Delicious Olive and Cheese Bread with Capers and Thyme

Name: Delicious Olive and Cheese Bread with Capers and Thyme – A Savory Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 500 g stone ground white bread flour – The foundation for your bread.; 10 ml (2 teaspoons) instant yeast – Helps the bread rise and become fluffy.; 7.5 ml (1.5 teaspoons) salt – Adds flavor to the dough.; 300 ml lukewarm water – Activates the yeast for a smooth dough.; 15 ml extra virgin olive oil – Gives the bread a rich texture and flavor.; 300 g mozzarella cheese, roughly grated – The creamy base cheese.; 1/2 cup (about 40 g) parmesan cheese, finely grated – Adds a sharp, nutty flavor.; 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved – For a savory, briny element.; 2-3 tablespoons baby capers (in brine, drained) – For a tangy and salty punch.; 4-5 sprigs thyme, leaves only – Fresh herbs that bring aromatic flavors.; Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling – To enhance the richness of the bread.; Salt and pepper, to taste – For seasoning.

Posted on June 28, 2025 · [Elisa]

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Looking for a savory, cheesy bread with a Mediterranean twist? Look no further than this Olive and Cheese Bread with Capers and Thyme! This bread combines the richness of mozzarella, the salty depth of Kalamata olives, and the tangy kick of capers, all wrapped in a beautifully soft and flavorful dough. With the aromatic presence of fresh thyme and the richness of extra virgin olive oil, this bread is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any meal or gathering.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to make this savory olive cheese bread with detailed instructions, tips for variations, and serving ideas to make it even more special.

Why You’ll Love Olive and Cheese Bread with Capers and Thyme

Savory and Flavorful: The combination of mozzarella, parmesan, and Kalamata olives gives this bread a rich, savory flavor with a delightful contrast between creamy cheese and briny olives.
Customizable: This bread is versatile! You can adjust the filling to your preferences by adding other herbs, using different types of olives, or substituting the cheese.
Perfect for Any Meal: Whether served as a side to a Mediterranean-inspired dish or enjoyed as a stand-alone snack with a drizzle of extra olive oil, this bread is a guaranteed hit.
Easy to Make: The recipe comes together in a few simple steps. Whether you’re using a stand mixer or kneading by hand, the process is straightforward and perfect for bread-making beginners.

For more savory bread recipes, try Artisan Bread Recipes or Homemade Focaccia Bread with Olive Oil!

Ingredients for Olive and Cheese Bread with Capers and Thyme

For the Dough (serves 6):

500 g stone ground white bread flour – The foundation for your bread.
10 ml (2 teaspoons) instant yeast – Helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
7.5 ml (1.5 teaspoons) salt – Adds flavor to the dough.
300 ml lukewarm water – Activates the yeast for a smooth dough.
15 ml extra virgin olive oil – Gives the bread a rich texture and flavor.

For the Filling:

300 g mozzarella cheese, roughly grated – The creamy base cheese.
1/2 cup (about 40 g) parmesan cheese, finely grated – Adds a sharp, nutty flavor.
1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved – For a savory, briny element.
2-3 tablespoons baby capers (in brine, drained) – For a tangy and salty punch.
4-5 sprigs thyme, leaves only – Fresh herbs that bring aromatic flavors.
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling – To enhance the richness of the bread.
Salt and pepper, to taste – For seasoning.

For more Mediterranean-inspired breads, try Homemade Focaccia with Olives!

How to Make Olive and Cheese Bread with Capers and Thyme

Making this Olive and Cheese Bread with Capers and Thyme involves a few key steps: preparing the dough, rolling it out with the filling, and baking it to golden perfection.

Step 1: Make the Dough

Combine the Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, instant yeast, and salt. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Add the Wet Ingredients: Pour in the lukewarm water and olive oil. Using the K-beater attachment, mix on low speed until the dough begins to come together.
Knead the Dough: Switch to the dough hook and knead for about 7 minutes until you have a smooth dough. If you’re kneading by hand, do so for about 10 minutes on a floured surface until the dough is soft and elastic.
Proof the Dough: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a reusable wax wrap, and let the dough rise for about 30 minutes or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, get the filling ready:

Grate the Mozzarella and Parmesan: Grate mozzarella and parmesan cheese and set aside.
Prepare the Olives, Capers, and Thyme: Pit and halve the Kalamata olives, drain the capers, and remove the leaves from the thyme sprigs.

For another cheese-filled treat, check out Cheesy Mississipi Mud Potatoes!

Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a large deep baking dish with non-stick baking paper.
Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rough rectangle, about 30 x 40 cm.
Distribute the Filling: Evenly sprinkle the mozzarella, parmesan, Kalamata olives, capers, and thyme leaves over the rolled dough.
Roll the Dough: Carefully roll the dough up lengthwise into a log, making sure not to lose any of the filling. Once rolled, cut the dough into even rounds.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Immediately place the dough rounds into the prepared baking dish (cut side up). This step prevents the oil from leaking onto the surface.

Step 4: Proof the Dough Again

Cover the dough loosely with a tea towel and let it rise for 15 minutes to ensure the bread becomes light and fluffy during baking.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Bake the bread in the preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and fully cooked through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Cool Slightly: After baking, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes.
Add the Finishing Touches: Drizzle with more olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and extra thyme leaves for a burst of flavor.

Step 7: Serve

Serve this delicious Olive and Cheese Bread with Capers and Thyme warm, as a side to your Mediterranean meal or on its own with a drizzle of extra olive oil for dipping.

If you’re in the mood for more Mediterranean-inspired bread, try Herb-seasoned Focaccia Recipe!

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serve with Dips: Pair the bread with olive tapenade, hummus, or tzatziki for an additional Mediterranean flair.
Make it a Sandwich: Slice the bread and use it as a base for a Mediterranean sandwich, filled with ingredients like grilled chicken, cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese.
Top with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh basil, oregano, or parsley for added color and a burst of freshness.

For another savory treat, check out Chicken Pot Pie Crock Pot!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Proofing the Dough Long Enough: Make sure the dough has enough time to rise. If you rush this step, your bread will be dense instead of fluffy.
Not Rolling the Dough Tightly: Ensure the dough is rolled tightly to avoid gaps in the filling and prevent the oil from leaking out.
Overbaking: Keep an eye on the bread in the oven to avoid overbaking it. The perfect loaf should be golden brown on top.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover Olive and Cheese Bread with Capers and Thyme in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, wrap it in plastic and place it in the freezer for up to 1 month. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to swap the mozzarella and parmesan for other cheeses such as cheddar, gouda, or goat cheese.

2. Can I add more fillings to the bread?
Absolutely! You can experiment with adding ingredients like roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichokes to customize the flavor.

3. Is this recipe Whole30-compliant?
To make this recipe Whole30-compliant, omit the cheese or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Conclusion

This Olive and Cheese Bread with Capers and Thyme is a delicious, Mediterranean-inspired recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a side to your favorite main dish or enjoyed on its own with a drizzle of olive oil, this bread will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. The combination of mozzarella, parmesan, Kalamata olives, and capers gives this bread an irresistible flavor that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and subscribe to our blog for more savory bread recipes and Mediterranean-inspired dishes!

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