Greek Olive Bread Recipe
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Description: Nuggets of feta cheese and olives stud this delicious loaf, perfect with grilled or barbecued lamb or chicken.
Category: Yeast Breads
Keywords: Breads, European, < 4 Hours
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 3 – 3 1/2 cups | unbleached all-purpose flour |
| 1 packet | active dry yeast |
| 1 packet | fast rising yeast |
| 1 tablespoon | sugar |
| 2 teaspoons | salt |
| 1 tablespoon | extra virgin olive oil |
| 1 cup | water |
| 1/2 cup | black olives, chopped |
| 1 cup | feta cheese, crumbled |
| 2 teaspoons | extra virgin olive oil (for brushing) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 876.8 |
| Total Fat | 55.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 17 g |
| Cholesterol | 66.8 mg |
| Sodium | 3888.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 73 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.8 g |
| Sugars | 20.2 g |
| Protein | 22.9 g |
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, sugar, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients until well mixed.
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Create a well in the center of the dry mixture, and pour in 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and 1 cup of warm water. Stir until all the dry ingredients are moistened.
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Cover the bowl with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for 15 minutes. This allows the yeast to activate.
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Sprinkle a clean work surface with a little flour, then scrape the dough out onto this floured surface. Dust the top of the dough with more flour to prevent sticking.
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Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and develops small bubbles just beneath the surface. If the dough becomes sticky, feel free to add more flour as needed.
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Transfer the kneaded dough to a clean, greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides with oil. Cover it again and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, which should take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
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Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and flatten it into a ½ inch thick circle on a floured surface. Sprinkle the chopped black olives and crumbled feta cheese over the surface of the dough.
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Lightly knead the dough to incorporate the olives and cheese, then shape it into a ball. Pat the dough out to form a circle about 8 inches in diameter.
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Place the shaped dough on a greased baking sheet. Using a 3-inch round cutter, cut a circle in the center of the dough, but leave the round of dough in place. (You can bake the removed center alongside the bread; it may cook faster than the main loaf.)
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Brush the top of the dough with the remaining 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil. Cover the dough and let it rise until it becomes puffy, which should take about 30 to 45 minutes.
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once preheated, bake the bread for 25 minutes, or until the crust turns a rich golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
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Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and cool it on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy your homemade Greek Olive Bread, perfect for pairing with grilled meats or as a delightful snack!
Yield
1 round loaf
This enticing Greek Olive Bread, brimming with the flavors of feta and olives, serves as the ultimate companion to your favorite grilled dishes, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
