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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- In a stand mixer bowl, thoroughly blend flour, active dry yeast, and kosher salt using the paddle attachment.
- Gradually incorporate lukewarm water and extra virgin olive oil while mixing at low speed until a cohesive mixture forms.
- Switch to the dough hook and knead for 7-10 minutes, ensuring the dough becomes smooth and elastic, developing proper gluten structure.
- 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.
- Heat the oven to 200°C (392°F) and prepare a rectangular baking dish by lining it with parchment paper.
- 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).
- Evenly distribute mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped Kalamata olives, briny capers, and fresh thyme leaves across the dough’s surface.
- Drizzle a thin stream of extra virgin olive oil over the toppings to enhance their flavors.
- Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, then slice it into uniform rounds approximately 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) thick.
- 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.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the rounds achieve a rich golden-brown color and emit a fragrant aroma.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to settle.
- 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