Cheese and Olive Quick Bread Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate savory bake that’s just as welcome at brunch as it is with a cozy soup, you’ll absolutely fall in love with Cheese and Olive Quick Bread. This loaf packs big flavors—cheesy, tangy, and rich in every crumb—while keeping things delightfully simple and speedy. With a golden crust and a beautifully tender, moist interior dotted with cheddar and briny olives, it’s a showstopper for almost any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s astonishing how a handful of basic ingredients transform into something so irresistibly tasty. Each one plays a crucial role, whether that’s lending structure, bold flavor, or a gorgeous golden hue that makes Cheese and Olive Quick Bread an instant favorite.
- All-purpose flour: This forms the sturdy, tender crumb of the loaf, providing the perfect canvas for all those delicious add-ins.
- Baking powder: The secret to a beautifully risen quick bread, bringing just the right lift and featheriness.
- Salt: Balances flavors and wakes up the sharpness of the cheese and the olives.
- Black pepper: Adds just enough warmth and complexity; freshly cracked is best!
- Eggs: Help bind everything together and add structure, ensuring the loaf slices cleanly.
- Whole milk: Keeps the crumb moist and tender, while contributing a subtle richness.
- Olive oil: Adds a lovely Mediterranean aroma and keeps the bread wonderfully soft.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Delivers deep, tangy flavor throughout every bite—pre-shredded or freshly grated both work well here.
- Pitted and chopped green or black olives (or a mix): Their briny, salty punch not only amps up flavor, but also adds gorgeous pops of color.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a finishing herbal note and some vibrant green flecks.
How to Make Cheese and Olive Quick Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so the bread bakes evenly from the get-go. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for the easiest removal. This little bit of prep makes a big difference in the finished loaf’s look and texture.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisking blends everything evenly so there are no clumps, giving Cheese and Olive Quick Bread its signature, pillowy crumb.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and olive oil until smooth and fully combined. These wet ingredients are the secret to the moist, tender bite that makes this bread so special.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gently pour the wet mixture into your bowl of dry ingredients, then stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep things light and airy. The batter will be thick—perfect for folding in your delicious extras next!
Step 5: Add Cheese, Olives, and Parsley
Fold in the shredded sharp cheddar, chopped olives, and parsley (if using) until everything is evenly distributed. These bursts of salty, cheesy, and herbal flavor in every slice are what set Cheese and Olive Quick Bread apart.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top. Pop it in the oven for 45 to 50 minutes—your kitchen will smell amazing as it bakes! When a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is deep golden, it’s done.
Step 7: Cool Before Slicing
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This patience pays off, helping the bread firm up for perfectly neat slices (though sneaking a warm piece is more than understandable!).
How to Serve Cheese and Olive Quick Bread
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way here. Try a sprinkle of extra chopped fresh parsley, a handful of grated cheddar across the top, or even a brush of olive oil once the bread comes out of the oven for added shine and flavor. Each adds a touch of personality and makes your Cheese and Olive Quick Bread feel like something truly special.
Side Dishes
This bread is phenomenal on its own, but it transforms alongside the right partners. Pair it with a steaming bowl of tomato soup, a crisp green salad, or set it out with a cheese and charcuterie board during happy hour. Its savory notes are the perfect foil for pickles, smoked salmon, or herb butter.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try slicing Cheese and Olive Quick Bread into cubes and serving it as a savory nibble with toothpicks. You can even toast slices and top them with whipped cheeses or roasted veggies for elegant appetizers. Or, make tiny individual loafs for edible gifting that will be remembered!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep Cheese and Olive Quick Bread fresh, wrap any leftovers tightly in foil or plastic wrap. At room temperature, it remains moist for up to two days. If you plan to stretch it longer, move it to the fridge where it’ll stay delicious for up to a week.
Freezing
This bread freezes like a dream! Wrap cooled slices or the whole loaf snugly in freezer-safe wrap and pop into a zip-top bag. Label and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, or on the counter for a few hours before enjoying.
Reheating
For that just-baked magic, warm slices in a toaster or a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. Not only does this refresh the texture, but it also makes the cheese melty and irresistible all over again. A quick zap in the microwave works too, just don’t overdo it or the bread may dry out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Absolutely! Try feta, Gruyère, or even pepper jack if you want a fun twist on your Cheese and Olive Quick Bread. Just aim for a cheese that melts well and packs flavor.
Do I need to use both green and black olives?
You can use either green or black olives, or a mix—whichever suits your taste. Kalamata, Castelvetrano, or classic canned olives all work beautifully depending on the flavor you prefer.
Is Cheese and Olive Quick Bread suitable for freezing?
Yes, this bread is freezer friendly! Slice it before freezing for easy grab-and-go pieces, or freeze the whole loaf to serve for friends or family at a later date.
Can I make it gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
What’s the best way to prevent dry bread?
Don’t overbake, and be sure to measure your ingredients correctly—especially the flour. Keeping an eye on oven time will yield that moist, tender crumb that makes Cheese and Olive Quick Bread such a hit.
Final Thoughts
No matter when or where you serve it, Cheese and Olive Quick Bread promises warm, savory goodness in every single bite. Don’t be surprised if it disappears quickly—seconds are practically guaranteed! I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share it around your own table.
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Cheese and Olive Quick Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheese and Olive Quick Bread is a savory delight, perfect for accompanying soups, salads, or charcuterie. Packed with sharp cheddar cheese, chopped olives, and a hint of parsley, this easy-to-make bread is a flavorful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Wet Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- â…“ cup olive oil
Mix-Ins:
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup pitted and chopped green or black olives
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and olive oil until well combined.
- Combine and Fold: Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stir until just combined. Fold in cheese, olives, and parsley.
- Bake: Pour batter into loaf pan, smooth the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- This bread is delicious with a variety of cheeses and olives, like feta and kalamata for a Mediterranean twist.
- Store leftovers wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
