Lifespace Olive Bread Recipe in Cast Iron Bread Pot

Click here to buy our cast iron bread pot!

Ingredients for Olive Bread: 

• Bread Flour: Serves as the base of the loaf, giving it structure and chewiness. Compared to all-purpose flour, it produces a lighter finished texture.
• Instant Dry Yeast: Acts as the leavening agent, enabling the dough to rise and develop flavor.
• Salt: Boosts the bread’s overall taste while regulating yeast activity.
• Warm Water (110°F): Wakes up the yeast and moistens the flour.
• Olive Oil: Contributes moisture and a gentle flavor, helping keep the crumb soft.
• Honey: Provides a hint of sweetness to counter the olives’ saltiness.
• Kalamata Olives: The star ingredient! Choose pitted kalamata olives to save time and effort.
• Optional for Serving: Add a drizzle of extra olive oil and a pinch of sea salt for finishing.

Measurements:

• 3 ½ cups bread flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil plus extra for coating bowl
• 2 teaspoons honey.
• 1 cup (1 jar) kalamata olives chopped, drained, and dried well

 How to Make Olive Bread: 

1. In a large bowl, combine bread flour, yeast, salt.
2. Add the warm water, olive oil, and honey.
3. Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to combine until a slightly shaggy, sticky dough forms. Our Lifespace 5-Piece Premium Quality Kitchen & Griddle Utility Set can help you with this part.
4. Sprinkle in the chopped olives.
5. Fold the dough together until the olives are incorporated throughout.
6. Cover with a Lifespace Black or Red Waffle 380gsm Microfibre BBQ / Kitchen Towel with Matching Color Carabiner or plastic wrap and allow it to rise in a warm area until doubled in size.
7. Shape the risen dough into a smooth ball by folding the dough under itself in the bowl. Transfer the shaped dough to parchment paper. Cover and let it rise again. During the second rise, preheat the oven to 450°F and place the Lifespace Cast Iron Bread Pot with Handle on a lower rack to heat up.
8. After rising, use a sharp knife such as the Lifespace Luxury 12" Olive Wood Handle Full Tang Damascus Blade Slaughter Chef Knife to make a ½-inch deep crosshatch cut on top of the dough. Carefully transfer the parchment paper and dough into the hot Lifespace Cast Iron Bread Pot with Handle. 
9. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid, and continue baking uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the bread is browned and crisp. Remove from the oven and use the parchment paper to lift the loaf out of the bread pot to a cooling rack. Allow it to cool for 45 minutes before slicing. 
   

Tips for the Perfect Olive Bread: