Lebanese Olive Bread is a rustic, savory bread packed with the rich flavor of olives and the freshness of herbs. With a soft interior, lightly crisp crust, and generous pieces of olives throughout, it makes a wonderful accompaniment to hummus, labneh, soups, salads, and grilled foods.


Why You'll Love This Bread

This bread is simple enough to make at home but has the kind of aroma and flavor that makes it feel special. The salty olives add bursts of flavor to every bite, while olive oil gives the dough a soft texture and Mediterranean character.

Ingredients

For 1 large loaf:

  • 500 g bread flour
  • 325 ml warm water
  • 1½ teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 150 g pitted olives, roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, optional

How to Make Lebanese Olive Bread

1. Make the Dough

Combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Let it stand for about 5 minutes.

Add the flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Knead for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

2. Add the Olives

Gently fold the chopped olives and herbs into the dough.

Try not to knead too aggressively after adding the olives, as they can release moisture and make the dough softer.

3. Let It Rise

Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover.

Let it rise in a warm place for about 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

4. Shape the Loaf

Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and gently press out the excess air.

Shape it into a round or oval loaf.

Transfer it to a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Cover and allow it to rest for another 20–30 minutes.

5. Bake

Preheat the oven to 220–230°C (425–450°F).

Make a few shallow cuts across the top of the loaf with a sharp knife.

Brush lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.

Bake for approximately 25–35 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped underneath.

Allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

7

Best Olives to Use

You can use almost any good-quality pitted olives.

Green olives give the bread a bright, slightly sharp flavor, while black olives provide a deeper and more mellow taste.

For an especially flavorful loaf, combine both.

Serving Ideas

Lebanese Olive Bread is delicious served warm with:

  • Hummus
  • Labneh
  • Olive oil and za'atar
  • Baba ghanoush
  • Fresh tomatoes and cucumbers
  • Feta or other salty cheese
  • Lentil soup
  • Grilled chicken or lamb

It also makes excellent sandwiches.

Storage

Keep the cooled bread in an airtight container or bread bag for up to 2 days.

For longer storage, slice the loaf and freeze it. Reheat individual slices in a toaster or oven whenever you want fresh-tasting bread.

A Simple Mediterranean Favorite

Lebanese Olive Bread is proof that a few humble ingredients can create something extraordinary. The combination of warm homemade bread, fruity olive oil, fragrant herbs, and salty olives brings the flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your kitchen.

Slice it thick, drizzle it with olive oil, and enjoy it warm.