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
Scale
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.
