Olive Bacon Cheese Bread: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Deliciousness

Crusty Italian Bread: Is there anything more satisfying than the sound of a perfectly baked loaf cracking open as you slice into it? That initial crunch gives way to a soft, airy interior, ready to be slathered with butter, dipped in olive oil, or piled high with your favorite sandwich fillings. I’m about to share my foolproof recipe for achieving that bakery-quality Crusty Italian Bread right in your own kitchen!

Italian bread, in its various forms, has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries. From the rustic loaves of the countryside to the elegant ciabatta, bread is more than just food; it’s a symbol of community and sustenance. The crusty texture, a hallmark of many Italian breads, is achieved through specific baking techniques that create a beautiful contrast between the exterior and interior.

People adore crusty Italian bread for its versatility and satisfying texture. The robust crust provides a delightful chew, while the soft crumb is perfect for soaking up sauces or complementing a variety of flavors. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty pasta dish, using it to make bruschetta, or simply enjoying it with a smear of garlic butter, this bread is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home is an experience in itself!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 500g (about 4 cups) bread flour, plus extra for dusting
• 10g (about 2 teaspoons) instant dry yeast
• 10g (about 2 teaspoons) salt
• 350ml (about 1 ½ cups) lukewarm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for greasing
• For the Filling:
• 200g (about 7 ounces) bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 150g (about 5 ounces) pitted green olives, roughly chopped
• 150g (about 5 ounces) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 100g (about 3.5 ounces) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• For the Egg Wash (optional):
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon milk or water

Preparing the Dough:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour, instant dry yeast, and salt. Make sure the yeast and salt don’t directly touch each other, as the salt can inhibit the yeast’s activity.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the lukewarm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix until a shaggy dough forms. The dough will be sticky at this stage, and that’s perfectly normal.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s manageable. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step. Knead on medium speed for about 6-8 minutes.
4. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is a crucial step for developing the flavor and texture of the bread.

Preparing the Filling:

1. Cook the Bacon: If you haven’t already, cook the bacon until crispy. You can do this in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven. Once cooked, drain the bacon on paper towels and crumble it into small pieces.
2. Prepare the Olives: Roughly chop the pitted green olives. You don’t want them too finely chopped, as you want to be able to taste them in the bread.
3. Grate the Cheese: Shred both the cheddar and mozzarella cheese. You can use pre-shredded cheese, but freshly grated cheese will melt more evenly and have a better flavor.
4. Sauté the Garlic: In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
5. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the crumbled bacon, chopped olives, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, sautéed garlic, dried oregano, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Assembling the Olive Bacon Cheese Bread:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the bread from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
3. Divide the Dough: Divide the dough in half. This will make it easier to work with and create two smaller loaves.
4. Roll Out the Dough: Roll out one half of the dough into a large rectangle, about 30×40 cm (12×16 inches). The dough should be relatively thin, about ¼ inch thick.
5. Spread the Filling: Sprinkle half of the filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it.
7. Shape the Loaf: Gently shape the log into a horseshoe or a spiral. Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Repeat with Remaining Dough: Repeat steps 4-7 with the remaining dough and filling.
9. Second Rise: Cover the loaves with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This will help the bread become even lighter and fluffier.
10. Prepare Egg Wash (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk or water. This will give the bread a shiny, golden-brown crust.
11. Brush with Egg Wash (Optional): Gently brush the loaves with the egg wash.
12. Score the Bread (Optional): Use a sharp knife or a lame to score the top of the loaves. This will allow the steam to escape during baking and prevent the bread from cracking. You can make simple slashes or create a more decorative pattern.

Baking the Olive Bacon Cheese Bread:

1. Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 90-93°C (195-200°F). You can use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature.
2. Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This will prevent the bread from becoming gummy.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Gruyere, provolone, or pepper jack would all be delicious additions or substitutions.
• Olive Variations: You can use a mix of green and black olives, or try using Kalamata olives for a more intense flavor.
• Herb Variations: Add other herbs to the filling, such as rosemary, thyme, or basil.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
• Garlic Bread Style: After baking, brush the bread with melted garlic butter for an extra layer of flavor.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out and assembling the bread.
• Freezing Instructions: The baked bread can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw completely before reheating.
• Reheating Instructions: To reheat the bread, wrap it in aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve warm as an appetizer or side dish.
• Enjoy with soup or salad.
• Make sandwiches with the bread.
• Serve with a cheese board and charcuterie.
• Enjoy as a snack with a glass of wine or beer.

Troubleshooting:

• Dough is too sticky: Add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is manageable.
• Dough is not rising: Make sure the yeast is fresh and the water is lukewarm, not hot. Also, ensure the dough is in a warm place.
• Bread is browning too quickly: Tent the bread with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
• Filling is leaking out: Make sure to seal the seam of the dough tightly.

Conclusion:

This Olive Bacon Cheese Bread isn’t just another recipe; it’s an experience waiting to happen. The salty olives, smoky bacon, and gooey cheese create a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s the perfect blend of savory and comforting, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again!

But what makes this bread a true must-try? It’s the simplicity combined with the incredible depth of flavor. You don’t need to be a master baker to achieve bakery-worthy results. The recipe is straightforward, the ingredients are readily available, and the payoff is immense. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a culinary genius, even if you’re just starting out in the kitchen.

Beyond its deliciousness, this bread is incredibly versatile. Looking for serving suggestions? Slice it up and serve it warm with a bowl of hearty tomato soup for a comforting lunch. Or, cut it into cubes and serve it as an appetizer at your next party – watch it disappear in minutes! It’s also fantastic alongside a charcuterie board, adding a savory and satisfying element to your spread.

And don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! If you’re not a fan of olives, try substituting them with sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dough or sprinkle some jalapeños on top before baking. You could also swap out the cheddar cheese for Gruyere or provolone for a different flavor profile. The possibilities are endless!

Another great variation is to add some fresh herbs. Rosemary, thyme, or oregano would all complement the flavors of the olives, bacon, and cheese beautifully. Simply chop the herbs finely and add them to the dough along with the other ingredients. This will add a touch of freshness and complexity to the bread.

For a truly decadent experience, try brushing the top of the bread with garlic butter before baking. This will create a crispy, flavorful crust that is simply irresistible. You can also sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.

I truly believe that this Olive Bacon Cheese Bread will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s the perfect recipe for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, a weekend brunch, or a special occasion. It’s also a great way to impress your friends and family with your baking skills.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a loaf of pure deliciousness. I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did your friends and family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy baking!