The Absolute Best Savory Quick Bread With Cheese and Olives
Want to make an easy savory quick bread with cheese and olives that tastes like it came straight from a bakery? This cheesy, flavorful quick bread comes together with simple ingredients and doesn’t require any yeast or rising time.
If you’re anything like me, there are days when you want fresh homemade bread but don’t have the time (or patience) to wait for dough to rise. That’s exactly why I LOVE this savory quick bread with cheese and olives. It’s packed with melty cheese, salty olives, and savory herbs, making every slice so delicious.
In this post, you’ll learn how to make this easy savory quick bread from start to finish, plus a few simple tips for getting a soft, tender loaf every time. Whether you’re serving it with soup, adding it to a brunch spread, or enjoying a slice as a snack, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again.
This post is all about how to make the best savory quick bread with cheese and olives.
Why You’ll Love This Savory Quick Bread With Cheese and Olives
If you’re looking for easy savory quick bread recipes, this one checks all the boxes. It’s packed with cheesy goodness, briny olives, and herbs, yet comes together in just a few minutes without waiting for dough to rise.
Unlike traditional bread recipes, this savory quick bread with cheese and olives uses baking powder instead of yeast, so you can have homemade bread on the table much faster. It’s soft on the inside, golden on the outside, and goes with just about everything.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about this olive quick bread recipe is that it uses simple ingredients you may already have in your kitchen.
All-Purpose Flour
The base of the loaf that gives it structure while keeping it soft and tender.
Baking Powder
Since this is a quick bread, baking powder does all the work instead of yeast.
Salt
Brings out all of the flavors in the bread.
Eggs
Help hold everything together while adding richness.
Buttermilk
The buttermilk keeps this savory buttermilk quick bread incredibly moist and gives it a tender crumb.
Olive Oil
Adds richness and pairs perfectly with the olives.
Shredded Cheese
I like using sharp cheddar because it melts beautifully and adds lots of flavor.
Olives
Green olives, Kalamata olives, or a mix of both all work well. They add little bursts of salty flavor throughout every slice.
Fresh Herbs
Fresh rosemary, thyme, parsley, or chives all taste delicious in this bread.
How To Make Savory Quick Bread With Cheese and Olives
Making this quick olive bread couldn’t be easier.
1. Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven and lightly grease a standard loaf pan.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until everything is evenly combined.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, and olive oil until smooth.
4. Fold Everything Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Fold in the shredded cheese, olives, and herbs. Be careful not to overmix or your bread can become dense.
5. Bake
Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan and bake until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Ingredients
- 2½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp fine salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- ⅓ cup (80ml) olive oil
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 cup (110g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup sliced green olives or Kalamata olives, well drained and patted dry
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 2½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder (if using), ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (if using) until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, ⅓ cup (80ml) olive oil, and 2 tablespoons melted butter until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until almost combined. Fold in 1 cup (110g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, and ¾ cup sliced olives. Mix just until no dry flour remains, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it into an even layer. If you'd like, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool before slicing and serving.
Tips For The Best Olive Quick Bread
A few simple tips can make a big difference.
Don’t Overmix
This is probably the biggest secret to making a soft olive quick bread. Stir only until you no longer see dry flour.
Pat the Olives Dry
If your olives are packed in brine, pat them dry with paper towels before adding them to the batter. This keeps the bread from becoming too wet.
Shred Your Own Cheese
Freshly shredded cheese melts much better than pre-shredded cheese and gives the loaf the best texture.
Let It Cool Before Slicing
It’s tempting to cut into it right away, but letting the bread cool slightly helps it slice much more cleanly.
Variations To Try
Once you’ve made this olive cheese quick bread recipe, there are so many fun ways to change it up.
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Gruyère, or feta.
- Add crispy cooked bacon.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes.
- Use different fresh herbs like thyme or oregano.
- Add roasted garlic for even more flavor.
What To Serve With Olive Cheese Bread
This savory olive and cheese loaf pairs well with almost any meal.
Some of my favorite pairings are:
- Tomato soup
- Chicken noodle soup
- Garden salad
- Pasta
- Charcuterie boards
- Scrambled eggs for breakfast
It’s also delicious toasted the next day with a little butter.
