Olive Oil Bread Recipe: A Simple, Delicious Homemade Delight
Preparation Time:
- Total: 2 hours
- Prep: 15 minutes
- First Rise: 1 hour
- Baking: 30 minutes
Ingredients (Makes 3 Small Loaves):
- 4 tablespoons (60 ml) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (10 g) dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/3 cups (320 ml) warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 4 3/4 cups (570 g) plain flour
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, warm water, olive oil, dry yeast, and salt. Mix until the ingredients come together, then transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and leave it to rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and shape it into a cylinder. Divide the dough into three equal parts, form each into a loaf, and place them on a baking sheet. Lightly score the tops with shallow cuts and dust with a bit of flour.
Step 4: Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Bake the loaves for approximately 30 minutes or until they turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped at the bottom.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Transfer the baked bread onto a wire rack to cool. Once cooled, slice and serve with your favorite toppings, such as butter, jam, cheese, or dips.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a warm bowl of soup or a fresh salad.
- Serve alongside olive oil, balsamic vinegar, or any favorite dipping sauces.
- Toast and top with avocado, fresh tomatoes, or a generous spread of jam for a delicious snack.
Cooking Tips:
- For the best texture, knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Ensure the dough rises in a warm, draft-free environment for optimal results.
- To achieve a crispy crust, place a pan of water in the oven while baking.
Nutritional Benefits:
This olive oil bread is not only delicious but also nutritious. Olive oil is rich in heart-healthy fats and antioxidants, while plain flour provides carbohydrates to fuel your energy needs. Best of all, this bread contains no added sugars, making it a wholesome choice.
Dietary Information:
This recipe is suitable for vegetarians, dairy-free, and can be made vegan if paired with plant-based toppings.
Nutritional Facts (Per Slice, Based on 12 Slices Per Loaf):
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Dietary Fiber: 1 g
- Sugars: 0 g
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
Storage Tips:
Store the loaves at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the loaves tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 3 months.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This olive oil bread is simple to make with minimal ingredients, yet yields a perfectly soft and fluffy interior with a golden, crispy crust. The versatile flavor pairs beautifully with any meal, and the recipe allows for creative customization with herbs or toppings. Whether fresh from the oven or toasted, it offers the comforting taste of homemade bread.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of plain flour? Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, though the bread may have a denser texture.
- Can I add herbs or seasonings to the dough? Definitely! Dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder can add fantastic flavor.
- What if I don’t have olive oil? You can substitute it with vegetable oil or melted butter.
- Can I make this bread gluten-free? You can try using a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary.
- How do I know when the bread is done baking? The bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Can I make just one loaf instead of three? Yes, you can adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and bake for a shorter time.
- Can I let the dough rise overnight? Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight, allowing it to rise slowly.
- Can I use instant yeast instead of dry yeast? Yes, you can substitute instant yeast, but reduce the rising time slightly.
- Why is my bread dense? Dense bread may result from under-kneading, insufficient rising time, or too much flour.
- Can I make this bread in a bread machine? Yes, simply follow your bread machine’s instructions for adding the ingredients.
Conclusion:
This olive oil bread recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. With its soft, fluffy texture and crisp crust, it’s the perfect homemade bread for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or toasted with your favorite toppings, this bread brings comfort and simplicity to your table. Try it today and savor the homemade goodness!
