Are you ready to elevate your baking game with a delicious Mediterranean twist? This Goat Cheese and Olive Loaf is not just a recipe; it's an experience that tantalizes your taste buds and adds a gourmet touch to any meal. Imagine the creamy richness of goat cheese combined with the briny goodness of olives, all wrapped up in a perfectly baked loaf that's both fluffy and flavorful. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, this loaf is sure to impress. Dive into our recipe and discover how easy it is to create this culinary masterpiece right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup pitted olives, chopped
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a standard 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps remove any lumps and ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
- In a separate bowl, crumble the goat cheese into small pieces. Roughly chop the pitted olives into quarter-inch sized chunks to distribute evenly throughout the loaf.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the milk and eggs. Whisk these wet ingredients together gradually, incorporating the flour mixture from the sides until a smooth batter forms.
- Gently fold the crumbled goat cheese and chopped olives into the batter, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can develop gluten and make the bread tough.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even distribution.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Serve at room temperature, optionally drizzled with olive oil or accompanied by a light salad.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your loaf heavily depends on the quality of the goat cheese and olives you use. Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
- Don’t Overmix: When folding in the goat cheese and olives, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so just mix until everything is combined.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to customize your loaf! Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme, or even sun-dried tomatoes can enhance the flavor profile.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your loaf. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning while it finishes baking.
- Serve Warm or Room Temperature: This loaf can be enjoyed warm right out of the oven or at room temperature. Pair it with a drizzle of olive oil or a fresh salad for a delightful meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 65mg
