Why You’ll Love This Olive Oil Bread Recipe
If you’re a fan of warm, homemade bread, you’re going to love this olive oil bread recipe. It’s incredibly easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients.
The aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is irresistible, and the bread comes out with a beautiful golden crust. I appreciate how versatile it is; whether you enjoy it plain, with butter, or as a side to a meal, it never disappoints.
Plus, the olive oil gives it a rich flavor that elevates it above standard bread. Trust me, you’ll want to share this delight with everyone you know!
Ingredients of Olive Oil Bread
When it comes to making delicious olive oil bread, having the right ingredients is essential. Luckily, you don’t need a long list of fancy items. Just a few basics will do the trick, and you might already have most of them in your pantry.
So, let’s explore what you need to whip up this delightful bread that will make your home smell heavenly.
Here’s what you’ll need for your olive oil bread:
- 120 ml warm water
- 10 g active dry yeast
- 4 g white sugar
- 5 g salt
- 60 ml olive oil
- 310 g all-purpose flour
Now, before you start gathering your ingredients, let’s chat a bit about them.
First off, the warm water is essential because it wakes up the yeast, giving it a nice little boost to start working its magic. If it’s too hot, you’ll end up killing the yeast—yikes.
And the olive oil? Oh, it’s not just for flavor. It also helps to keep the bread moist and tender. You can even play around with different types of olive oil; a robust extra virgin can add a lovely, peppery note to your bread.
Just remember, fresh ingredients will give you the best results, so check your flour and yeast for freshness. You want your bread to rise beautifully, not flop like a sad pancake.
How to Make Olive Oil Bread
Making olive oil bread is a delightful experience, and it all starts with the basics. First, grab a large bowl and mix together 120 ml of warm water, 10 g of active dry yeast, 4 g of white sugar, 5 g of salt, and 60 ml of olive oil. The warm water is like a cozy blanket for the yeast, waking it up and getting it ready to work its magic. Just be careful not to make it too hot—no one wants to throw a party and accidentally kill the yeast, right?
Once everything is well combined, it’s time to stir in about 310 g of all-purpose flour. You’re aiming for a soft ball of dough, not a sticky mess that clings to everything like a clingy friend. If it does get a bit too sticky, don’t panic; just knead in a little more flour until it feels just right.
Now comes the best part—let that dough rise. Place your kneaded dough into a medium-sized greased bowl and cover it up. Just like a cozy nap, you want it to rise until it doubles in size. This usually takes about an hour, but hey, if you get distracted by a good show or a snack break, it’ll be just fine.
Once it’s all puffed up, give it a good punch to release the air—don’t worry, it won’t hold a grudge. Shape it into a ball or a loaf and place it on a greased cookie sheet. Cover it again for a quick 15 to 20-minute rise, then preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Finally, bake your bread for about 30 to 40 minutes until it turns a beautiful golden brown. The aroma that fills your kitchen will have everyone wondering what delicious magic you’ve conjured up. Seriously, it’s hard to beat the smell of fresh bread baking.
Enjoy the process, and remember—no one’s judging your bread skills here. Just have fun with it!
Olive Oil Bread Substitutions & Variations
After you’ve mastered the basic olive oil bread recipe, you might find yourself wanting to experiment a bit.
You can easily swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat or bread flour for a different texture and flavor.
Want to add a twist? Try mixing in herbs like rosemary or thyme, or fold in sun-dried tomatoes and olives for a Mediterranean flair.
For a slightly sweet touch, adding honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon can work wonders.
If you’re dairy-free, substitute olive oil with avocado oil, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different types of yeast for unique results.
Enjoy the process!
Additional Tips & Notes
While baking olive oil bread can be straightforward, a few extra tips can elevate your results. First, use high-quality olive oil for enhanced flavor; it truly makes a difference.
I also recommend letting the dough rise in a warm spot to speed up the process. If you want a crustier exterior, place a shallow pan of water in the oven while baking.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with herbs or spices for added flavor. Finally, be sure to check for doneness by tapping the bottom; it should sound hollow.
Enjoy your baking adventure, and trust me, it’s worth it!