Savory Quick Bread with Cheese and Olives is a moist, flavor-packed Mediterranean-style loaf made without yeast and ready in under an hour. Briny olives, melty cheese, and fragrant herbs come together in a tender crumb that’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or serving alongside soups and salads. It’s simple, rustic, and incredibly satisfying.
🧀 Ingredients (1 Loaf – 8 slices)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
3 large eggs
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
¾ cup milk (or plain yogurt thinned with water)
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère)
¾ cup olives, pitted and chopped (black, green, or mixed)
Optional: 1 clove garlic, finely grated
Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
🔥 Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease or line a loaf pan.
Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and oregano.
Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat eggs with olive oil and milk until smooth.
Combine: Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined.
Fold in cheese & olives: Stir in cheese, olives, garlic, and fresh herbs if using.
Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool: Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with olive oil or herbed butter
Pair with tomato soup, lentil soup, or vegetable stew
Enjoy as a savory breakfast with eggs
Add to a Mediterranean mezze board with hummus and olives
🔄 Variations
Whole Wheat: Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour
Anti-Inflammatory: Use olive oil, add turmeric or rosemary, and choose low-sodium olives
Low-Carb: Use almond flour (texture will be denser)
Spicy: Add chili flakes or chopped jalapeños
Extra Mediterranean: Add sun-dried tomatoes or capers
❓ Related Questions
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes. It stays fresh for 2 days at room temperature or 5 days refrigerated.
Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Slice and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar for sharpness, mozzarella for meltiness, or feta for a salty Mediterranean twist.
Why is it called quick bread?
Because it uses baking powder instead of yeast — no rising time needed.
🧮 Nutrition (Per Slice – Approximate)
Calories: 210
Protein: 7 g
Fat: 13 g
Carbohydrates: 17 g
Fiber: 1.5 g
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: ~380 mg
🌿 Final Thoughts
Savory Quick Bread with Cheese and Olives is the kind of recipe that feels both comforting and sophisticated. It’s easy enough for everyday baking yet impressive enough for guests. With its bold Mediterranean flavors and flexible ingredients, this loaf deserves a permanent place in your recipe collection.
