If you’re looking for a snack or side that’s a perfect balance of savory, cheesy richness and briny olive goodness, the Cheese and Olive Quick Bread Recipe is your new go-to. This bread brings together simple pantry staples transformed into a moist, flavorful loaf that’s ready in just over an hour. With its tender crumb studded with pockets of melted cheddar and pops of salty olives, this quick bread is a delightful treat whether it’s for a casual lunch, an accompaniment to soup, or an impressive offering at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Cheese and Olive Quick Bread Recipe is a breeze. Each item plays an essential role: the all-purpose flour forms the soft base, baking powder provides the lift, salt enhances all the flavors, while cheddar cheese and olives bring that irresistible combination of creaminess and saltiness. Eggs, milk, and butter work together to create a tender, moist texture that holds the bread perfectly.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your bread, giving structure and tenderness.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Ensures a light, airy rise so your bread isn’t dense.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Elevates all the flavors and balances the richness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharp, melty, cheesy pockets in every bite.
- 1/2 cup sliced black or green olives: Brings a salty, tangy explosion that contrasts beautifully with cheese.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- 1 cup milk (whole): Keeps the bread moist and tender while adding subtle creaminess.
- 1/4 cup melted butter: Imparts buttery flavor and helps create a soft crumb.
How to Make Cheese and Olive Quick Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, generously grease a loaf pan to ensure your quick bread slides out easily without sticking. This simple prep step sets you up for success and a beautifully shaped loaf.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This combination wakes up the flour and evenly distributes your leavening and seasoning agents, which will give the bread that perfect delicate rise and flavor balance.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Olives
Gently fold the shredded cheddar and sliced olives into the dry mix. This step is key to making sure every slice of your quick bread has even bursts of cheesy richness and savory olive tang. Don’t overmix here; just fold until everything is nicely incorporated.
Step 4: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and melted butter until the mixture is frothy. This blend brings moisture and richness while helping the bread achieve a tender crumb. The frothy texture aids the bread’s lightness once baked.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined—you’ll want to keep some lumps in the batter. Overmixing can make the bread tough, so trust that the little flour pockets will bake out into a perfect texture.
Step 6: Bake Your Quick Bread
Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan. Place it in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma of melted cheese and olives will start to fill your kitchen, promising a delicious treat.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Once baked, allow the bread to cool slightly in the pan. Cooling helps it set so slices don’t crumble. Then, slice and get ready to enjoy the wonderfully balanced flavors of the Cheese and Olive Quick Bread Recipe.
How to Serve Cheese and Olive Quick Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Garnish slices with a light spread of herb butter or a drizzle of olive oil infused with garlic or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor. You can also sprinkle some freshly cracked black pepper or add a few chopped fresh parsley leaves on top to brighten each bite.
Side Dishes
This quick bread pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette, a warm bowl of tomato soup, or your favorite charcuterie board. It also complements Mediterranean-inspired meals wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, slice the bread into bite-sized squares and serve with an assortment of cheeses, olives, and cured meats. Or, toast slices and use them as a base for bruschetta topped with diced tomatoes and basil. The possibilities with Cheese and Olive Quick Bread Recipe are endless and sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover slices in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, they’ll stay fresh for 2-3 days. The bread retains its moisture well, keeping those cheesy and olive flavors intact.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. When thawed, the texture is almost as good as fresh, letting you enjoy this quick bread anytime a craving strikes.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 325°F for about 5-7 minutes. This warms the bread evenly, reviving its soft texture and melting the cheese to that perfectly indulgent gooeyness.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for this quick bread?
Absolutely! While cheddar gives a classic sharp flavor, you can experiment with mozzarella for mild creaminess or feta for a tangy twist. Just be mindful of saltiness when switching cheeses.
What kind of olives work best?
Black or green olives both work wonderfully. Black olives have a milder, slightly sweet flavor, while green olives offer a more pronounced salty bite. Choose based on your flavor preference or mix both for variety.
Is this bread gluten-free?
The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can try a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup, but expect some differences in texture and rise.
Can I add herbs or spices to the batter?
Definitely! Fresh rosemary, thyme, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor profile of your Cheese and Olive Quick Bread Recipe without overpowering the main ingredients.
How long will it take to make this bread from start to finish?
From prep to baking and cooling, expect about 1 hour and 5 minutes. Most of that is hands-off baking time, making it an easy bread to whip up even on busy days.
Final Thoughts
This Cheese and Olive Quick Bread Recipe is a fantastic way to bring warmth, flavor, and simplicity to your table. It takes just a short while to prepare, yet the taste feels elevated and special. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how this humble loaf becomes your new favorite quick bread that’s both versatile and utterly delicious.
Print
Cheese and Olive Quick Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheese and Olive Quick Bread is a savory, moist loaf perfect for a flavorful snack or an accompaniment to meals. Combining sharp cheddar cheese with briny olives, this bread offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes. It’s easy to prepare, requiring just one bowl for dry ingredients and another for wet, and bakes quickly in under an hour.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced black or green olives
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly combine these leavening and seasoning components.
- Add Cheese and Olives: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and sliced olives gently until evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture, ensuring a flavorful base for the bread.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, and melted butter until the mixture becomes frothy, incorporating air for a light texture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. It’s okay if the batter remains slightly lumpy; overmixing may toughen the bread.
- Bake the Bread: Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly in the pan before slicing. This helps maintain the bread’s structure and enhances serving ease.
Notes
- You can substitute the cheddar cheese with mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Use either black or green olives based on your preference; make sure to slice them thinly for even distribution.
- This bread pairs well with soups and salads or can be toasted for breakfast.
- For a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and light.
