Description
Olive Thyme Bread is a rustic, herb-infused bread combining the aromatic freshness of thyme with the salty richness of olives. This moist and wonderfully textured loaf is perfect as a centerpiece for meals or a savory snack, bringing warmth and a deliciously savory flavor to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- ½ cup chopped olives (Kalamata or green)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture: Dissolve the sugar in warm water and sprinkle the active dry yeast on top. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, fresh thyme leaves, and chopped olives. Pour in the olive oil and the yeast mixture, then stir together until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, developing gluten for a good rise.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf: Gently punch down the dough to release air pockets, shape into a round or oval loaf, and place on a parchment-lined or floured baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough and let rise again for 30-45 minutes to achieve a light and airy crumb.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Optionally, slash the top of the loaf for decoration. Bake for 25-30 minutes until crust is golden and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Enjoy: Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to retain texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to better activate the yeast and ensure even mixing.
- Do not over-knead to avoid a tough texture; knead until smooth.
- Fresh thyme is preferred over dried for a brighter flavor during baking.
- If olives are very salty, reduce the added salt slightly in the recipe.
- To keep the crust moist and crisp, place a shallow pan of water on the oven’s bottom rack while baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 60g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Olive bread, Thyme bread, Herb bread, Savory bread, Mediterranean bread, Homemade bread, Olive Thyme Bread
