Roasted Garlic No Knead Skillet Bread Recipe with Olives
Introduction
If you love the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread but dread the thought of kneading, then this Roasted Garlic No Knead Skillet Bread with Olives is for you. It’s a wonderfully dense bread, incredibly easy to prepare, and requires absolutely no kneading! The dough is brought together with a few pantry staples such as all-purpose flour, yeast, olive oil, and roasted garlic, along with a delightful combination of black olives and mixed dried herbs. The result? A flavorful, rustic bread that’s perfect for any occasion.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 120 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Serving Size: 8-10 wedges
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 3 cups |
| Active dry yeast | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Mixed Herbs (Dried) | 2 teaspoons |
| Black Olives (finely chopped) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic (roasted) | 1 teaspoon |
| Water (lukewarm) | 1 1/2 cups |
| For the topping | |
| Mixed Herbs (Dried) | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Olives (finely chopped) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic (roasted) | 1 teaspoon |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Other ingredients | |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
To begin the process of making your Roasted Garlic No Knead Skillet Bread, start by combining all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, salt, sugar, extra virgin olive oil, mixed dried herbs, finely chopped black olives, and roasted garlic in a large mixing bowl. Stir everything together until well combined.
Gradually pour in the lukewarm water, a little at a time, stirring continuously until the dough begins to form. You’re aiming for a soft and smooth dough, so don’t worry if it’s a little sticky. Remember, this recipe is a no-knead version, so no hands-on kneading is required.
Use a few drops of olive oil to coat the dough and gently shape it into a ball, resembling the shape of a bread boule. This will help smooth out the dough. Once done, set the dough aside.
Step 2: Proving the Dough
Next, you’ll prepare a cast-iron skillet. Grease it lightly with some extra virgin olive oil to prevent sticking, and place the dough into the skillet. Sprinkle a few drops of water over the dough, brushing it evenly over the surface. For the topping, sprinkle mixed herbs, chopped olives, and roasted garlic on top of the dough.
Cover the skillet with a deep dish to allow enough room between the dough and the lid. This creates the perfect environment for the dough to rise. Leave it in a warm, draft-free spot for at least 45 minutes, allowing the yeast to work its magic and the dough to double in size. If the dough hasn’t risen by then, let it rest for a little longer.
Step 3: Shaping and Preheating the Oven
Once the dough has risen to twice its size, uncover the skillet, and grease your fingers with a little olive oil. Gently flatten the dough, spreading it out to cover the entire surface of the skillet evenly.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to get it ready for baking. In the meantime, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the dough and let it rest for an additional 30 minutes in a warm place. This second resting phase ensures the bread rises a little more before baking.
Step 4: Baking the Bread
After the dough has rested, brush the top of the bread with a little more extra virgin olive oil, which will help create a golden, crusty finish. Now, it’s time to bake! Place the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, raise the temperature to 200°C (400°F) and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until the top is a beautiful, even golden brown and the crust is perfectly crispy.
Step 5: Cooling and Serving
Once your Roasted Garlic No Knead Skillet Bread has finished baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the skillet for a few minutes. Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
Once cooled, cut the bread into wedges and serve as an appetizer or side dish. For an extra touch, you can serve it alongside your favorite dishes, such as poached eggs or a light salad.
Serving Suggestions
Roasted Garlic No Knead Skillet Bread is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with other dishes. Serve it with a refreshing Arugula Fig Walnut Salad for a complete meal. Or enjoy it with a glass of freshly made Carrot Amla Pomegranate Juice for a vibrant and healthy breakfast.
Tips & Variations
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different herbs and seasonings to customize the flavor of your bread. You can try adding rosemary, thyme, or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a different twist.
- Olives: Black olives add a rich, briny flavor to the bread, but feel free to use green olives or a mix of both for a unique taste.
- Garlic: Roasting garlic brings out its natural sweetness and mellow flavor. If you prefer a stronger garlic taste, feel free to use fresh minced garlic instead of roasted garlic.
This bread recipe is not only simple but is sure to become a favorite in your household. It’s perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or as an everyday treat to serve with your favorite spreads and dips.
Enjoy your homemade Roasted Garlic No Knead Skillet Bread with Olives and delight in the ease and flavor this recipe brings to your kitchen!
