Delicious Savory Cheese and Olive Quick Bread Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping bread to serve at brunch, add to your next cheese board, or simply snack on with a mug of something cozy, this Delicious Savory Cheese and Olive Quick Bread is about to become your new best friend. Packed with gooey cheese, briny olives, a whisper of herbs, and just a hint of heat, this loaf bakes up golden, tender, and bursting with flavor in under an hour. You won’t believe how easy it comes together—no yeast, no waiting around—just satisfying, bakery-quality goodness that’ll make any day feel a little more special. This is the kind of recipe you’ll be asked for again and again at every gathering!

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple ingredients, this savory quick bread delivers bold flavors and a super moist, tender crumb. Each ingredient brings something special, so don’t skimp—the magic truly happens when they all come together.

• All-purpose flour: This forms the base and structure of your bread, keeping it hearty without feeling dense.
• Baking powder: The secret to that beautiful, lofty rise without any yeast hassle.
• Salt: Essential for balancing flavors and bringing everything together.
• Black pepper: Just enough kick to enhance the savoriness without overpowering.
• Cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a subtle heat that perfectly complements the richness—use as much or as little as you like.
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix): This is where the magic happens! Choose a blend for melty, gooey pockets throughout.
• Whole milk: Gives the bread a soft texture and helps meld all the flavors together.
• Olive oil: Keeps things incredibly moist and imparts a lovely, subtle Mediterranean flavor.
• Large eggs: These bind the quick bread and add richness—room temperature eggs mix in best.
• Pitted olives (green, black, or a mix): Brings pops of salty, savory flavor to each bite—be sure to drain them well.
• Fresh or dried thyme (optional): An aromatic, herby lift that pairs beautifully with cheese and olives.
• Melted butter or non-stick spray: For greasing the pan and helping your loaf release perfectly every time.

How to Make Delicious Savory Cheese and Olive Quick Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C)—that consistent heat is essential for a perfect rise. While the oven warms up, generously grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with either melted butter or non-stick spray. This helps create a golden crust and ensures your Delicious Savory Cheese and Olive Quick Bread slides out effortlessly.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

Grab a big mixing bowl and combine the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of cayenne if you’re feeling spicy. Give everything a good whisk to disperse the baking powder evenly—that way, your loaf will bake up evenly light and fluffy, with no dry pockets sneaking in.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat together the milk, olive oil, and eggs until you have a smooth, cohesive mixture. The olive oil ensures every slice of your quick bread is delightfully moist, while the eggs help bind everything together and create a tender crumb.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, fold everything gently until just combined—no need for a vigorous stir. It’s okay if you see a few streaks of flour; over-mixing can make your bread tough, so show some restraint here!

Step 5: Fold in Cheese, Olives, and Thyme

Time for flavor central! Fold in your shredded cheese, chopped olives, and thyme if using. Mix just until everything’s evenly distributed—every bite deserves a bit of that cheesy, briny, herby goodness. Don’t be shy with the cheese or olives, either—this is what makes your Delicious Savory Cheese and Olive Quick Bread so outstanding.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a skewer poked into the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes (the hardest part is waiting!), then gently loosen the edges and transfer the loaf to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely for cleaner slices—if you can wait that long. Each slice will showcase specks of olive and pockets of melty cheese, ready to impress.

How to Serve Delicious Savory Cheese and Olive Quick Bread

Garnishes

A loaf this pretty barely needs dressing up, but I love adding a few extra thyme sprigs or a light sprinkling of flaky sea salt on top just before serving. It instantly makes every slice pop and creates a crave-worthy finish.

Side Dishes

This bread is pure magic alongside a hot bowl of tomato soup, a crisp green salad, or a hearty charcuterie board with nuts, figs, and more cheeses. The savory flavors are bold yet versatile, pairing perfectly with everything from classic comfort foods to Mediterranean-inspired fare.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch, slice and toast pieces of Delicious Savory Cheese and Olive Quick Bread, then top with a soft-boiled egg or whipped ricotta. Cut it into cubes for the ultimate party snack platter, or make savory bread puddings and paninis for something totally unique. However you serve it, this loaf always shines!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and pop it in an airtight container. It will stay moist and scrumptious on your countertop for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for 4 to 5 days—though chances are you’ll polish it off sooner!

Freezing

If you want to make Delicious Savory Cheese and Olive Quick Bread ahead, cool the loaf completely, then slice and wrap individual pieces or the full loaf in plastic, followed by a layer of foil. Store in your freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for easy snacking whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

For that fresh-from-the-oven vibe, gently reheat slices in a toaster or warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes. The edges will crisp up beautifully and the cheese will get gooey again—absolute bliss!

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Cheddar gives a classic sharp flavor, mozzarella melts beautifully, and a mix of cheeses adds depth. Experiment with Gruyere, Parmesan, or even a spicy Pepper Jack for your own spin on Delicious Savory Cheese and Olive Quick Bread.

What’s the best way to chop the olives?

A rough chop works well; you want small pieces scattered throughout each loaf slice, but don’t mince them too finely or they’ll disappear into the bread. Draining excess liquid is key so your quick bread isn’t soggy.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a quality gluten-free flour blend (one that contains xanthan gum works best). Check your baking powder too to make sure it’s gluten-free, and bake as directed for a glorious gluten-free version of Delicious Savory Cheese and Olive Quick Bread.

Is it possible to add extra veggies or mix-ins?

Of course—this quick bread is incredibly versatile. Try adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or even spinach for extra nutrition and flavor. Just keep the total “extras” to about 1 to 1.5 cups to avoid overloading the batter.

Can I double the recipe?

You sure can! Make two loaves for a crowd, or bake in mini loaf pans for adorable, shareable gifts. Keep an eye on the bake time for smaller pans—they may be done in 30–35 minutes.

Final Thoughts

If you love fuss-free baking with maximum flavor payoff, you truly can’t go wrong with this Delicious Savory Cheese and Olive Quick Bread. Grab your mixing bowls and give it a try—your friends and family will rave about every cheesy, olive-studded slice! Let me know how yours turns out and all the creative ways you enjoy it.

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