If you’re looking for a savory, comforting treat that comes together in a snap, this Cheese and Olive Quick Bread Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a beautifully golden loaf studded with flavorful olives and melty cheddar cheese, delivering the perfect balance of salty, tangy, and rich. Whether you’re hosting brunch, need a fabulous snack, or want a simple side to accompany your dinner, this quick bread will become your go-to. The best part? It uses easy pantry staples and comes together without any fuss, making it a true kitchen gem.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cheese and Olive Quick Bread Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each bringing something special to the table. From the fluffy texture given by the baking powder to the savory bursts of olives and cheese, every element works in harmony.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the bread rise quickly, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making every bite pop.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds rich, melty goodness with a sharp, tangy bite.
- 1/2 cup sliced black or green olives: Brings a salty, briny contrast that wakes up the palate.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture for a tender crumb.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds moisture and richness, helping create a soft texture.
- 1/4 cup melted butter: Infuses the bread with buttery flavor and keeps it moist.
How to Make Cheese and Olive Quick Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a loaf pan. This ensures your bread bakes evenly and doesn’t stick, leaving you with a perfectly shaped loaf every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This mix provides the foundation of your bread, with the baking powder encouraging that lovely rise and fluffiness.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Olives
Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and sliced olives, distributing them evenly. This step ensures every slice bursts with cheesy, briny flavor.
Step 4: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and melted butter together until frothy. This combination adds moisture, richness, and helps bind everything together.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir just until combined. It’s important not to overmix; some lumps are totally fine and will keep your bread light and tender.
Step 6: Bake Your Bread
Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and bake it for 45 to 50 minutes. Keep an eye out for a golden crust and perform the toothpick test to ensure it’s cooked through.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let your Cheese and Olive Quick Bread Recipe cool slightly before slicing. This resting time helps the bread set perfectly so it cuts cleanly and holds all those delicious bits in place.
How to Serve Cheese and Olive Quick Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme on top can elevate your bread with a fresh aroma and vibrant color that pairs beautifully with the olives and cheese.
Side Dishes
This quick bread shines alongside a crisp green salad or a bowl of hearty tomato soup. The savory, melty bread is just what you want to scoop up rich, comforting soups or balance fresh, zesty salads.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing appetizer, slice the bread thinly and top with a dollop of cream cheese and a couple of extra olive slices. Alternatively, turn it into savory toast with smashed avocado and a drizzle of olive oil for brunch perfection.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover Cheese and Olive Quick Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to preserve freshness and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy the bread later, slice it and freeze the pieces individually wrapped. This makes reheating quick and easy, letting you enjoy this savory delight anytime.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven until warm and slightly crispy on the edges. This brings back that freshly baked feel with gooey cheese and tender inside.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in the Cheese and Olive Quick Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like gouda, feta, or mozzarella to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
What kind of olives work best for this recipe?
Both black and green olives work wonderfully here. Choose your favorite or a mix for a complex, briny flavor.
Is this bread gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can try substituting with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but results may vary.
Can I add herbs to the batter?
Yes! Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano add an aromatic depth that complements the cheese and olives beautifully.
How long will this bread keep fresh?
Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, the bread should stay fresh for about two days, making it perfect for quick snacking over a couple of days.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Cheese and Olive Quick Bread Recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite savory bakes. It’s fast, packed with flavor, and so versatile — perfect for any time you want to add a little extra comfort and joy to your table. Grab your ingredients and give this recipe a whirl, your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Cheese and Olive Quick Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheese and Olive Quick Bread is a savory loaf that combines the rich flavors of cheddar cheese with the briny punch of black or green olives. Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or alongside soups and salads, this quick bread is easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients and no yeast required. The bread is moist, flavorful, and comes together in under an hour, making it a great option for a last-minute bake.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 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 and ensure the bread bakes evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour for consistent rising and flavor.
- Add Cheese and Olives: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and sliced olives until they are evenly distributed in the dry mixture, so every bite gets flavorful bursts of cheese and olive.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, whole milk, and melted butter until the mixture is frothy and homogenous, which helps incorporate air and moisture into the bread.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. It’s important not to overmix; a few lumps in the batter are fine and help keep the bread tender.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top slightly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully baked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool slightly in the pan before removing and slicing. This helps the bread set and makes slicing easier without crumbling.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the batter.
- You can substitute the cheddar cheese with other flavorful cheeses such as gouda or pepper jack.
- If you want a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cheese and milk.
- Sliced olives can be pitted black olives or green olives depending on your preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
