Zesty Olive-Cheese Bread with Capers and Thyme Recipe

Bread lovers unite over this irresistible olive and cheese bread with capers and thyme that promises an explosion of Mediterranean flavors.

Salty olives and sharp cheese create a perfect harmony in every single bite.

The golden-brown crust beckons with its aromatic herbs and tantalizing texture.

Fresh thyme leaves add a delicate earthiness that complements the robust cheese and briny capers.

Each slice carries the warmth of rustic Italian kitchens and the richness of carefully selected ingredients.

Simple yet sophisticated, this bread elevates any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every crumb of this delectable creation that brings gourmet taste right to your table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 36 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 9

Olive and Cheese Bread with Capers – Ingredient Essentials

• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, stretchy cheese that provides a soft, melty texture and rich dairy flavor to the bread.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese that adds a deep, nutty complexity and helps create a golden crispy top.

• Kalamata Olives: Tangy Mediterranean olives that bring a briny, intense Mediterranean punch and dark color contrast.
• Baby Capers: Tiny pickled flower buds offering a sharp, salty burst that elevates the overall taste profile.
• Thyme: Delicate herb with earthy, slightly minty notes that infuses the bread with a subtle woodland aroma.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: High-quality oil that adds richness, helps create a crisp crust, and brings a smooth, fruity undertone.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and amplify the complex flavors of the cheese, olives, and herbs.

Tools and Bakeware for Olive and Cheese Bread

• Stand mixer: Essential for effortlessly mixing and kneading dough.
• Dough hook: Perfect attachment for developing smooth, elastic bread dough.
• Mixing bowl: Large container for combining ingredients.
• Baking dish: Rectangular pan for baking bread rounds.
• Non-stick baking paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll dough into a uniform rectangle.
• Sharp knife: Used for slicing dough log into rounds.
• Tea towel: Covers dough during second rising.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise ingredient measurements.

Instructions for Baking Olive and Cheese Bread with Capers

• Dough Preparation

Mix flour, yeast, and salt in a mixing bowl. Gradually add water and olive oil while blending until a soft dough forms.

• Kneading Process

Work the dough using a mixer with a dough hook or hand-knead until smooth and elastic, developing gluten structure for better texture.

• First Rise

Transfer dough to an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest in a warm spot until it doubles in size, creating those wonderful bread bubbles.

• Flavor Layer

Roll out the risen dough into a rectangular shape, spreading a delicious mixture of cheeses, briny olives, tangy capers, and fragrant thyme leaves across the surface.

• Rolling and Shaping

Carefully roll the dough into a log, creating beautiful spiral patterns of herbs and cheese within the bread.

• Second Rise

Slice the log into rounds and arrange them in a baking dish, allowing a final short resting period to enhance texture and flavor.

• Baking Magic

Slide the dish into a hot oven, baking until the bread turns a gorgeous golden brown with crispy edges.

• Final Touch

Let the bread cool briefly, then finish with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh thyme, and a dash of salt and pepper for an irresistible aroma.

Helpful Tips and Variations for Olive and Cheese Bread

• Ensure your yeast is fresh and active by checking the expiration date. Warm water around 110°F helps activate the yeast quickly and effectively.
• Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, which develops gluten and creates a better bread structure. A well-kneaded dough springs back when gently pressed.
• Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area like near a preheated oven or inside a slightly warm oven with the light on. Consistent temperature helps even rising.
• Grate cheeses finely and spread them evenly to ensure each bite has balanced flavor. Mix different cheese types for more complex taste profiles.
• Replace thyme with rosemary or oregano for an authentic Mediterranean herb experience. Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra depth.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes or incorporate chopped jalapeños into the filling for a zesty kick. Blend different chili types to create your signature heat level.

How to Slice and Serve Olive and Cheese Bread

• Brunch Masterpiece: Turn these savory bread rounds into a stunning weekend brunch centerpiece, pairing them with fresh herb scrambled eggs and a light citrus salad.
• Mediterranean Appetizer Platter: Arrange the bread rounds alongside cured meats, marinated vegetables, and creamy hummus for an impressive Mediterranean-style starter that'll wow dinner guests.
• Rustic Picnic Companion: Pack these bread rounds in a portable container for an outdoor picnic, complementing them with fresh goat cheese, roasted cherry tomatoes, and a crisp white wine.
• Soup's Perfect Partner: Serve these flavorful bread rounds alongside a hearty tomato basil soup or a creamy mushroom bisque, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.

How to Store Olive and Cheese Bread After Baking

• Quick Cool-Down Strategy: Let bread rest on a wire rack to prevent soggy bottoms and maintain crispy texture.
• Refrigeration Wisdom: Store leftover bread slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for convenient 2-month storage. Thaw at room temperature for best taste and texture.
• Reheat Revival: Warm bread slices in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes to restore original crispness and revive delicious flavors.

Savory Olive and Cheese Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 36 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired olive and cheese bread delivers rich, tangy flavors from Greece’s culinary landscape. Rustic ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a perfect accompaniment for salads, soups, or enjoying warm with friends.

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Ingredients

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• 300 g (10.5 oz) mozzarella cheese, roughly grated
• 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 0.5 cup (40 g) Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 4–5 sprigs thyme, leaves only (woody stalks discarded), plus extra
• 2–3 tbsps baby capers (in brine, drained)
• Salt and pepper
• 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling, plus extra

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Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: Blend flour, yeast, and salt in a stand mixer using the paddle attachment, gradually introducing lukewarm water and olive oil until a unified mixture forms.
2. Kneading Process: Switch to dough hook and knead for 7-10 minutes, developing a smooth, elastic texture with robust gluten structure.
3. First Proofing: Transfer dough to an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and allow to rise in a warm environment until volume doubles, approximately 45 minutes.
4. Dough Shaping: Dust work surface with flour, roll dough into a rectangular shape, then evenly distribute mozzarella, Parmesan, Kalamata olives, capers, and thyme leaves across the surface.
5. Rolling and Cutting: Drizzle olive oil over toppings, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, and slice into uniform rounds about 2.5 centimeters thick.
6. Second Proofing: Arrange rounds cut-side up in a parchment-lined baking dish, leaving slight spaces between them, and rest under a kitchen towel for 15-20 minutes.
7. Baking: Preheat oven to 200°C, bake rounds for 30-35 minutes until golden-brown and aromatic.
8. Finishing Touches: Cool for 10-15 minutes, then garnish with additional olive oil, fresh thyme, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper before serving warm.

Notes

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure lukewarm water (around 110°F) to help yeast bloom without killing it, creating a soft, airy bread texture.
• Knead with Precision: Develop gluten structure through consistent kneading, which creates the bread’s signature elasticity and prevents dense, heavy results.
• Temperature Matters: Use a warm, draft-free spot for dough rising to help yeast work effectively and promote optimal bread volume.
• Slice Strategically: Cut bread rounds with a sharp knife in one smooth motion to maintain their shape and prevent squishing the delicate dough layers.

• Prep Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg