Savory Olive Cheese Bread Swirls
This recipe turns a simple bread dough into an eye-catching swirl filled with cheese, olives, and herbs. Each bite delivers a warm, gooey, and slightly salty flavor punch. Whether served warm from the oven or at room temperature, they’re perfect for entertaining—or just enjoying with a cozy soup or glass of wine.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 500 g stone ground white bread flour
- 10 ml 2 tsp instant yeast
- 7.5 ml 1.5 tsp salt
- 300 ml lukewarm water
- 15 ml extra virgin olive oil
For the filling:
- 300 g mozzarella cheese roughly grated
- ½ cup about 40 g parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1 cup kalamata olives pitted and halved
- 2 –3 tbsp baby capers in brine, drained
- 4 –5 sprigs thyme leaves only (plus extra)
- About ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil plus more to drizzle
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a mixer bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt. Add water and olive oil.
- Mix and knead until smooth dough forms.
- Cover and let rise for 30 minutes until doubled.
- Preheat oven to 200°C. Line a 26 cm baking dish with parchment.
- Roll dough into a 30 x 40 cm rectangle.
- Add mozzarella, parmesan, olives, capers, and thyme.
- Roll into a log, slice into rounds, and place cut side up in the dish.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://p4pd.org/savory-olive-cheese-bread-swirls/
Notes
- Kalamata olives add rich flavor, but green olives or sun-dried tomatoes can be substituted.
- If you like spice, try adding crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.
- To make ahead: Prepare, roll, and chill the dough log overnight. Slice and bake the next day.