How to Make Soft and Fragrant Bread with Olives and Cherry Tomatoes

Sometimes, the simplest things in life bring the most joy, and that’s exactly what you get with this delightful bread loaded with black olives and juicy cherry tomatoes. This recipe is not just about baking, it’s about creating something that’s perfect as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a light main course. With a crispy crust and a soft, aromatic inside, this bread is a crowd-pleaser, especially for kids who love finger foods.

This bread brings together the rich taste of black olives, the slight sweetness of cherry tomatoes, and the irresistible aroma of sautéed onions. Also, the dough is soft and deliciously infused with olive oil, making each bite a treat.

The Story Behind This Bread

Bread with olives and cherry tomatoes is a rustic favorite found across Mediterranean kitchens. It’s a close cousin of Italian focaccia and Greek olive bread, traditionally baked in stone ovens and enjoyed at family gatherings. In Italy, variations of this bread can be found in Puglia and Sicily, where they often add herbs like oregano or rosemary for an extra burst of flavor. The combination of olives and tomatoes not only adds richness but also makes the bread visually stunning.

Pro Tips for the Best Bread with Olives and Cherry Tomatoes

• Use high-quality olive oil to enhance the flavor and give your bread an authentic Mediterranean touch.
• Don’t rush the rise and let your dough double in size is crucial for a soft and airy texture.
• Slice the cherry tomatoes small to prevent them from making the dough too wet.
• Too much liquid from the olives can alter the dough consistency so ensure you drain them well.
• Let the bread cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to develop even more.

Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?

Yes, but keep in mind that whole wheat flour absorbs more water, so you may need to add a bit more liquid to get the right dough consistency.

How Do I Prevent my Bread From Becoming Too Dense?

Make sure to knead the dough well and let it rise properly. Also, don’t overmix once you add the olive and tomato mixture.

How Do I Keep the Bread Soft for Longer?

Store it in a container or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel to maintain moisture.

How to Store Any Leftovers

Leftover bread should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to a month. To bring back its fresh-out-of-the-oven texture, warm it in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

How to Make Bread with Olives and Cherry Tomatoes

Step 1

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine flour, water, yeast, sugar, and salt. Then, mix until the dough forms.

In a large bowl, combine flour, water, yeast, sugar, and salt. Then, mix until the dough forms.

Step 2

Step 2

Knead the dough with your hands until smooth and non-sticky. Cover and let it rise for 2 hours until doubled in size.

Knead the dough with your hands until smooth and non-sticky. Cover and let it rise for 2 hours until doubled in size.

Step 3

Step 3

Heat a pan with olive oil. Add chopped onion, sliced cherry tomatoes, and drained black olives. Sauté until soft and fragrant.

Heat a pan with olive oil. Add chopped onion, sliced cherry tomatoes, and drained black olives. Sauté until soft and fragrant.

Step 4

Step 4

Once the dough has risen, mix in the sautéed olive-tomato mixture using a wooden spoon.

Once the dough has risen, mix in the sautéed olive-tomato mixture using a wooden spoon.

Step 5

Step 5

Lightly oil your hands, then shape the dough into small balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking tray, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Lightly oil your hands, then shape the dough into small balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking tray, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 6

Step 6

Preheat the oven to 190°C/374°F and bake for 30 minutes until golden brown and crisp on the outside. Let the bread cool slightly before serving.

Preheat the oven to 190°C/374°F and bake for 30 minutes until golden brown and crisp on the outside. Let the bread cool slightly before serving.