Olive Bacon Cheese Bread: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Deliciousness

Olive bacon cheese bread – just the name alone conjures up images of warm, crusty goodness, doesn’t it? Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice, the salty bacon mingling with the briny olives and the creamy, melted cheese, all nestled within a perfectly baked loaf. This isn’t just bread; it’s an experience!

While its exact origins are a bit hazy, similar savory breads have been enjoyed in Mediterranean cultures for centuries. Think of the Italian focaccia, often studded with olives and herbs, or the Spanish coca, a flatbread that welcomes a variety of toppings. Our olive bacon cheese bread takes inspiration from these traditions, adding a distinctly American twist with the inclusion of smoky bacon and generous amounts of cheese.

But what makes this particular combination so irresistible? It’s the symphony of flavors and textures. The saltiness of the olives and bacon is perfectly balanced by the richness of the cheese and the comforting chewiness of the bread. It’s incredibly versatile too! Serve it as an appetizer at your next gathering, enjoy it alongside a hearty soup, or simply savor a slice on its own as a satisfying snack. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why everyone raves about it. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 3 1/2 cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon instant dry yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 cups (360ml) lukewarm water (about 105-115°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
• For the Olive Bacon Cheese Filling:
• 6 ounces bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup pitted green olives, roughly chopped
• 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives, roughly chopped
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• For the Egg Wash:
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon milk or water

Preparing the Dough:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, instant dry yeast, and salt. Make sure the yeast is evenly distributed throughout the flour. This helps ensure even rising.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the lukewarm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. The dough will be sticky, and that’s perfectly fine!
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s manageable. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step. Knead on medium speed for about 6-8 minutes.
4. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is a crucial step for developing the flavor and texture of the bread. A warm environment helps the yeast work its magic.

Preparing the Olive Bacon Cheese Filling:

1. Cook the Bacon: If you haven’t already, cook the bacon until crispy. You can bake it in the oven, fry it in a pan, or even microwave it. Once cooked, drain the bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease. Crumble the bacon into small pieces.
2. Prepare the Olives: Roughly chop both the green olives and Kalamata olives. I like to leave some pieces slightly larger for a more rustic look.
3. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the crumbled bacon, chopped olives, shredded Gruyere cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, black pepper, and olive oil. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. The olive oil helps bind the filling together and adds flavor.

Assembling the Olive Bacon Cheese Bread:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the bread from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
3. Roll Out the Dough: Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Try to keep the thickness even throughout the rectangle.
4. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the olive bacon cheese filling over the entire surface of the dough rectangle, leaving a small border (about 1 inch) along one of the long edges. This border will help seal the bread.
5. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it closed.
6. Shape the Bread: Carefully transfer the log to the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down. You can leave it as a log, or you can shape it into a ring. To make a ring, bring the ends of the log together and pinch them to seal.
7. Score the Bread: Using a sharp knife or a lame (a special bread-scoring tool), make several diagonal slashes across the top of the bread. These slashes will allow steam to escape during baking and prevent the bread from cracking unevenly.

Baking the Olive Bacon Cheese Bread:

1. Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk (or water).
2. Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the entire surface of the bread with the egg wash. This will give the bread a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly glossy finish.
3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The internal temperature of the bread should reach 200-210°F (93-99°C).
4. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bottom of the bread from becoming soggy.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in the filling. Provolone, mozzarella, or even pepper jack would be delicious additions.
• Olive Variations: You can use any type of olives you like in this recipe. Consider adding some sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
• Herb Variations: Instead of rosemary, try using thyme, oregano, or a combination of herbs.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little heat.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
• Freezing: This bread freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, wrap the bread in aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions:

This olive bacon cheese bread is delicious served warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a light meal. Serve it with a simple salad or a bowl of soup for a complete and satisfying meal. It’s also great for parties and gatherings. I love to serve it with a glass of red wine.

Enjoy!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This olive bacon cheese bread is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect blend of salty, savory, and cheesy goodness, all wrapped up in a warm, comforting loaf. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves to bake, or even just loves to eat delicious bread (and who doesn’t?!).

Why is it a must-try? Well, first and foremost, the flavor combination is simply divine. The briny olives perfectly complement the smoky bacon, and the cheese adds a creamy, melty richness that ties everything together. But beyond the taste, this bread is also incredibly versatile. It’s fantastic as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a light meal on its own. Imagine serving warm slices of this bread alongside a hearty bowl of soup on a chilly evening, or bringing it to a potluck and watching it disappear in minutes.

But the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make! Don’t let the fancy name fool you; this recipe is totally achievable for bakers of all skill levels. I’ve broken down each step to be as clear and concise as possible, so you can confidently create a masterpiece in your own kitchen.

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations. While this bread is absolutely delicious on its own, there are so many ways to elevate it even further. For a simple yet elegant presentation, slice the bread and serve it with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. You could also pair it with a selection of cheeses and cured meats for a delightful charcuterie board.

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not experiment with different types of olives? Kalamata olives would add a rich, fruity flavor, while green olives stuffed with pimentos would provide a pop of color and a slightly tangy taste. You could also swap out the cheddar cheese for another variety, such as Gruyere, Parmesan, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick.

Another fun variation is to add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the dough for a burst of sweetness and acidity. Or, if you’re a fan of garlic, you could incorporate some roasted garlic cloves for a more intense flavor.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own! That’s the beauty of baking – it’s all about experimenting and discovering new flavor combinations that you love.

I truly hope you’ll give this olive bacon cheese bread recipe a try. I’m confident that you’ll be amazed by how delicious and satisfying it is. And more importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications to the recipe? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think?

Please, share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. I’m always eager to learn from other bakers and see how they’ve put their own spin on my recipes. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love.

So, go ahead, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake some magic! I can’t wait to hear all about your olive bacon cheese bread adventures. Happy baking!

---

June 30, 2025 by Melissa