Mediterranean Feta and Olive Artisan Bread
This artisan bread, infused with the bold flavors of oil-cured olives and creamy feta cheese, offers a delightful twist to traditional yeast bread. Ideal for serving alongside grilled lamb or chicken, this flavorful loaf is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a rustic accompaniment to your favorite Mediterranean dishes. The combination of chewy olive pieces and crumbled feta creates a delicious burst of flavor in every bite, making it an irresistible addition to your bread repertoire.
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bread flour or unbleached all-purpose flour
3-3.5 cups (plus more for dusting)
Active dry yeast or fast rising yeast
1 (2 3/4 teaspoon) package (ensured to be fresh)
Granulated sugar
1 tablespoon (for yeast activation)
Salt
1 teaspoon (fine sea salt recommended)
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (plus 2 teaspoons for brushing)
Very warm water
1 cup (about 110°F (43°C))
Coarsely chopped pitted olives or black olives
1 cup (to taste, oil-cured recommended)
Crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup (for sprinkling)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Whisk until well mixed.
2
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil and warm water.
3
Mix until a shaggy dough forms, ensuring all dry ingredients are moistened.
4
Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rest for 15 minutes to allow the yeast to activate.
5
Lightly flour a work surface and transfer the dough onto it. Dust the top with flour.
6
Knead the dough for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic, adding more flour as needed if it becomes sticky.
7
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
8
Once risen, punch down the dough and flatten it into a 1/2-inch thick circle.
9
Sprinkle the olives and feta cheese evenly over the dough. Fold the dough over the ingredients and knead lightly to incorporate.
10
Shape the dough into a ball and pat it into an 8-inch diameter circle. Transfer to a greased baking sheet.
11
Using a 3-inch round cutter, cut out a circle from the center of the dough, leaving the round piece in place. You can bake this separately if desired.
12
Brush the top with 2 teaspoons of olive oil, and cover the loaf with a towel. Let it rise until puffy, about 30 to 45 minutes.
13
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
14
Bake the bread for 25 minutes, or until the crust is a rich golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
15
Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Feta and Olive Artisan Bread?
It is a savory artisan yeast bread infused with oil-cured olives and crumbled feta cheese, offering a rustic Mediterranean flavor profile.
What type of flour should I use for this recipe?
You can use either bread flour or unbleached all-purpose flour for this artisan loaf.
What kind of yeast is required?
The recipe calls for one package (approximately 2 3/4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast or fast-rising yeast.
What is the recommended water temperature for the dough?
The water should be very warm, approximately 110°F (43°C), to properly activate the yeast.
How long does the dough need to rest initially?
After mixing the dry and wet ingredients into a shaggy dough, let it rest for 15 minutes to allow the yeast to activate.
How long should I knead the bread dough?
Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
How many times does the dough need to rise?
The dough requires two rises: a first rise of 1 to 1.5 hours and a second rise of 30 to 45 minutes after shaping.
How do I know when the first rise is finished?
The first rise is complete when the dough has roughly doubled in size.
What type of olives are best for this bread?
Oil-cured olives are highly recommended for their bold flavor, but any pitted black olives can be used.
How do I incorporate the olives and feta into the dough?
Punch down the risen dough, flatten it into a 1/2-inch circle, sprinkle the toppings evenly, then fold and knead lightly to incorporate them.
What should the final diameter of the loaf be before baking?
The dough should be patted into an 8-inch diameter circle on a greased baking sheet.
Why do I need to cut a circle out of the center of the dough?
Using a 3-inch round cutter to remove a center piece helps create the traditional artisan shape and ensures even baking.
Can I bake the center piece of the dough?
Yes, you can leave the round center piece in place or bake it separately if you prefer.
What is the purpose of brushing the top with olive oil?
Brushing the top with olive oil before the second rise helps develop a rich golden-brown crust and adds flavor.
What temperature should the oven be?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for baking this bread.
How long does it take to bake the bread?
The bread should bake for approximately 25 minutes.
How can I tell if the bread is fully cooked?
The bread is ready when the crust is a rich golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Should the bread cool before slicing?
Yes, allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing to ensure the internal structure sets properly.
What foods pair well with this Mediterranean bread?
It is ideal for serving alongside grilled lamb, chicken, or as a rustic accompaniment to various Mediterranean dishes.
Is this recipe suitable for a bread machine?
This specific recipe is designed for manual preparation and oven baking to achieve an artisan texture.
What kind of salt should I use?
Fine sea salt is recommended for the best flavor in the dough.
Can I use extra virgin olive oil?
Yes, extra virgin olive oil is specified for both the dough and for brushing the crust.
Why is sugar included in the recipe?
One tablespoon of granulated sugar is used to help activate the yeast and support the dough's rise.
What should I do if the dough is too sticky while kneading?
You can add more flour as needed during the kneading process if the dough remains too sticky to handle.
Can I use different cheeses besides feta?
While feta provides the signature Mediterranean flavor, you could experiment with other crumbly cheeses like goat cheese.
Is this bread vegan?
No, this recipe contains feta cheese, which is a dairy product.
How should I store leftover artisan bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for several days.
Can this bread be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the baked and cooled loaf by wrapping it tightly in foil or placing it in a freezer-safe bag.
How many servings does one loaf provide?
The recipe makes one large artisan loaf which can be sliced into multiple servings.
What categories does this bread fall into?
It is categorized as a Yeast Bread and is often associated with artisan and Mediterranean styles.