Cheddar Olive Thyme Bread
There’s something truly magical about baking bread at home, especially when it comes to Cheddar Olive Thyme Bread. The aroma wafting through the house as the loaf rises and turns golden brown is an experience that can’t be beaten. I remember the first time I made this recipe; I was hosting a cozy dinner with friends, and I wanted to impress them with something special. As I mixed the ingredients, the scent of fresh thyme mingled with the sharp cheddar cheese and savory olives, creating an irresistible blend that had everyone asking for the recipe before they even took a bite.
Every slice is a testament to the harmony of flavors that come together in this loaf. The delightful combination of Parmesan and cheddar cheese provides a rich, creamy texture, while the Kalamata olives add a burst of briny goodness. Plus, the fresh thyme brings a subtle herbal note that elevates each mouthful. It’s perfect served warm with butter or as a side to a hearty soup or salad. Whenever I bake this bread, it becomes a conversation starter, drawing everyone into the kitchen with its warmth and inviting aroma.
What I love most about Cheddar Olive Thyme Bread is its versatility. Whether it’s brunch, a casual lunch, or a cozy dinner, this bread can elevate any meal. Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up on a whim, making it a fantastic go-to when you want to impress or simply satisfy your cravings for something delicious.
Recipe Snapshot
1 hr 10 mins
10 mins
60 mins
Medium
250 kcal
8 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
9 g
Wooden Spoon, Grater, Mixing Bowl, Frying Pan, Chef’s Knife, Whisk, Baking Sheet, Oven
Why This Cheddar Olive Thyme Bread Works
1. Irresistible Flavor Combination
The marriage of cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Kalamata olives creates an explosion of taste that’s both savory and slightly tangy. The thyme adds a lovely aromatic touch, making each bite a flavorful experience.
2. Perfect Texture
This bread has a perfect balance of crunch on the outside and a soft, tender crumb on the inside. When you slice into it, you’ll feel the sturdy crust giving way to a moist interior, a texture that’s hard to resist.
3. Versatile Accompaniment
Whether you serve it alongside a warm bowl of soup or enjoy it with a simple salad, Cheddar Olive Thyme Bread adapts wonderfully to all kinds of meals. It can also be toasted for a delicious breakfast option.
4. Easy to Make
This recipe is straightforward, making it accessible even for beginner bakers. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a freshly baked loaf that looks impressive and tastes fantastic.
5. Great for Sharing
There’s something about homemade bread that brings people together. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or having a casual family meal, this loaf acts as a perfect centerpiece that encourages sharing and conversation.
Main Ingredients for Cheddar Olive Thyme Bread
When it comes to creating the perfect loaf, the quality of your ingredients matters. This recipe showcases the beauty of simple, wholesome ingredients that work in perfect harmony. The key players include all-purpose flour, which forms the base, and the cheeses, which add richness and depth. Each ingredient brings its own character, resulting in a well-rounded, flavorful bread that’s hard to resist.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our bread, it gives structure and support to the loaf, creating a perfect rise.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the bread to rise, creating a light and airy texture.
- Baking Soda: Works in tandem with the baking powder for an extra lift, ensuring your bread is fluffy.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing the flavors of the bread, it balances the richness of the cheeses.
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick, complementing the other ingredients beautifully.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like a bit of heat, these flakes provide a mild spice that’s just right.
- Parmesan Cheese: This sharp cheese adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
- Cheddar Cheese: Known for its rich taste, it brings a creamy texture that makes the bread decadent.
- Kalamata Olives: These briny olives add a wonderful contrast to the cheeses, infusing the bread with unique flavor.
- Fresh Thyme Leaves: Their aromatic properties elevate the dish, giving it a fresh, herby essence.
- Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together, adding moisture and richness.
- Olive Oil: A healthy fat that adds flavor and helps keep the bread moist.
- Buttermilk: Contributes to the tenderness and adds a slight tang that balances the richness of the cheeses.
How to Cook Cheddar Olive Thyme Bread
Cooking Cheddar Olive Thyme Bread is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Follow these easy steps, and before you know it, you’ll have a beautiful loaf ready to impress your family and friends.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 12-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This step ensures your bread doesn’t stick to the pan, allowing it to release easily once baked.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution. This is crucial for a balanced flavor throughout the bread.
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Add in the Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, Kalamata olives, and thyme leaves to the bowl. Stir until these ingredients are well mixed with the dry components. This step ensures that every bite contains a delicious burst of flavor.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, and buttermilk. This mixture adds moisture and binds the ingredients together, creating a rich batter.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the egg mixture. Stir gently until the batter becomes thick and sticky. It’s important to not overmix; just combine until all ingredients are moistened.
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If the batter appears too dry, feel free to add a splash more buttermilk. Conversely, if it seems too wet, incorporate a little more flour. This helps achieve the perfect consistency.
Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle extra thyme leaves on top for a beautiful finishing touch.
Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 45 minutes to an hour. Keep an eye on it; a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when it’s done. This is a great moment to enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen!
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Once baked, let the loaf cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures that the bread sets properly and doesn’t become soggy.
Tips and Things Worth Knowing
Things Worth Knowing
- Check the Seasoning: Always taste your batter before baking. If you feel it needs more flavor, adjust seasonings accordingly.
- Don’t Skip Cooling: Allowing the bread to cool properly helps it retain its structure and flavor.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh thyme and good-quality cheeses make a significant difference in taste.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add sun-dried tomatoes or nuts for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Customization Ideas
One of the wonderful aspects of Cheddar Olive Thyme Bread is its adaptability. You can easily modify it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Storage: Store leftover bread wrapped in foil or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its freshness.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap tightly, then place it in a freezer bag. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Pairing: This bread pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or as an elegant appetizer spread with butter or olive tapenade.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different cheeses, such as feta or gouda, or add herbs like rosemary or basil for a unique twist.
- Serving Suggestions: Slice and toast the bread for breakfast, serve it warm as a side for dinner, or incorporate it into a brunch spread.
Serving This Cheddar Olive Thyme Bread
When it comes to serving Cheddar Olive Thyme Bread, the possibilities are endless! Here are some great ideas to enhance your dining experience:
- As an Appetizer: Serve warm slices with a side of olive oil for dipping or alongside a cheese platter for a tasty starter.
- Perfect with Soup: This bread is a fantastic sidekick to a comforting bowl of soup, be it a hearty tomato or creamy chowder.
- Ideal for Brunch: Slice the bread and serve it with a selection of spreads, cheeses, and fruits for a delightful brunch spread that’s sure to impress.
- For Dinner: Pair it with a fresh garden salad or grilled vegetables for a light meal.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, keep them wrapped in a cloth to maintain moisture, or toast slices to refresh their flavor.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Cheddar Olive Thyme Bread is a fantastic recipe that showcases the beautiful blend of flavors and textures, making it a standout addition to any meal. I encourage you to give it a try; the baking experience is just as rewarding as the delicious end result. Enjoy the warmth and delight this bread brings to your table, and watch as it becomes a new favorite for you and your loved ones!
Cheddar Olive Thyme Bread
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Grater
- Mixing Bowl
- Frying Pan
- Chef's Knife
- Whisk
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup Cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup Kalamata olives
- 2 teaspoons Fresh thyme leaves
- 2 Eggs
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1.25 cups Buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 12-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This step ensures your bread doesn’t stick to the pan, allowing it to release easily once baked.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution. This is crucial for a balanced flavor throughout the bread.
- Add in the Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, Kalamata olives, and thyme leaves to the bowl. Stir until these ingredients are well mixed with the dry components. This step ensures that every bite contains a delicious burst of flavor.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, and buttermilk. This mixture adds moisture and binds the ingredients together, creating a rich batter.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the egg mixture. Stir gently until the batter becomes thick and sticky. It’s important to not overmix; just combine until all ingredients are moistened.
- If the batter appears too dry, feel free to add a splash more buttermilk. Conversely, if it seems too wet, incorporate a little more flour. This helps achieve the perfect consistency.
- Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle extra thyme leaves on top for a beautiful finishing touch.
- Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 45 minutes to an hour. Keep an eye on it; a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when it’s done. This is a great moment to enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen!
- Once baked, let the loaf cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures that the bread sets properly and doesn’t become soggy.
