Imagine the warm aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, enticing your senses and making your mouth water. This Sweet Olive Oil Bread is not just any ordinary loaf; it’s a delightful Italian treat that combines the rich flavor of olive oil with the comforting essence of homemade bread. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a total time of only 40 minutes, you can create a scrumptious loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty meal or enjoying it with a drizzle of honey, this bread is sure to impress. Ready to elevate your baking game? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-7 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy and activated.
- Add olive oil to the yeast mixture and whisk gently to combine all liquid ingredients thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour and salt to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the liquid ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until a soft, sticky dough begins to form.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for approximately 1 hour or until the dough doubles in size.
- After rising, punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles and shape it into a round loaf.
- Transfer the shaped loaf to a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let it rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) during the second rising period.
- Optional: Brush the top of the loaf with additional olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt or herbs if desired.
- Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove from the oven and let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips
- Use High-Quality Olive Oil: The flavor of your bread will greatly depend on the quality of olive oil you use. Opt for extra virgin olive oil for a richer taste.
- Check Yeast Freshness: Always ensure your active dry yeast is fresh for the best rise. If the mixture doesn’t foam after 5-7 minutes, your yeast may be expired.
- Kneading Technique: When kneading the dough, use the heel of your hand to push the dough away from you, fold it back over itself, and rotate it. This technique helps develop gluten for a better texture.
- Perfect Rising Conditions: For optimal rising, place your dough in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is cool, you can preheat your oven to the lowest setting for a minute, then turn it off and place the dough inside to rise.
- Don’t Skip the Toppings: Brushing the top with olive oil and sprinkling sea salt or herbs before baking adds a beautiful finish and enhances the flavor.
- Cool Before Slicing: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes after baking. This helps set the crumb and makes slicing easier without squishing the loaf. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking a perfect Sweet Olive Oil Bread that’s sure to be a hit at your table!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
