Savory Olive & Sun-Dried Tomato Bread

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This Mediterranean-inspired bread is soft, fragrant, and bursting with the flavors of briny olives, sweet-tart sun-dried tomatoes, and a hint of fresh herbs. A beautiful centerpiece for a rustic dinner, it can be served warm with butter, olive oil, or alongside soups and salads.

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Yields1 Serving
Prep Time25 minsCook Time40 minsTotal Time1 hr 5 mins
1 loaf (10–12 slices)
For the Dough
 3 cups bread flour (or all-purpose)
 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
 1 tsp sugar
 1 ½ tsp salt
 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
 2 tbsp olive oil
Mix-ins
 ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, chopped
 ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained well)
 1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh)
 Optional: ½ tsp chili flakes for subtle heat
For Topping
 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
 1 tsp coarse sea salt or flaky salt
 Optional: sprinkle of fresh herbs for garnish
Make the Dough
1
  1. In a large bowl (or stand mixer), mix:

    • Flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.

  2. Add warm water and olive oil, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.

  3. Knead:

    • By hand: 8–10 minutes

    • Stand mixer: 6–7 minutes on medium speed
      until smooth and elastic.

Add Mix-ins
2
  1. Gently fold in:

    • Olives, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and optional chili flakes.

  2. Knead lightly just until evenly distributed—avoid over-mixing to prevent tearing the dough.

First Rise
3
  1. Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl.

  2. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Shape the Bread
4
  1. Punch down dough gently to release air.

  2. Shape into:

    • Round boule for free-form baking, or

    • Log to fit into a loaf pan.

  3. Place onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or into a greased loaf pan.

Second Rise
5
  1. Cover loosely and let rise for 30 minutes, until puffy but not over-proofed.

Bake
6
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Brush dough with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.

  3. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until:

    • Golden brown

    • Hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom

    • Internal temp reaches 200°F (93°C)

Cool & Serve
7
  1. Transfer to a wire rack.

  2. Cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing to allow crumb to set.

Storage
8
  • Store at room temperature in an airtight bag for up to 3 days.

  • Freeze (sliced) for up to 2 months.

Tips & Variations
9
  • Add crumbled feta for a Greek twist.

  • Swap oregano for rosemary or thyme.

  • For extra depth, roast the sun-dried tomatoes before adding.

Ingredients

1 loaf (10–12 slices)
For the Dough
 3 cups bread flour (or all-purpose)
 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
 1 tsp sugar
 1 ½ tsp salt
 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
 2 tbsp olive oil
Mix-ins
 ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, chopped
 ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained well)
 1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh)
 Optional: ½ tsp chili flakes for subtle heat
For Topping
 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
 1 tsp coarse sea salt or flaky salt
 Optional: sprinkle of fresh herbs for garnish
Savory Olive & Sun-Dried Tomato Bread
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