Savory Quick Bread With Cheese And Olives 🧀🍞

This Savory Quick Bread With Cheese And Olives 🧀🍞 is a delightful treat that’s easy to whip up and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a tasty snack, or want a flavorful side dish, this bread will impress. The combination of cheese and olives creates a rich taste that pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or enjoyed on its own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal preparation and can be baked in under an hour.
• Versatile Flavor: Featuring cheese and olives, it offers a delicious twist to traditional breads.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great as an appetizer, snack, or side dish for meals.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to mix different cheeses or olives based on your preferences.
• Impressive Presentation: The golden crust and hearty texture make it a standout dish.

Tools and Preparation

To make this savory quick bread, you will need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will ensure your baking process goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden skewer

Importance of Each Tool

• Loaf pan: This ensures your bread has the correct shape and bakes evenly.
• Mixing bowls: Having separate bowls for dry and wet ingredients helps maintain proper mixing techniques.
• Whisk: A whisk allows for thorough mixing of ingredients, ensuring a fluffy texture in your bread.

Ingredients

This savory quick bread is easy to make and perfect for a snack, appetizer, or side dish. The combination of cheese, olives, and herbs creates a delicious and flavorful bread that’s sure to be a hit.

Ingredients:
– * 2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
– * 1 tablespoon baking powder 🥄
– * 1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂
– * 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ⚫
– * 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional 🌶️)
– * 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix 🧀)
– * 1 cup whole milk 🥛
– * 1/4 cup olive oil 🫒
– * 2 large eggs 🥚
– * 1 cup pitted olives (green, black, or a mix, drained 🫒)
– * 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional) 🌿)
– * 2 tablespoons butter (melted, or non-stick cooking spray for greasing the loaf pan)

How to Make Savory Quick Bread With Cheese And Olives 🧀🍞

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with melted butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl:
* Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl:
* Whisk together the milk, olive oil, and eggs until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients:
* Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Add Cheese, Olives, and Herbs

Stir in:
* The shredded cheese, pitted olives, and thyme leaves (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Pour into Loaf Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan:
* Spread evenly across the pan.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about:
* 45–50 minutes or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool

Let the bread cool in the pan:
* For about 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Savory Quick Bread With Cheese And Olives 🧀🍞

This savory quick bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, there are plenty of delightful ways to present it.

As a Snack

• Serve warm with a pat of butter for a comforting treat.
• Slice and toast for added crunch, perfect for dipping.

With Dips

• Pair with hummus for a creamy contrast.
• Serve alongside olive tapenade to enhance the olive flavor.

As an Appetizer

• Cut into small squares and serve on a platter with toothpicks.
• Top with sliced tomatoes and fresh basil for a fresh twist.

For Breakfast

• Enjoy toasted with avocado and poached eggs on top.
• Spread with cream cheese and chives for a savory morning bite.

How to Perfect Savory Quick Bread With Cheese And Olives 🧀🍞

Achieving the perfect savory quick bread involves attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your bread turns out delicious every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality cheese will elevate the flavor significantly.
• Don’t overmix: Gently combine wet and dry ingredients to keep the bread tender.
• Check doneness: Use a skewer to test if it’s cooked through; it should come out clean.
• Cool properly: Allow the bread to cool in the pan before transferring it to avoid sogginess.

Best Side Dishes for Savory Quick Bread With Cheese And Olives 🧀🍞

Savory quick bread pairs well with many side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and vinaigrette balances the richness of the bread.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted with olive oil add depth and color to your meal.
3. Chickpea Salad: A refreshing chickpea salad mixed with lemon juice, cucumber, and parsley provides a satisfying crunch.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with rice and vegetables make for a hearty side dish.
5. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy grilled chicken skewers seasoned with herbs pair beautifully with this savory bread.
6. Spinach Artichoke Dip: Creamy dip served warm is perfect for dipping slices of quick bread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your savory quick bread, it’s easy to overlook some important details. Here are a few common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense bread. Stir gently until just combined for a light texture.
• Ignoring Ingredient Temperature: Using cold ingredients can affect dough consistency. Ensure eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing.
• Not Measuring Flour Properly: Too much flour can make the bread dry. Use a kitchen scale or spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off.
• Skipping the Greasing Step: Failing to grease the pan may cause sticking. Always grease your loaf pan for easy removal.
• Not Checking Doneness: Relying solely on baking time can be misleading. Use a skewer to check if it comes out clean before taking it out of the oven.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking.

Freezing Savory Quick Bread With Cheese And Olives 🧀🍞

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date for easy identification later.

Reheating Savory Quick Bread With Cheese And Olives 🧀🍞

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 30-45 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Toast slices in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making savory quick bread with cheese and olives.

How long does Savory Quick Bread With Cheese And Olives 🧀🍞 last?

The bread lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months when frozen.

Can I customize my Savory Quick Bread With Cheese And Olives 🧀🍞?

Yes! Feel free to swap in different cheeses or olives based on your preference.

What types of cheese work best?

Cheddar, mozzarella, or any cheese that melts well will enhance flavor and texture.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.

Final Thoughts

This savory quick bread with cheese and olives is not only delicious but also highly versatile. Enjoy it as a snack, appetizer, or side dish at any meal. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients!