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Olive, Bacon, and Cheese Bread Recipe

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4.9 from 132 reviews

A savory Olive, Bacon, and Cheese Bread that combines the tangy flavor of olives with crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for a flavorful homemade loaf with a golden, shiny crust.

Ingredients

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Dough

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup lukewarm water
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Fillings

  • 1/2 cup pitted green or Kalamata olives, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your choice of cheese)
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (optional)

Topping

  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the lukewarm water and olive oil. Mix until a rough dough forms.
  2. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
  3. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
  4. Mix in the Goodies: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and gently knead in the olives, bacon, cheese, and rosemary (if using). Make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  5. Shape and Second Rise: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan, or form it into a rustic shape on a baking sheet. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
  6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  7. Egg Wash: Brush the top of the dough with the beaten egg to create a golden, shiny crust.
  8. Bake: Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom and the crust is golden brown.
  9. Cool: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • For best results, ensure the water is lukewarm—not hot—as high temperatures can kill the yeast.
  • You can substitute cheddar with other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda depending on your preference.
  • Adding rosemary is optional but adds a lovely aromatic flavor to the bread.
  • Make sure the bread cools before slicing to maintain the texture and prevent it from becoming gummy.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze slices for longer storage.