Mediterranean Olive Oil Bread is a soft, flavorful, and versatile bread that’s simple to make yet packed with taste. The addition of olive oil to the dough gives it a moist texture and rich flavor, making it a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. This bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes or can be enjoyed on its own with a drizzle of extra olive oil and some sea salt.
Mediterranean Olive Bread Recipe
The Mediterranean olive oil bread recipe emphasizes the use of high-quality olive oil, which enhances the flavor and texture of the bread. Olive oil, along with other staple ingredients like flour, yeast, and salt, creates a soft, pillowy bread with a crispy crust. The Mediterranean influence also allows for variations, such as adding fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano, giving the bread a fragrant, herby twist.
Benefits of Mediterranean Bread
Healthier Fat Source: Olive oil is high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, making it a healthier alternative to butter or margarine in baking.
Rich in Antioxidants: Olive oil contains antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and promote overall health.
Versatile and Easy to Make: Mediterranean bread is incredibly versatile, great for pairing with Mediterranean dips like hummus, tzatziki, or olive tapenade.
Why Use Olive Oil in Bread?
Olive oil is a key ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, and using it in bread offers several advantages:
Flavor: Olive oil adds a rich, fruity flavor to the bread.
Moisture: Olive oil helps keep the bread soft and moist, even as it cools.
Texture: It contributes to the bread’s tender crumb and soft texture, making it irresistible when freshly baked.
Mediterranean Bread Ingredients
The foundation of this bread is simple: flour, salt, yeast, olive oil, and water. These ingredients are mixed to form a dough that rises beautifully, resulting in a soft, airy bread.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well for Mediterranean bread, but you can also experiment with bread flour for a slightly chewier texture.
Salt & Sugar
Yeast: Active dry yeast helps the bread rise.
Water
Best Olive Oil for Bread
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Always opt for extra virgin olive oil when making Mediterranean bread. It has the purest, most robust flavor and will elevate the taste of the bread.
Cold-Pressed Olive Oil: Look for cold-pressed oils for the best quality, as this process retains the oil’s natural flavors and antioxidants.
Fresh Herbs in Mediterranean Bread (Optional)
- Rosemary
- Oregano or Thyme
- Basil
How to Make Mediterranean Olive Oil Bread
Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water (about 110°F) with sugar. Sprinkle in the active dry yeast and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt.
Add the Wet Ingredients: Once the yeast has activated, add the olive oil to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in the flour and salt mixture, stirring to combine.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you want to add herbs, now is the time to fold them into the dough.
Let It Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a clean towel. Let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Shape and Second Rise: Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet. Let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread has a golden brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool: Allow the bread to cool before slicing.
Simple Mediterranean Bread Recipe
This recipe is straightforward, and even beginner bakers can successfully make it. The beauty of Mediterranean olive oil bread is its simplicity, relying on just a few key ingredients that come together to create a delicious loaf.
Kneading Mediterranean Olive Oil Bread Dough
Kneading is essential to developing the gluten structure in the dough. You can knead by hand or use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. The dough should be smooth and elastic when done.
Tips for Perfect Bread Texture
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Avoid over-kneading, which can result in dense bread. Knead just until smooth and elastic.
Allow Sufficient Rise Time: Give the dough enough time to rise, as this is crucial for light, airy bread.
Adjust Flour as Needed: Depending on your flour type or humidity, you might need to adjust the amount of flour to get the right dough consistency.
How Long to Bake Mediterranean Bread
Typically, Mediterranean olive oil bread bakes at 375°F for 25-30 minutes. The loaf should sound hollow when tapped and have a golden-brown crust.
Baking Tips
Perfect Crust for Mediterranean Bread
To achieve the perfect crust, place a shallow pan of water in the oven while baking. The steam will help create a crispy outer layer on the bread.
How to Make Olive Oil Bread Soft and Fluffy
The key to a soft and fluffy bread is to avoid over-mixing the dough. After kneading, allow the dough to rest and rise properly. Olive oil also helps keep the bread moist.
How to Avoid Dry Mediterranean Bread
Ensure the dough is well-hydrated. Olive oil plays a major role in keeping the bread soft and moist, so don’t be tempted to skip it.
Serving Suggestions
Best Pairings
Hummus: Mediterranean olive oil bread is perfect for dipping in hummus, whether classic or flavored.
Olive Tapenade: A salty, briny olive tapenade complements the bread’s soft texture.
Cheese: Pair with cheeses like feta, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar for a savory treat.
Mediterranean Olive Oil Bread with Dips
This bread pairs beautifully with Mediterranean dips like tzatziki, baba ganoush, or a simple olive oil and balsamic vinegar dip.
How to Serve
Serve it alongside grilled vegetables, roasted meats, or a Mediterranean salad. It’s an excellent accompaniment to any meal.
More Bread Recipes
Mediterranean Olive Oil Bread
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano or rosemary optional
- Fresh herbs optional
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water (about 110°F) with sugar. Sprinkle in the active dry yeast and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Once the yeast has activated, add the olive oil to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in the flour and salt mixture, stirring to combine.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you want to add herbs, now is the time to fold them into the dough.
- Let It Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a clean towel. Let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape and Second Rise: Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet. Let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread has a golden brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool before slicing.