Bread with cheese and olives

Bread with cheese and olives – a fragrant and comforting delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6-8

Who doesn’t love the smell of freshly baked bread filling the house with a warm and inviting aroma? Bread with cheese and olives is a simple and tasty recipe, perfect for enjoying warm with loved ones. It is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even as part of a delightful brunch. I’m sharing this recipe with you, which is not only easy to make but will also bring a smile to the faces of those who taste it.

The history of bread with cheese and olives is an ancient one, rooted in the culinary traditions of many cultures. It combines simple yet essential ingredients into a symphony of flavors. The cheese adds a pleasant creaminess, while the olives, with their salty and slightly bitter taste, provide a perfect contrast.

Ingredients needed:
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 350 ml lukewarm water
- 7 g dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon fructose (or sugar)
- 200 g salty cheese (feta or sheep cheese works very well)
- A handful of pitted Kalamata olives, finely chopped
- Fresh or dried basil, crushed, for flavor

Step by step:

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, add the flour. Make a well in the center and add the dry yeast. This is the moment when the yeast will start to activate, so make sure the water you use is lukewarm, not hot. Add the fructose and salt, then gradually pour in the lukewarm water, continuously mixing with a spatula or your hands.

2. Kneading:
Once you’ve added all the water, you will have a soft and slightly sticky dough. Don’t worry, it’s perfect! Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes. This step is essential, as the yeast will make the dough rise and become fluffy.

3. Adding the aromatic ingredients:
After the dough has risen, add the crumbled cheese (you can use a fork to break it apart) and the chopped olives. Remember not to let the salt come into direct contact with the yeast, as it can inhibit its activity. Knead the dough again to incorporate the cheese and olives well.

4. Preheating the oven:
While the dough is being kneaded, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. This will ensure that the bread bakes evenly and gets a beautiful crust.

5. Shaping the bread:
Grease a ceramic baking dish with a little olive oil. Transfer the dough to the dish and gently flatten it, so it covers the entire surface. Sprinkle a little olive oil and chopped basil on top for extra flavor.

6. Baking:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake the bread for 30-35 minutes or until it turns golden and crispy on the outside. You can check if it’s done by tapping gently on the bottom of the bread; if it sounds hollow, it’s perfectly baked!

7. Cooling and serving:
Once the bread is ready, let it cool slightly in the dish, but don’t wait too long! Enjoy it warm, sliced. It’s delicious both plain and with butter or olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Helpful tips:
- You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or mozzarella, for different flavors.
- Green olives or those stuffed with hot peppers can add a spicy note.
- If you desire an even more intense flavor, add herbs like oregano or rosemary to the dough.
- This bread pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or as an accompaniment to soups and stews.

Nutritional benefits:
This bread with cheese and olives is rich in protein due to the cheese and has a good carbohydrate content from the flour. The olives add healthy fats and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet. All-purpose flour can be replaced with whole wheat flour for a higher fiber intake.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, for every 7 g of dry yeast, you can use about 21 g of fresh yeast. Make sure to dissolve it in lukewarm water before adding it to the dough.
- How can I keep the bread fresh?
The bread is best stored in a cloth bag or a bread box, away from moisture.
- Can the bread be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the bread after it has completely cooled. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container.

Whether you serve it at a festive meal or simply to treat your family, this bread with cheese and olives recipe will make you feel like a true chef. Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent with loved ones!