Easy Olive Oil Bread Recipe: Soft, Aromatic & Delicious

Discover the recipe for olive oil bread, soft and aromatic, perfect for accompanying your meals or enjoying as a delicious snack anytime.

Summary

• Ingredients
• Preparation Method
• Tips and Variations
• CHEF’s Tips

Ingredients

Dough:

• 500g all-purpose flour
• 320ml lukewarm water
• 10g active dry yeast
• 10g salt
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Topping:

• Extra virgin olive oil for brushing
• Coarse salt to taste
• Fresh rosemary (optional)

Preparation Method

1. In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and salt.
2. In a glass, dissolve the active dry yeast in lukewarm water and add the olive oil.
3. Pour the liquid mixture over the flour and mix until a homogeneous dough forms.
4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
7. Grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
8. Shape the dough with your hands, forming a rectangle or oval.
9. Place the dough on the baking sheet, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with coarse salt, and fresh rosemary (if using).
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve the olive oil bread.

Tips and Variations

• Add dried herbs to the dough, such as oregano or basil, for extra flavor.
• Experiment with different types of olive oil to vary the flavor of your olive oil bread.
• For a more rustic version, use whole wheat flour.
• Add chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the dough for an even tastier olive oil bread.

CHEF’s Tips

The key to a perfect olive oil bread lies in the quality of the ingredients and the fermentation time. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil, as it will be the star of the flavor. Lukewarm water is essential to activate the yeast, but be careful not to make it too hot, as it can kill it. Kneading is essential to develop the gluten, resulting in a soft and elastic olive oil bread. Respect the dough’s resting time; it is crucial for the yeast to do its work and for the olive oil bread to be light and airy. When brushing the olive oil on top, don’t be stingy, as it will help create a crispy and flavorful crust. For a special touch, try adding lemon zest to the dough, which pairs very well with the olive oil flavor. Olive oil bread is a blank canvas for your creativity, so feel free to experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices. Serve the olive oil bread warm to fully enjoy its aroma and flavor.