Olive, Bacon, and Cheese Bread is a savory, flavorful bread that’s perfect for serving as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main. The combination of salty bacon, briny olives, and melted cheese creates an irresistible bread that is both hearty and comforting.
Here’s a recipe for Olive, Bacon, and Cheese Bread:
Olive, Bacon, and Cheese Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and chopped (or a mix of green and black olives)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust based on the saltiness of your olives and bacon)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of both)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
- Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped bacon to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside to drain on a paper towel. Leave a little bit of bacon fat in the skillet for added flavor.
- Once the bacon has cooled slightly, crumble or chop it into smaller pieces.
2. Prepare the Olive Mixture:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped olives and sauté them for about 2 minutes in the residual bacon fat. This helps release the flavors of the olives and adds extra depth to the bread.
- Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and melted butter until smooth and well combined.
5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. The batter will be slightly thick.
6. Add the Bacon, Olives, and Cheese:
- Gently fold in the crumbled bacon, sautéed olives, and shredded cheese. Be sure everything is evenly distributed.
7. Bake the Bread:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan (or you can line it with parchment paper for easier removal).
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for about 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice and serve. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired for a burst of color and flavor.
Storage:
- Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- You can also freeze slices of the bread for up to 3 months. Just wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or foil, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Tips & Variations:
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add some sautéed onions or bell peppers to the batter for more flavor.
- Spicy Kick: For a spicy variation, add some jalapeños (fresh or pickled) or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dough.
- Cheese Variations: Swap out the cheddar or mozzarella with other cheeses like Gruyère, feta, or Parmesan for different flavor profiles.
- Gluten-Free Version: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the baking powder you use is gluten-free as well.
Serving Ideas:
- Serve this bread as a side dish with soups or stews.
- It also works well as an appetizer, especially with a light dipping sauce like balsamic glaze or aioli.
- Pair it with a salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
This Olive, Bacon, and Cheese Bread is a savory treat that brings together bold flavors in a moist, fluffy loaf. It’s perfect for those who love a combination of salty, cheesy, and tangy goodness!
