7 Surprisingly Easy Reasons This No-Knead Olive and Cheese Loaf Is Pure Bread Magic

No-Knead Olive and Cheese Loaf – Crispy Crust, Chewy Center & Foolproof Comfort

Thank you for being here, friend This is one of those bread recipes that makes you feel like an old-world baker without breaking a sweat. I still remember the first time I baked a no-knead olive and cheese loaf—I lifted the Dutch oven lid and gasped. That crackly crust. That steamy aroma. My nonna would’ve smiled and said, “See? Time does the work.”

This loaf is pure ease. No kneading, no mixer, no stress. Just a long rest, a hot Dutch oven, and a reward that tastes like something from a rustic bakery. Salty olives, pockets of melty cheese, and a chewy interior hugged by a crisp, golden crust—this is bread you tear into with your hands and zero regrets.

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Overview of the No-Knead Olive and Cheese Loaf

What This Recipe Is

A rustic, no-knead artisan bread loaded with olives and cheese, baked in a Dutch oven for maximum crust and chew.

Why You’ll Love It

• No kneading required
• Bakery-style crust at home
• Minimal hands-on time
• Perfect for beginners
• Incredible with soups, salads, or wine

What It Tastes Like

Savory, lightly tangy, salty from olives, rich from cheese, with a chewy interior and a shatteringly crisp crust.

When to Make It

• Cozy weekends
• Dinner parties
• Soup nights
• Bread-and-butter moments (literally)

Full Ingredients List (Complete & Detailed)

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Olive & Cheese No-Knead Bread

• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour (bread flour also works for extra chew)
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon active dry yeast (or instant yeast)
• 1½ cups warm water (about 100–105°F)
• ¾ cup mixed olives, chopped (Kalamata, green, or a mix; pitted)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (sharp cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella, or fontina)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for bowl, optional)

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme
• Fresh cracked black pepper
• A pinch of chili flakes

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Plastic wrap or towel
• Dutch oven with lid (essential!)
• Parchment paper

Substitutions & Variations

• Swap olives for sun-dried tomatoes
• Use feta or parmesan for sharper flavor
• Make it dairy-free by omitting cheese
• Add garlic powder for extra depth

How to Make No-Knead Olive and Cheese Bread

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Step 1: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, stir together flour, salt, and yeast. Add warm water and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Fold in olives and cheese until just combined.

Step 2: Let Time Do the Work

Cover the bowl and let the dough rest at room temperature for 12–18 hours. It will double in size and become bubbly.

Step 3: Preheat the Dutch Oven

Place your Dutch oven (with lid) in the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C) for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Shape & Bake

Turn dough onto parchment, gently shape into a round, and carefully place into the hot Dutch oven. Cover and bake 30 minutes, then uncover and bake another 12–15 minutes until deep golden brown.

Step 5: Cool (If You Can!)

Let cool at least 20 minutes before slicing—this sets the crumb.

What to Serve with Olive and Cheese Bread

• Tomato soup or minestrone
• Olive oil & balsamic for dipping
• Cheese boards
• Roasted vegetables
• A glass of red wine

Tips for Perfect Results

• Don’t rush the rise—time = flavor
• Use parchment for easy transfer
• Let bread cool fully for clean slices
• Store uncovered first hour to keep crust crisp

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: 2 days, wrapped loosely
• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
• Freezer: Slice and freeze up to 2 months
• Reheat: Oven at 350°F for 10 minutes

General Information

No-knead bread became popular for a reason—it relies on slow fermentation to develop gluten and flavor without effort. Baking in a Dutch oven traps steam, mimicking professional ovens and creating that iconic artisan crust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really not knead it at all?
Correct—just mix and rest!

Can I shorten the rise time?
You can, but flavor and texture improve with a longer rest.

What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?
A heavy oven-safe pot with a lid works best; results vary without one.

Conclusion

This No-Knead Olive and Cheese Loaf is rustic, forgiving, and deeply satisfying—the kind of bread that makes your home smell like a bakery and your table feel complete. Once you try it, you’ll never look at homemade bread the same way again.

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• https://poulef.com/grandmas-old-fashioned-honey-spice-muffins/
• https://poulef.com/orange-cottage-cheese-cloud-cake/

Interactive Elements

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Nutritional Information (Approx. per slice, 1/10 loaf)

Calories	Protein	Fat	Carbs
~210 kcal	8 g	7 g	28 g

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