Name: Olive Thyme Bread Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ tsp salt; 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves; 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C); 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) dry yeast; 1 tsp sugar or honey; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; ½ cup pitted and chopped Kalamata olives, patted dry

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Introduction

This Olive Thyme Bread combines fragrant fresh thyme and briny Kalamata olives in a rustic loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches or alongside soups. With a crisp crust and tender crumb, it’s an inviting homemade bread that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas.

The image shows a loaf of bread with a rustic, golden-brown crust dotted with herbs and olives. The loaf is sliced, revealing a soft, light inside with pieces of olives and herbs spreading throughout. The bread rests on a wooden board with fresh thyme and a few dark olives scattered around. In the blurred background, there is a white marbled surface with a glass jug of olive oil and a bowl of olives. A woman's hand is gently holding one slice of the bread. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp salt
2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) dry yeast
1 tsp sugar or honey
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
½ cup pitted and chopped Kalamata olives, patted dry

Instructions

Step 1: Dissolve the dry yeast in warm water, add a pinch of sugar or honey, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy to activate the yeast.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and fresh thyme leaves. Stir to distribute the thyme evenly throughout the flour.
Step 3: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the activated yeast mixture and extra virgin olive oil. Mix until a rough dough forms, then transfer to a floured surface.
Step 4: Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. During the last few minutes, gently fold in the chopped Kalamata olives, distributing them evenly without crushing.
Step 5: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
Step 6: Turn the dough onto a floured surface, shape it into a round or oval loaf, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
Step 7: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Score the loaf’s top with a sharp knife, then bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.

Tips & Variations

For a softer crust, brush the loaf with olive oil immediately after baking.
Try substituting fresh rosemary for thyme for a different herbal note.
Use a mix of green and black olives for varied flavor and color.
Letting the dough rise overnight in the fridge develops more complex flavors.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread, then toast or warm slices before serving to refresh the texture.

How to Serve

A loaf of rustic bread with a golden-brown crust is sliced into three thick pieces, revealing a soft, airy inside with visible bits of olives and herbs. The bread rests on a wooden cutting board with some scattered fresh thyme leaves. In the blurred background, there is a glass bottle of olive oil and a small bowl filled with dark olives. The warm lighting enhances the texture of the crust and the freshness of the herbs. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute dried thyme, but reduce the amount to about 1 tablespoon since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Using an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached around 200°F (93°C) is also helpful.