Savory Quick Bread With Cheese And Olives

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious way to elevate your snack game, look no further than this Savory Quick Bread With Cheese And Olives ! This recipe has become one of my favorites because it strikes the perfect balance between simple preparation and rich, mouthwatering flavor. The combination of gooey cheese and briny olives makes it a delightful treat that can easily transform from a cozy family dinner to an elegant appetizer at gatherings.

What I love most about this savory bread is its versatility. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something warm and comforting, or for weekend brunches when you want to impress your friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, this bread will be a hit wherever you serve it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This savory quick bread comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for any skill level.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love cheese! The delicious blend of flavors makes it appealing for all ages.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it in advance, and enjoy it throughout the week as an easy snack or side dish.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of cheese, olives, and herbs creates a wonderfully savory taste that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that this recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to whip up this delightful bread!

Ingredients:
– * 2 cups all-purpose flour
– * 1 tablespoon baking powder
– * 1/2 teaspoon salt
– * 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– * 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional )
– * 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix )
– * 1 cup whole milk
– * 1/4 cup olive oil
– * 2 large eggs
– * 1 cup pitted olives (green, black, or a mix, drained )
– * 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional) )
– * 2 tablespoons butter (melted, or non-stick cooking spray for greasing the loaf pan)

Variations

This recipe is incredibly flexible! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these tasty variations:

• Add Some Veggies: Toss in chopped bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients and color.
• Switch Up the Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a unique twist.
• Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh rosemary or oregano instead of thyme for a different flavor profile.
• Nutty Addition: A handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds can add a lovely crunch.

How to Make Savory Quick Bread With Cheese And Olives

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your bread bakes evenly and rises beautifully as soon as you pop it in.

Step 2: Prepare Your Loaf Pan

Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with melted butter or non-stick cooking spray. This step is crucial to prevent your bread from sticking and helps achieve that lovely golden crust.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Combining these dry ingredients well helps them distribute evenly throughout the batter.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the milk, olive oil, and eggs until smooth. Mixing these wet ingredients thoroughly ensures that they blend seamlessly into the dough.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. Remember not to overmix; some lumps are perfectly fine! Overmixing can lead to tough bread instead of tender goodness.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Olives

Carefully stir in the shredded cheese, olives, and thyme (if using). This step is where all those delicious flavors come together – make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter!

Step 7: Bake It Up

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool Before Serving

Once baked to perfection, let your bread cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Allowing it to cool slightly helps maintain its shape when you slice into it.

Enjoy every bite of this Savory Quick Bread With Cheese And Olives ! Whether enjoyed warm with butter or alongside your favorite soup or salad, this recipe is sure to become a cherished addition to your meal rotation.

Pro Tips for Making Savory Quick Bread With Cheese And Olives

Making bread at home can be such a rewarding experience, and with these simple tips, you’ll elevate your savory quick bread to new heights!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Utilizing fresh herbs and quality cheese can significantly enhance the flavor of your bread, making each bite more delightful. Fresh ingredients bring vibrant flavors that dried or old ones simply cannot match.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture; you want your bread to be light and fluffy!
• Experiment with Cheese Varieties: While cheddar and mozzarella are great choices, trying out different cheeses like feta or goat cheese can introduce new flavors and textures. Each cheese brings its unique taste, allowing you to customize the bread to your liking.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes, roasted peppers, or even spinach for added nutrition and flavor. This not only makes the bread healthier but also adds an exciting twist!
• Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your bread as it bakes. If the top is browning too quickly but the inside isn’t done, tent it with foil to prevent burning while allowing it to cook through.

How to Serve Savory Quick Bread With Cheese And Olives

This savory quick bread is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways that are sure to impress your guests or family. Here are some delightful presentation ideas!

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Olive Oil Drizzle: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances flavor and gives a beautiful sheen to the bread.
• Cracked Black Pepper: A few cracks of fresh black pepper on top not only looks great but also adds a touch of spice.

Side Dishes

• Simple Green Salad: A mix of leafy greens dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the bread beautifully while keeping things light.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted with olive oil and herbs provide a hearty side that balances out the meal perfectly.
• Hummus Platter: Serving a side of hummus alongside some crunchy veggies provides a lovely contrast in texture and flavor, making for a delightful snack pairing.
• Soup: Pairing this bread with a warm bowl of vegetable soup or tomato basil soup creates a comforting combo perfect for chilly days.

Enjoy creating this delicious savory quick bread! It’s not just about satisfying hunger; it’s about sharing love through food!

Make Ahead and Storage

This savory quick bread is not only delicious but also makes for a fantastic meal prep option. You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time, making it perfect for busy days or gatherings. Here’s how to store your leftovers and enjoy them later!

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the container.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag.
• Label the bag with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the bread wrapped in aluminum foil directly on the oven rack.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave slices for about 20-30 seconds until warm.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I make Savory Quick Bread With Cheese And Olives without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) or use applesauce as an alternative.

What cheese works best in Savory Quick Bread With Cheese And Olives ?

Cheddar and mozzarella are excellent choices, but feel free to experiment with your favorite types of cheese like feta or gouda for added flavor!

How can I spice up my Savory Quick Bread With Cheese And Olives ?

Consider adding spices like garlic powder or herbs such as oregano and basil for extra zest. You can also include sun-dried tomatoes or different varieties of olives.

Can I use different types of olives in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can mix green and black olives or even add kalamata olives for a more robust flavor profile.

Is this bread suitable for vegan diets?

To make this savory quick bread vegan-friendly, swap dairy milk with plant-based milk and replace eggs with an appropriate egg substitute.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Savory Quick Bread With Cheese And Olives  as much as I do! It’s a simple yet flavorful addition to any meal or snack time. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or savoring it alone, this recipe is sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and don’t hesitate to let me know how yours turns out!