No-Knead Skillet Olive Bread: Effortless Homemade Bread with Crusty Perfection and Rich Flavor
Discover the secret to incredibly easy homemade bread with this no-knead skillet olive bread recipe. Achieve a perfectly crusty exterior and a soft, flavorful interior, generously packed with vibrant green olives, aromatic garlic, and fragrant herbs.
There’s truly nothing quite like the aroma and taste of freshly baked homemade bread. The warm, comforting scent filling your kitchen, the satisfying crunch of a well-baked crust, and the tender crumb within – it’s a culinary delight that store-bought bread simply can’t match. However, many home bakers are deterred by the perceived complexity and time commitment of traditional bread making, especially the extensive kneading process. If you’ve ever wished for an easier way to enjoy artisanal quality bread at home, you’re in for a treat!
The Magic of No-Knead Bread: Freshness in Just 5 Minutes of Active Prep
Forget about tedious kneading sessions and complicated techniques. This no-knead skillet olive bread recipe is a game-changer, promising you a loaf of fresh, crusty bread with an astounding five minutes of actual hands-on work. Yes, you read that right! The secret lies in a simple, long-fermentation process that develops the gluten structure and flavor over time, rather than relying on intensive kneading. This method allows you to enjoy the unparalleled satisfaction of homemade bread without the usual fuss, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend baking.
Our recipe takes this simplicity to the next level by incorporating a harmonious blend of green olives, fresh garlic, and aromatic herbs. These additions transform a basic no-knead dough into a loaf bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, making it an ideal companion for a variety of meals or a star on its own. The briny olives provide delightful pops of flavor, while garlic and herbs infuse the bread with an irresistible fragrance that will have everyone eager for a slice.
Enhancing Flavor with Olives, Garlic, and Herbs
Green olives are more than just a garnish; they are a powerful flavor enhancer, bringing a delightful tang and subtle saltiness to baked goods. I’ve often featured green olives in my recipes, always impressed by their versatility and how they elevate simple dishes. For this particular loaf, the olives are complemented by the pungent warmth of garlic and the earthy notes of Italian herbs. This trio creates a robust flavor profile that makes the bread incredibly addictive and versatile. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty stew, dipping it into olive oil, or simply enjoying a slice with butter, the complex flavors will leave a lasting impression.
This recipe was partly inspired by my ongoing collaboration with Star Fine Foods over the years. Their commitment to quality ingredients, especially their wide range of olives, has always encouraged creativity in the kitchen. In the past, I’ve had the pleasure of contributing to their “How Do You O-live” campaigns and shared 12 fantastic green olive recipes to spark culinary inspiration. Exploring different ways to incorporate olives into everyday meals is always a rewarding experience, and this bread is a testament to their incredible potential.
Speaking of olive inspiration, some of my personal favorites include my Lemon Skillet Chicken with Green Olives and Artichokes, which offers a bright and savory one-pan meal, and my creamy Cheddar Green Olive Dip, a crowd-pleasing appetizer. My talented friend from Diethood also shared her delightful Skillet Biscuits with Garlic-Basil Olives, showcasing the diverse applications of olives in savory baking. These recipes, like our skillet olive bread, highlight how versatile and delicious olives can be in enhancing everyday cooking. There are countless ways to enjoy them, and Star Fine Foods is always keen to hear about your culinary adventures with olives!
The Skillet Advantage: Achieving the Perfect Crust
Let’s dive back into the star of the show: this incredible no-knead skillet olive bread. The use of a cast iron skillet or a heavy baking dish is crucial for achieving that coveted rustic, crackly crust. The skillet retains heat exceptionally well, mimicking the environment of a professional bread oven. As the dough bakes, the high heat from the skillet creates a beautiful golden-brown exterior, while the enclosed space helps steam the bread, contributing to a soft and airy interior. This method guarantees a loaf that’s not just delicious but also visually appealing, with a delightful texture contrast in every bite.
My journey with no-knead bread began years ago while living in Iowa, thanks to a friend who introduced me to the “Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day” book. I immediately fell in love with the simplicity and incredible results. This particular olive bread variation, inspired by a wonderful recipe from Diethood, adds an extra layer of flavor that quickly made it a household favorite. It’s a testament to how easily you can transform a basic, fuss-free bread recipe into something truly special with just a few thoughtful additions.
Simple Ingredients, Spectacular Results
Creating this magnificent loaf requires only a handful of common pantry ingredients. Warm water activates the active dry yeast, which is essential for the dough’s rise. Kosher salt enhances the bread’s overall flavor, while all-purpose flour provides the necessary structure. The star additions—sliced green olives, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning—infuse the bread with its distinctive taste. A touch of olive oil is used to coat the skillet and brush the top of the loaf, promoting a golden crust and adding a subtle richness.
One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its beginner-friendly nature. Even if you’ve never baked bread before, you can achieve impressive results. The minimal mixing required, combined with the hands-off rising time, means you’re just a few simple steps away from enjoying warm, homemade bread. The anticipation of that first slice, with its crusty exterior and fragrant, soft interior, is part of the joy. Imagine pulling a perfectly golden, aromatic loaf from your oven, ready to be shared with family and friends.
Tips for Success: Ensuring a Perfect Loaf Every Time
- Water Temperature: Ensure your warm water is around 105°F (40°C). Water that’s too hot can kill the yeast, while water that’s too cold won’t activate it properly, leading to a flat loaf.
- Flour Measurement: For accurate results, spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents over-packing and ensures the correct flour-to-liquid ratio.
- Rising Time: Don’t rush the rising process. The initial 1-hour rise allows the yeast to work its magic and develop flavor. The second 30-minute rise in the skillet helps achieve a beautiful, airy texture.
- Cast Iron Skillet: A seasoned cast iron skillet is ideal for this recipe, providing even heat distribution and contributing to a superior crust. If you don’t have one, a heavy oven-safe baking dish will also work well. Make sure to grease it thoroughly.
- Don’t Overmix: Since this is a no-knead recipe, avoid overmixing the dough. Once the ingredients are combined, let the yeast do the work.
- Cooling: Transferring the bread immediately to a wire rack after baking is crucial. This allows air to circulate around the entire loaf, preventing the bottom from becoming soggy and ensuring a consistently crisp crust.
So, if you’re craving fresh baked bread and want an incredibly easy recipe that delivers phenomenal results, this no-knead skillet olive bread is your answer. You are genuinely just 5 minutes of active preparation, followed by some patient rising and baking time, away from a warm, crusty, and utterly delicious slice of homemade bread. It’s an experience that’s not just about food, but about the simple pleasure of creating something wonderful with your own hands.
Remember to keep an eye out for promotions and sweepstakes from STAR Fine Foods, as they often offer exciting prizes and encourage culinary exploration with their fantastic products. Their STAR Olives are widely available at select retailers like King Soopers, Ralphs, Smiths, Save Mart, Raley’s, Lucky’s, Food 4 Less, Smart & Final, Food City, Bashas, and Walmart stores, and can also be found online at https://bit.ly/StarOlives.
No Knead Skillet Olive Bread
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Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water, (105 degrees)
- 1 package active dry yeast, (2 1/4 tsp)
- 2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 4 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup green olives, sliced
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 Tablespoon olive oil, divided
Instructions
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In a large bowl mix together warm water and yeast.
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Add 1 cup flour and 1 1/2 tsp salt. Mix with a wooden spoon to combine.
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Mix in green olives, garlic powder and 1 tsp Italian seasoning.
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Add the rest of the flour, 1 cup at a time until well combined.
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Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 1 hour.
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Coat a cast iron skillet or a baking dish with 1 Tbls oil. With floured hands, transfer dough to the skillet shaping into a dish.
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Cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise for 30 minutes.
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
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Lightly brush with remaining 1 Tbls olive oil. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes or until browned.
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Remove from oven, and immediately transfer bread to a wire rack to cool.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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**This post is sponsored by STAR Fine Foods. I was compensated to share this content. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.