Easy Olive and Cheese Bread with Capers and Thyme Recipe

Olive and cheese bread redefines ordinary meal moments into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Mediterranean flavors dance through this rustic, aromatic creation with irresistible charm.

Salty capers and fragrant thyme elevate simple ingredients into something truly magical.

Traditional baking techniques merge seamlessly with bold, sophisticated taste profiles that awaken your senses.

Soft, golden crumb promises comfort and warmth in every delectable slice.

Home bakers of all skill levels can master this delightful recipe with confidence.

Why You’ll Love Olive and Cheese Bread with Capers and Thyme

• Savor Mediterranean Flavor Explosion: This bread bursts with tangy olives, salty capers, and aromatic thyme, creating a vibrant Mediterranean taste profile that transports your palate to sunny coastal regions.
• Master Artisan Bread-Making Technique: The recipe offers a simple yet sophisticated method of creating gourmet bread, teaching home bakers how to knead, roll, and transform basic ingredients into a stunning visual and culinary masterpiece.
• Quick Gourmet Crowd-Pleaser: With just 35 minutes of baking time and minimal preparation, this bread delivers restaurant-quality results perfect for impromptu gatherings, weekend brunches, or as an impressive appetizer that looks and tastes professionally crafted.
• Nutritionally Balanced Indulgence: Packed with proteins, healthy fats from olive oil, and moderate carbohydrates, this bread provides a satisfying and relatively nutritious option that doesn't compromise on rich, complex flavors.

What You’ll Need for This Savory Bread

• Flour: Provides structure and foundation for the bread.
• Yeast: Essential for bread rising and creating soft texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast activity.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy melting cheeses that add rich flavor and texture.
• Thyme: Fresh herb that brings earthy and aromatic notes to the bread.

• Olives: Adds Mediterranean taste and briny complexity.
• Capers: Provides tangy and slightly salty punch to the bread.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Contributes rich flavor and moisture, typical of Mediterranean cuisine.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the overall taste.
• Salt: Balances and heightens the other ingredient flavors.

• Water: Crucial for dough hydration and gluten development.
• Olive Oil: Helps create soft bread texture and adds richness.

How to Bake the Perfect Olive Cheese Loaf

Step 1: Prepare Dough Base

Mix flour, yeast, and salt in a stand mixer bowl. Add water and olive oil, blending on low speed until combined smoothly.

Step 2: Knead and Rise

Switch to dough hook and knead for 7 minutes (or 10 minutes by hand) until dough becomes silky. Form into a ball, place in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise until doubled – about 30 minutes.

Step 3: Prep Baking Station

Preheat oven to 200°C (392°F). Line baking dish with non-stick parchment paper.

Step 4: Roll and Layer Ingredients

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Olives
• Capers
• Thyme leaves

Drizzle extra virgin olive oil across the surface.

Step 5: Shape and Second Rise

Roll dough into a log, slice into rounds. Place cut-side up in baking dish. Cover with tea towel and let rise 15 minutes.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes until rounds turn golden brown.

Step 7: Final Touch and Serve

Remove from oven, cool 15 minutes. Drizzle with additional olive oil, sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips to Nail the Texture and Flavor

• Master Dough Kneading: Develop a smooth, elastic texture by kneading thoroughly, whether using a stand mixer or working by hand, ensuring gluten develops properly for perfect bread structure.
• Precise Rising Technique: Keep dough in a warm, draft-free area to help it rise evenly, covering with plastic wrap to prevent surface drying and maintain moisture.
• Strategic Cheese Distribution: Spread cheese and toppings uniformly across the dough to guarantee consistent flavor in every bite and prevent sparse or overly dense sections.
• Flour Surface Wisely: Use just enough flour when rolling out dough to prevent sticking without making the bread dry or tough during baking.
• Golden Brown Perfection: Watch bread closely during final baking minutes, rotating pan if needed to ensure even coloring and prevent burning, achieving that ideal crispy exterior with soft interior.

Storing and Reheating Your Savory Bread

• Refrigeration: Wrap the olive and cheese bread rounds in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Seal carefully to prevent moisture and preserve freshness. Refrigerated bread will stay delicious for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Place cooled bread rounds in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Wrap each piece individually to prevent freezer burn and maintain texture.
• Reheating: Warm the bread in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8-10 minutes. Restore the crispy exterior by placing the rounds directly on the oven rack. Avoid microwaving, which can make the bread soggy and tough.

What Complements This Flavorful Bread

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Complement the salty olives and capers with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, cutting through the richness of the cheeses while enhancing the herbal thyme notes.
• Serve with Fresh Mediterranean Salad: Create a light arugula salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a lemon vinaigrette to balance the bread's intense flavors and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Charcuterie Board: Elevate the bread by presenting it alongside cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and a selection of soft and hard cheeses to create a complete Mediterranean-inspired spread.
• Enjoy with Herb-Infused Olive Oil: Prepare a dipping oil with crushed garlic, red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs to complement the bread's existing thyme and olive elements, adding an extra layer of depth and complexity.

Flavor Twists for Olive and Cheese Bread

• Mediterranean Zest: Replace capers with sun-dried tomatoes and add chopped fresh rosemary for an intensely flavorful Mediterranean-inspired bread experience.
• Spicy Herb Fusion: Incorporate red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, and swap thyme with fresh basil leaves to create a spicier, more vibrant bread version.
• Rustic Nutty Charm: Mix in toasted pine nuts and replace mozzarella with crumbled feta cheese, giving the bread a rich, nutty undertone and Mediterranean flair.
• Whole Wheat Wellness: Substitute half the white flour with whole wheat flour, adding nutritional seeds like chia or flaxseed for extra health benefits and a hearty texture.

Olive and Cheese Bread with Capers and Thyme Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired olive and cheese bread delivers a symphony of tangy and herbal flavors. Rustic artisan loaf combines salty kalamata olives, sharp cheese, briny capers, and fragrant thyme, promising a delightful culinary journey for eager palates.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 300 grams (10.5 ounces) mozzarella cheese, roughly grated
• 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• ½ cup (about 40 grams) Parmesan cheese, finely grated

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 4 to 5 sprigs thyme, leaves only (woody stalks discarded), plus extra
• 2 to 3 tablespoons baby capers (in brine, drained)
• Salt and pepper

Oils:

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling, plus extra

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Instructions

1. In a stand mixer bowl, thoroughly blend flour, active dry yeast, and kosher salt using the paddle attachment.
2. Gradually incorporate lukewarm water and extra virgin olive oil while mixing at low speed until a cohesive mixture forms.
3. Switch to the dough hook and knead for 7-10 minutes, ensuring the dough becomes smooth and elastic, developing proper gluten structure.
4. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled large bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area until it doubles in volume, approximately 45 minutes.
5. Heat the oven to 200°C (392°F) and prepare a rectangular baking dish by lining it with parchment paper.
6. Dust a clean work surface with flour and gently roll the risen dough into a rectangular shape measuring approximately 30×40 centimeters (12×16 inches).
7. Evenly distribute mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped Kalamata olives, briny capers, and fresh thyme leaves across the dough’s surface.
8. Drizzle a thin stream of extra virgin olive oil over the toppings to enhance their flavors.
9. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, then slice it into uniform rounds approximately 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) thick.
10. Arrange the rounds cut-side up in the prepared baking dish, leaving slight spaces between them, and allow to rest under a clean kitchen towel for an additional 15-20 minutes.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the rounds achieve a rich golden-brown color and emit a fragrant aroma.
12. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to settle.
13. Finish by garnishing with a final drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves, and a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper before serving warm.

Notes

• Master this artisan-style bread filled with Mediterranean flavors that transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.
• Carefully prepare your workspace by gathering all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth and stress-free recipe execution.
• Kneading develops gluten networks, creating that perfect chewy texture which makes homemade bread so irresistibly delicious.
• Proofing allows yeast to work its magic, producing beautiful air pockets and enhancing the bread’s complex flavor profile.
• Generously scatter cheese, olives, and herbs across the dough to guarantee each bite bursts with tantalizing taste sensations.
• Serving warm ensures maximum enjoyment, with melted cheese and fragrant herbs inviting everyone to savor this delectable creation.

• Prep Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg