Delicious Savory Cheese and Olive Quick Bread

Delicious savory cheese and olive quick bread was something I stumbled into when I needed a last-minute side dish for a dinner party and didn’t have time for a yeast-based loaf. I tossed together some pantry staples with a handful of cheese and olives then poured it all into a pan and hoped for the best. What came out of the oven was a golden-brown loaf that smelled heavenly and tasted even better.

What I love about this bread is that it’s bold enough to stand on its own but also plays well as a side with soups salads or brunch spreads. The cheese melts into little pockets of richness while the olives give bursts of salty tang making each bite deeply satisfying and flavorful.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• All-purpose flour – The base of the bread giving it structure and softness.
• Baking powder – Helps the loaf rise without needing yeast.
• Eggs – Bind everything together and add moisture.
• Milk – Keeps the texture tender and balances the richness.
• Olive oil – Adds depth and keeps the crumb moist.
• Cheddar cheese – Gives the bread its savory flavor and melty texture.
• Mixed olives – Provide briny contrast and color throughout the loaf.
• Garlic powder – Adds an extra savory kick.
• Fresh thyme – Brings an herby freshness that pairs beautifully with cheese.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
• Tools You’ll Need
• Mixing bowls – One for the dry ingredients and another for the wet.
• Whisk and spatula – For mixing the batter smoothly.
• Cheese grater – If using a block of cheese for maximum freshness.
• Loaf pan or round cake pan – I bake this bread in either depending on what I have clean!
• Oven mitts and cooling rack – Keeps hands safe and the loaf from getting soggy.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

I begin by preheating the oven to 350°F and greasing my baking pan with olive oil or lining it with parchment to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl I whisk together the flour baking powder salt pepper garlic powder and fresh thyme so the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl I whisk the eggs milk and olive oil until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

I pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently fold them together then I stir in the grated cheese and chopped olives until everything is just combined.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

I pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top then I bake for about 45 to 50 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

After baking I let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes then transfer it to a rack to cool completely or serve it warm if I just can’t wait!

Tips

I sometimes add a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for even more flavor. You can use any mix of cheeses—try feta gouda or parmesan. And if you like extra herbs rosemary or oregano also work beautifully in this loaf.

Ways to Serve

This bread is perfect with soups like tomato basil or creamy potato or sliced for sandwiches with turkey or grilled veggies. I also love it as part of a brunch spread alongside eggs and salad or toasted with a smear of butter or cream cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze delicious savory cheese and olive quick bread?

Yes just wrap it tightly in plastic and foil then freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat slices in the oven or toaster for best texture.

Can I use a different kind of cheese in this quick bread?

Absolutely! Try feta mozzarella gouda or even a sharp white cheddar.

How do I keep the bread from getting too dense?

Be careful not to overmix the batter and measure your flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling off to avoid packing in too much.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you bake up this delicious savory cheese and olive quick bread soon! It’s one of those comforting recipes that looks impressive but comes together with minimal effort. Let me know how yours turns out or how you customize it with your favorite cheeses and herbs!

Happy Cooking!

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