How To Make Perfect Savory Cheese & Olive Quick Bread

Hi, I’m Sarah Jansen, a traveler and food blogger who finds joy in recipes that connect cultures and kitchens. This Savory Cheese & Olive Quick Bread is one of those treasures—a rustic loaf that’s simple to make but big on flavor. Packed with sharp cheese and briny olives, it’s moist, fragrant, and utterly satisfying. Best of all, no yeast or kneading is required, making it a reliable go-to for busy weeknights, entertaining, or an impressive bread basket addition.

Savory Cheese & Olive Quick Bread

This Savory Cheese & Olive Quick Bread brings together robust Mediterranean flavors in a soft, tender loaf. The cheese melts into the crumb, while the olives lend bursts of tangy, salty depth. Because it’s a quick bread, there’s no rising or kneading—just mix, bake, and enjoy. Perfect as a snack, a side for soups and salads, or a companion to wine and cheese boards, this bread proves that homemade baking can be simple, elegant, and endlessly versatile.

Why This Recipe Works

• Quick Bread Simplicity: No yeast, no rising, no waiting.
• Flavorful Duo: Cheese and olives create bold Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
• Moist Crumb: Olive oil ensures tenderness.
• Customizable: Easily swap cheeses, herbs, or add-ins.
• Versatile Pairing: Works as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.

Health Benefits

• Protein & Calcium: Cheese provides essential nutrients.
• Heart-Healthy Fats: Olive oil and olives support cardiovascular health.
• Antioxidants: Olives are rich in vitamin E and polyphenols.
• No Preservatives: Homemade bread is cleaner and fresher than packaged.
• Portion-Control Friendly: Sliceable for snacks or small servings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup olive oil
• ¾ cup whole milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar or gruyère cheese
• ¾ cup pitted olives (green, kalamata, or mixed), sliced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or rosemary, chopped

How To Make Savory Cheese & Olive Quick Bread

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan. In one bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pepper. In another, beat eggs, olive oil, and milk. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Fold in cheese, olives, and herbs. Pour batter into loaf pan and bake for 45–50 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before slicing. The result: a fragrant, cheesy bread with savory bursts of olive in every bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Oven & Pan
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and black pepper. This ensures leavening agents are evenly distributed for an even rise.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, beat eggs until lightly frothy. Whisk in olive oil and milk until smooth.
4. Combine Wet & Dry
   Pour wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined—overmixing can toughen the bread.
5. Add Flavor Boosters
   Fold in shredded cheese, sliced olives, and chopped fresh herbs. The batter will be thick and lumpy, which is ideal.
6. Transfer & Bake
   Pour batter into prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 45–50 minutes, until top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool & Slice
   Let loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Allow to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.

Result: A golden, bakery-style loaf with a moist, cheesy crumb and the briny bite of olives—a savory bread that feels indulgent yet effortless.

Cook & Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Nutrition Information (per slice, approx.)

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 8g
• Carbs: 18g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 420mg

Serving with Cheese & Olive Quick Bread

Serve this Savory Cheese & Olive Quick Bread slightly warm or at room temperature for maximum flavor. It’s perfect alongside soups, salads, or pasta dishes, but it also shines as part of a charcuterie spread with cured meats and cheeses. Pair with a glass of red or white wine for a rustic appetizer. For entertaining, slice into bite-size pieces and serve with dips or spreads. However you serve it, this bread adds comfort and elegance to every meal.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Cheese Variations: Try feta, manchego, or parmesan.
• Olive Options: Mix green, black, or stuffed olives for variety.
• Herbal Upgrade: Fresh thyme or oregano work beautifully.
• Mini Loaves: Bake in mini pans for gifting.
• Add Heat: Stir in chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes.

FAQ:

The Bottom Line

This Savory Cheese & Olive Quick Bread is a celebration of bold flavors and simple techniques. With no yeast or kneading required, it’s a foolproof way to bake something that feels rustic, homemade, and gourmet all at once. Each slice delivers cheesy richness, briny olive bursts, and herbal fragrance. Perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or holiday tables, this recipe is proof that quick breads can be as elegant as artisan loaves—with a fraction of the effort.