Olive Bread Recipe by Jamie Oliver That’s Rich and Rustic

Jamie Oliver’s olive bread whisks you into a sun-drenched Mediterranean culinary journey that bursts with rustic charm.

Bold olive notes weave through each golden-crusted slice, promising an explosion of flavor.

Fragrant herbs and briny olives mingle, creating a sensory masterpiece that transports you to coastal kitchens.

Kneading the dough becomes a rhythmic dance of love and tradition, transforming simple ingredients into edible art.

This recipe breathes life into home baking, offering a symphony of textures and tastes that tantalize the palate.

Crisp on the outside, tender within, the bread speaks volumes about Mediterranean soul and passion.

Unleash your inner baker and savor every remarkable bite of this sensational creation.

Olive Bread Storage Guidelines

• Preserve Freshness: Store this Mediterranean-style bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, maintaining its soft texture and vibrant flavors.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Extend the bread's life by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days, ensuring maximum moisture retention.
• Freeze for Later: Slice the bread before freezing in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and quickly refresh in a warm oven for that just-baked taste and texture.
• Revive Day-Old Bread: Breathe new life into leftover bread by lightly misting with water and warming in the oven for 3-5 minutes, restoring its original softness and bringing out the rich olive and herb flavors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 10

Jamie Oliver’s Olive Bread Ingredient List

• Flour: Choose high-protein bread flour for best texture and rise.
• Sea Salt: Fresh, coarse salt enhances overall bread flavor complexity.

• Yeast: Select active dry yeast with recent expiration date for maximum rising power.
• Lukewarm Water: Use filtered water at precise body temperature to activate yeast effectively.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin variety provides rich, robust Mediterranean flavor profile.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Black Olives: Select oil-packed varieties for intense, concentrated taste.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves deliver more vibrant aromatic punch than pre-minced options.
• Basil Leaves: Pick bright green, crisp leaves without dark spots or wilting.
• Mozzarella: Choose fresh, low-moisture cheese for optimal melting characteristics.
• Parmesan Cheese: Opt for freshly grated block cheese over pre-packaged versions.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground provides superior depth and aroma.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt for even distribution through olive paste.

Baking Tools for Olive Bread

• Large Bowl: Spacious mixing container for combining flour and other dry ingredients.
• Jug: Measuring container for mixing yeast and water.
• Pestle and Mortar: Traditional tool for crushing and grinding ingredients into a coarse paste.
• Rolling Pin: Used to roll dough into thin, even circles.
• Baking Sheet: Flat metal surface for placing and baking bread.
• Damp Tea Towel: Soft cloth for covering dough during rising process.
• Jam Jar: Circular object used as a center guide for bread design.
• Sharp Knife: For making precise incisions in the bread dough.
• Cheese Grater: Tool for finely grating Parmesan and adding final touches.
• Oven: Cooking appliance for baking bread at specified temperature.

Olive Bread Instructions by Jamie Oliver

• Awaken the Dough

Mix flour and salt in a spacious bowl, creating a cozy crater for wet ingredients. Blend lukewarm water with yeast, gently pouring into the flour’s heart while stirring softly. Watch as the ingredients dance together, forming a silky smooth dough.

• Transform and Nurture

Knead the dough on a flour-dusted surface, working it with love until elastic and smooth. Nestle the dough into a greased bowl, wrap it in a damp towel, and let it rest in a warm embrace for an hour, watching it bloom and expand.

• Craft Flavor Explosion

Crush sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, and garlic into a rustic paste. Fold in fragrant basil leaves, a whisper of salt, drizzle of olive oil, crackling black pepper, and a sprinkle of Parmesan to create a vibrant Mediterranean symphony.

• Sculpt Bread Masterpiece

Roll dough into two delicate circles. Lavish one circle with the olive mixture, shower with mozzarella, then crown with the second dough layer. Seal the edges with gentle determination, creating a flavor-packed treasure.

• Design and Bake

Position a jar in the center, slice the dough into 12 radiant sections, twisting each strand with artistic flair. Tuck remaining basil leaves into the bread’s folds. Let it rise once more, then bake at 190°C until golden and aromatic. Finish with a cascade of cheese and olive oil.

• Savor the Creation

Allow the bread to rest and cool, then slice and share this culinary masterpiece with friends and family.

Toppings & Additions for Olive Bread

Unlock delicious variations and pro tips that elevate this Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece.

Replace sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers or swap black olives for green Kalamata olives to create unique taste combinations.

Experiment with different cheese blends like pecorino, gouda, or fontina to add unexpected depth and richness to your bread’s flavor.

Incorporate fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano into the olive paste for an aromatic Mediterranean-style enhancement that brings vibrant herbal notes.

Add chopped pine nuts or sunflower seeds to the olive paste for a delightful crunch and nutty undertone that surprises and delights every bite.

How to Serve Olive Bread

• Serve Alongside Antipasto Platter: Create a vibrant Mediterranean-style starter with cured meats, marinated vegetables, and soft cheeses that complement the bread's robust olive and tomato flavors.
• Pair with Fresh Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the bread's rich, savory profile and provide a crisp, refreshing contrast.
• Design Rustic Dipping Station: Arrange small bowls of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic reduction, and herb-infused dips to enhance the bread's complex taste and encourage interactive dining.
• Transform into Party Appetizer: Cut the bread into smaller wedges, perfect for social gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy bite-sized portions of this stunning olive-studded creation.

Rustic Jamie Oliver Olive Bread Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x

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Description

Jamie Oliver’s olive bread blends Mediterranean flavors with rustic charm. Homemade loaves showcase intense herb and olive notes while delivering simple culinary pleasure you can savor with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 500 g / 17.6 oz strong white bread flour
• 2 x 125 g / 8.8 oz mozzarella
• 100 g / 3.5 oz black olives
• 100 g / 3.5 oz parmesan cheese
• 1 x 7 g / 0.25 oz dried yeast sachet
• 6 sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 clove garlic (optional)
• 1 bunch fresh basil, 30 g / 1.1 oz
• olive oil
• flour for dusting

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Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: Combine flour and sea salt in a large mixing bowl, creating a central well. Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water and pour into the flour cavity, gradually incorporating surrounding flour to form a cohesive dough.
2. Kneading and First Rise: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead vigorously for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 60 minutes or until doubled in volume.
3. Flavor Mixture Creation: Using a mortar and pestle, crush sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, and garlic into a coarse blend. Incorporate most basil leaves, salt, olive oil, black pepper, and Parmesan to create a robust aromatic paste.
4. Dough Shaping and Filling: Roll dough into two circular shapes. Spread olive mixture over one circle, layer with mozzarella, then cover with the second dough circle, sealing edges completely.
5. Decorative Cutting and Second Proofing: Place a jam jar in the center as a guide, make 12 radial cuts extending outward. Twist each segment three times and arrange on a baking sheet. Scatter remaining basil leaves across the surface. Cover and let rise for 60 minutes.
6. Baking and Finishing: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Bake bread in the central rack for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Garnish with additional grated cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. Rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Knead with Precision: Thoroughly knead the dough for exactly 10 minutes to develop strong gluten networks, ensuring a smooth, elastic texture that’s crucial for perfect bread structure.
• Temperature Matters: Maintain a warm, draft-free environment during proofing to help the dough rise effectively, ideally around 24-27°C (75-80°F) for optimal yeast activation.
• Flavor Fusion Technique: Crush olive mixture ingredients in a mortar and pestle to release maximum flavor oils and create a more integrated, aromatic paste compared to simple chopping.
• Twist Technique: When creating radial cuts and twists, apply gentle, consistent pressure to maintain dough integrity while creating an attractive, intricate bread surface design.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg