Cheddar Olive Thyme Bread
Craving something irresistible? Cheddar Olive Thyme Bread is a savory delight filled with rich cheese and briny olives, perfect for any meal. This easy recipe results in a warm, crusty loaf that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Make it tonight and enjoy the magic of homemade 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.
Notes
When storing leftover bread, wrap it in foil or place it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. This ensures you can enjoy this delicious bread long after it’s baked!