Olive & Rosemary Bread Recipe

If you love the comforting aroma of fresh herbs mingling with the salty bite of olives, then this Olive & Rosemary Bread is going to be your new obsession. This Mediterranean-style loaf is a glorious mix of fluffy, crusty bread packed with vibrant black olives and fragrant rosemary that transforms every bite into a little celebration of flavor. Rustic yet sophisticated, this Olive & Rosemary Bread is perfect whether you’re serving it at a cozy family dinner or offering a warm, inviting slice to friends gathered around the table. Trust me, once you try making this bread from scratch, you’ll wonder how you lived without it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Olive & Rosemary Bread lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and a golden crust that’s just begging to be torn apart. Here’s everything you need to create this irresistible loaf, from pantry staples to those punchy, aromatic additions.

• 3 cups flour: The base of your bread, giving it structure and that perfect fluffy crumb.
• 1 tsp yeast: The magic that helps your dough rise and develop a light, airy texture.
• 1 tsp salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the olive’s briny notes beautifully.
• ¾ cup warm water: Activates the yeast and brings everything together to form the dough.
• ½ cup sliced olives: Adds a burst of savory, slightly salty flavor and delightful pockets of texture.
• 1 tsp dried rosemary: Infuses the bread with fragrant, piney notes that pair perfectly with olives.

How to Make Olive & Rosemary Bread

Step 1: Mixing the Dough

Start by combining your flour, yeast, and salt in a large bowl to ensure every bite has consistent flavor. Slowly stir in the warm water until it just comes together into a shaggy dough—you’re aiming for a sticky but manageable consistency here. This simple mixing process kickstarts the creation of your Olive & Rosemary Bread’s tender crumb.

Step 2: Kneading to Perfection

Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes. This is where the dough transforms, developing gluten strands that make your bread delightfully chewy yet soft. As you knead, fold in the sliced olives and dried rosemary evenly so that every slice is studded with these flavor bursts.

Step 3: First Rise

Shape the dough into a ball and place it back in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour. This rise allows the yeast to work its magic, doubling the dough’s size and adding air bubbles that will give your bread that perfect crumb.

Step 4: Shaping the Loaf

After the dough has risen, gently deflate it by pressing down with your fists, then shape it into a rustic oval or round loaf. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ready to develop that gorgeous crust you know and love.

Step 5: Baking Time

Preheat your oven to 200°C (about 390°F) and bake your loaf for 30 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and crisp. The aroma of rosemary mingling with olives will fill your kitchen, making it impossible to wait for the bread to cool. A quick tap on the bottom of the loaf should produce a hollow sound, telling you it’s perfectly baked.

How to Serve Olive & Rosemary Bread

Garnishes

A simple brush of good-quality olive oil brushed on warm slices takes this bread to another level. You can also sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt or a light drizzle of balsamic glaze to complement the rich olive flavor and herbaceous rosemary notes beautifully.

Side Dishes

Olive & Rosemary Bread pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean-inspired dishes—think caprese salad, roasted vegetables, or hearty stews. It’s also a perfect companion to creamy cheeses, like burrata or ricotta, for an effortless, crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this bread into the star of your next gathering by slicing it thick and serving alongside a vibrant tapenade or hummus. You can also use it as the base for bruschetta—top with fresh tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil for a show-stopping bite everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Olive & Rosemary Bread, wrap it tightly in a clean tea towel or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It’s best enjoyed within two days to savor its fresh texture, though it will still taste lovely slightly beyond that.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. Slice it before freezing in a zip-top bag or airtight container to grab just what you need later. Make sure it is completely cooled before wrapping to prevent sogginess upon thawing.

Reheating

To revive your frozen Olive & Rosemary Bread, toast slices directly or warm the whole loaf in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes until crispy on the outside and soft inside. This brings back the fresh-baked charm and makes it taste like you just pulled it out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use fresh rosemary instead of dried?

Yes! Fresh rosemary will give a brighter, more vibrant flavor. Just finely chop about one tablespoon of fresh rosemary leaves and add them during the kneading process for a delightful herbal punch.

What type of olives work best for this bread?

Black or Kalamata olives are ideal because their rich, salty flavor complements the rosemary beautifully. Make sure to use pitted and sliced olives to avoid any unpleasant surprises while biting.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Gluten-free bread requires a different flour blend and usually additional binding agents, so this recipe won’t work as-is. However, there are great gluten-free bread mixes that you can customize by folding in rosemary and olives after the initial mixing.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Look for a deep golden crust and a hollow sound when you tap the loaf from the bottom. This indicates the interior is well-cooked and ready to enjoy.

Can I add other herbs or spices to this bread?

Absolutely! Thyme, oregano, or even a little garlic powder would complement the olives and rosemary while giving the bread your own personal twist.

Final Thoughts

Baking this Olive & Rosemary Bread is a rewarding experience that fills your home with irresistible aromas and offers a loaf packed with Mediterranean charm. It’s a versatile, tasty bread that feels special but is surprisingly simple to make. So, go ahead and give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to bread that will impress family and friends every time.