure the dough is well kneaded until it becomes elastic and smooth.
- What other fillings can I use?
You can experiment with various cheeses, vegetables, or even meat, depending on your preferences.

Delicious combinations
This whole grain bread filled with olives and cheese pairs perfectly with a fresh salad, a yogurt dip, or even a warm bowl of soup. It is also wonderful to enjoy alongside a glass of white wine or a craft beer.

So, I invite you to try this recipe for whole grain homemade bread filled with olives and cheese. It will surely become a family favorite!