Olive Bacon Cheese Bread: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Olive bacon cheese bread: just the name alone conjures up images of warm, crusty bread, oozing with melted cheese, punctuated by the salty tang of olives and the smoky richness of bacon. Have I got your attention? This isn’t just any bread; it’s an experience, a symphony of flavors and textures that will have you reaching for slice after slice.

While its exact origins are shrouded in mystery, similar savory breads have been enjoyed for centuries across the Mediterranean. Think of the focaccia of Italy, often adorned with olives and herbs, or the hearty breads of Spain, studded with chorizo and cheese. Our olive bacon cheese bread takes inspiration from these traditions, adding a distinctly American twist with the inclusion of crispy bacon.

So, what makes this bread so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of salty, savory, and cheesy. The olives provide a briny counterpoint to the rich bacon and creamy cheese, while the bread itself offers a satisfying chewiness. It’s incredibly versatile too! Enjoy it warm from the oven as a delightful appetizer, alongside a hearty soup, or even as the base for a gourmet sandwich. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a family favorite. Get ready to bake!

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon (5g) instant dry yeast
• 1 ½ teaspoons (9g) salt
• 1 ½ cups (360ml) lukewarm water (about 105-115°F or 40-46°C)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
• For the Filling:
• 6 ounces (170g) bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup (115g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (75g) pitted green olives, roughly chopped
• ½ cup (75g) pitted black olives, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• For the Egg Wash:
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon milk or water
• Optional Toppings:
• Coarse sea salt
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh rosemary sprigs

Preparing the Dough:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, instant dry yeast, and salt. Make sure the yeast is evenly distributed throughout the flour. This helps it activate properly.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the lukewarm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix until a shaggy dough forms. The dough will be sticky, and that’s perfectly fine!
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. Be careful not to add too much, or the bread will be dry. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Knead on medium speed for 6-8 minutes.
4. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is crucial for developing the flavor and texture of the bread. A warm environment helps the yeast work its magic.

Preparing the Filling:

1. Cook the Bacon: If you haven’t already, cook the bacon until crispy. You can bake it, fry it in a pan, or even microwave it. Once cooked, drain off any excess grease and crumble the bacon into small pieces.
2. Prepare the Olives and Garlic: Roughly chop the green and black olives. Mince the garlic cloves.
3. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped olives, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. This mixture is going to be packed with flavor!

Assembling the Bread:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the bread from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
3. Roll Out the Dough: Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches (30×45 cm). Try to keep the dough as even as possible in thickness.
4. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the bacon-olive-cheese mixture over the entire surface of the dough rectangle, leaving a small border (about ½ inch or 1 cm) along one of the long edges. This border will help seal the bread.
5. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it closed.
6. Shape the Bread: Carefully transfer the log to the prepared baking sheet. You can leave it as a log, or you can shape it into a ring. To make a ring, bring the ends of the log together and pinch them to seal.
7. Score the Bread: Use a sharp knife or a lame (a special bread-scoring tool) to make several diagonal slashes across the top of the bread. This will allow steam to escape during baking and prevent the bread from bursting. The slashes also add a decorative touch.

Baking the Bread:

1. Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk (or water).
2. Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the entire surface of the bread with the egg wash. This will give the bread a beautiful golden-brown color.
3. Add Optional Toppings: Sprinkle the bread with coarse sea salt, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh rosemary sprigs (if using). These toppings add extra flavor and visual appeal.
4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Keep a close eye on it, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. If the bread starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil.
5. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent the bottom of the bread from becoming soggy.

Serving and Storing:

1. Slice and Serve: Once the bread has cooled slightly, slice it with a serrated knife and serve warm. This olive bacon cheese bread is delicious on its own, or it can be served with soup, salad, or as part of a cheese board.
2. Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the bread for longer storage. To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw the bread completely before serving. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave.

Conclusion:

This Olive Bacon Cheese Bread isn’t just another recipe; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen in your kitchen! The salty olives, smoky bacon, and gooey cheese create a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone begging for more. Trust me, once you experience the magic of this bread, you’ll understand why I consider it a must-try. It’s the perfect balance of savory and comforting, making it ideal for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a special weekend brunch.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I’ve shared my favorite combination, feel free to get creative and experiment with different variations. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dough or incorporate some jalapeños into the cheese mixture. If you’re not a fan of bacon (though I can’t imagine why!), you could substitute it with prosciutto or even some crumbled Italian sausage. Vegetarian? No problem! Simply omit the bacon and add some sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a burst of flavor.

Serving suggestions are endless! This Olive Bacon Cheese Bread is fantastic on its own, warm from the oven, with a simple pat of butter. It also pairs beautifully with a hearty bowl of soup or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Slice it up and serve it as an appetizer at your next gathering, or use it to make gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. For a truly decadent experience, try dipping it in a creamy marinara sauce. You can even cube it up and use it as croutons for your favorite salad!

I’ve found that this bread is especially delicious when served with a glass of crisp white wine or a cold beer. The salty and savory flavors of the bread complement the refreshing qualities of the drinks perfectly. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing it with a balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy contrast.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. It’s a forgiving recipe, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete novice, I’m confident that you’ll be able to create a delicious and impressive loaf of Olive Bacon Cheese Bread that will wow your family and friends.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure! I promise you won’t be disappointed. This recipe is more than just a set of instructions; it’s an invitation to create something truly special and share it with the people you love.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve had a chance to bake your own Olive Bacon Cheese Bread, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Please share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. Happy baking! I can’t wait to see what you create!

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