Introduction:
No-Knead Olive Artisan Bread is a rustic and flavorful bread that requires minimal effort and no kneading, making it perfect for home bakers who want a delicious, homemade loaf without the work. The bread is infused with briny olives, which add depth and tang to the soft, chewy crumb and crispy crust. With a simple mix-and-wait technique, you’ll have freshly baked artisan bread that’s perfect for any meal, whether as a side, a sandwich, or toasted with butter.
Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon instant yeast
1 cup pitted olives, chopped (green, black, or a mix)
1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
Cornmeal or extra flour for dusting
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast. Stir until evenly mixed.
Add the chopped olives and mix them into the dry ingredients.
Pour the warm water (and olive oil, if using) into the bowl. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a sticky dough forms. It should be rough and shaggy, not smooth or firm.
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise at room temperature for about 12-18 hours (overnight is best), until it has doubled in size and the surface is dotted with bubbles.
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a Dutch oven or heavy pot with a lid inside to heat up for 30 minutes.
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface. With floured hands, shape it into a rough ball by folding the edges toward the center. It doesn’t need to be perfect.
Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven and place the dough inside. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the lid and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Description:
This No-Knead Olive Artisan Bread is a simple yet impressive homemade bread that features a wonderfully chewy texture and an irresistible olive flavor. With minimal preparation and a long resting time, it achieves the perfect combination of a crispy, golden crust and a soft, flavorful interior. The addition of olives gives the bread an extra layer of savory flavor, making it ideal for pairing with soups, salads, or as a base for sandwiches.
Tips:
Be sure to use instant yeast for best results—no need to activate it in water, just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
If you don’t have a Dutch oven, you can use any heavy oven-safe pot with a lid or bake the bread on a baking stone, covering it with aluminum foil.
If you want an even more rustic crust, you can mist the bread with water before baking or place a pan of water in the oven to create steam.
Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for the best results.
Variations:
Herb-Infused: Add a tablespoon of fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) to the dough along with the olives for added flavor.
Garlic Olive Bread: Mix in 2-3 minced garlic cloves with the olives for a delicious garlic flavor.
Cheese & Olive Bread: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheese (parmesan, mozzarella, or cheddar) to the dough for a cheesy twist.
Sun-dried Tomato & Olive Bread: Add 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
Corrections:
If the dough feels too sticky or wet, you can sprinkle in a little extra flour, but be careful not to add too much as this can make the bread dense.
Make sure your Dutch oven is preheated for a good rise and crispy crust. If you skip this step, the bread may not bake evenly.
Let the bread cool completely before slicing to allow the texture to set properly.
Enjoy:
Now that you’ve baked your No-Knead Olive Artisan Bread, slice it up, and enjoy it with your favorite olive oil, spread, or as part of a hearty meal. The combination of simple ingredients and easy preparation makes this bread an instant favorite!
