Feta cheese and olives are a match made in culinary heaven, and when incorporated into bread, they elevate a simple loaf into a gourmet delight. The salty tang of the feta cheese pairs perfectly with the olives’ briny, savory flavor, creating a symphony of Mediterranean flavors in every bite. Whether folded into the dough or generously sprinkled on top, these ingredients infuse the bread with their rich, distinctive taste, adding depth and character to each slice. Whether enjoyed on its own, used as sandwich bread, or served alongside soups and salads, feta cheese and olives in bread are sure to tantalize the taste buds and transport you to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean. These delectable enriched bread rolls are a savory twist on a classic favorite. Bursting with the bold flavors of tangy feta cheese, briny olives, and rich roasted garlic, each bite is a delightful harmony of tastes and textures. The soft and fluffy texture of the bread, enriched with milk, eggs, and butter, provides the perfect canvas for these Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. Whether served as a side dish, a snack, or a delicious addition to any meal, these feta, olive, and roasted garlic rolls are sure to impress with their savory allure and irresistible aroma.
Why is this the best recipe
Flavor Explosion: The combination of feta cheese, olives, and roasted garlic creates a symphony of flavors that burst in every bite, making these rolls incredibly delicious. Texture Perfection: The enriched dough results in a soft, fluffy texture complemented by the chewiness of the olives and the creamy richness of the feta cheese, creating a satisfying mouthfeel. Ease of Preparation: While the ingredients may sound fancy, the recipe is easy to follow, making it accessible to novice and experienced bakers. Versatility: These rolls can be enjoyed as a snack, served alongside a meal, or used as a base for sandwiches or sliders, showcasing their versatility and adaptability. Visual Appeal: The golden-brown rolls with specks of green olives and white feta cheese are delicious and also visually stunning, making them a feast for the eyes and the palate. Impressive Presentation: Whether served at a casual gathering or a formal dinner, these rolls are sure to impress with their gourmet flavors and elegant appearance, making them the perfect addition to any table.
Ingredients and substitutes
Feta Cheese: Adds a salty and tangy flavor to the rolls. Possible substitutes include goat cheese or a vegan feta alternative made from tofu or nuts. Olives: Provide a briny and savory taste. Kalamata olives are a common choice, but you can use any variety you prefer. Sun-dried tomatoes or roasted peppers can be used as a substitute for a different flavor profile. Roasted Garlic: Adds a sweet and mellow garlic flavor. You can substitute with minced fresh garlic, but the flavor will be sharper. Milk: Enriches the dough, adding tenderness and flavor. You can use any milk you prefer, including plant-based options like almond or soy milk. Eggs: Add richness, color, and structure to the dough. To make the rolls vegan, you can use a commercial egg replacer or a flaxseed or chia seed “egg.” Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds sweetness to balance the savory flavors. You can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute. Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough. You can use a dairy-free butter substitute if desired. All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture to the rolls. You can use bread flour for a chewier texture or a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option. Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and helps control the yeast’s fermentation. Use a salt substitute if you need to reduce sodium. Yeast: Leavens the dough, causing it to rise. You can use instant yeast as a substitute, but you may need to adjust the rising times.
Step-by-step: Feta, olive and garlic bread rolls
Whisk the milk, eggs, melted butter, and sugar in a large bowl. Add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon until a dough forms. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or knead for 5 minutes in an electric stand mixer with a dough hook attachment until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1½ hours or until doubled in size. Punch down the dough and roll it out into a large square about 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle the feta cheese, chopped olives, and mashed garlic evenly over the dough. Fold the dough into thirds like a letter, then cut it into strips about 1 inch wide. Take each strip and twist it into a coil, tucking the ends underneath.
Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet, cover them with a kitchen towel, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes or until puffed up. Preheat the oven to 350°F / 175°C/ Gas Mark 4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter or garlic oil and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve warm.
Tips for success
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh feta cheese, olives, and garlic will provide the best flavor in your rolls. Properly Proof the Dough: Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place until it has doubled. This ensures a light and fluffy texture in the finished rolls. Don’t Overfill: When adding feta cheese, olives, and garlic to the dough, be careful not to overfill. Too many ingredients can make it difficult to shape the rolls and may cause them to burst during baking. Evenly Distribute Ingredients: Evenly distribute the feta cheese, olives, and garlic over the dough to ensure that each roll has a balanced flavor. Use a Sharp Knife: When cutting the dough into strips, use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts and prevent the dough from tearing. Twist Gently: When shaping the rolls, twist the strips of dough into coils gently to avoid deflating the dough. Allow for Proper Proofing: Make sure to allow the shaped rolls to proof for the specified time. This will enable them to rise properly and develop flavor. Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake the rolls until they are golden brown on top. This ensures that they are fully cooked and have a nice crust. Cool Before Serving: Allow the rolls to cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set.
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Frequently asked questions
Creative variations
Herb Infusion: Add fresh or dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary to the dough for an extra layer of flavor. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the dough for a spicy twist. Cheese Blend: Mix different types of cheese, such as Parmesan or cheddar, with the feta for a more complex flavor profile. Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, over the filling before rolling the dough for added texture. Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor. Caramelized Onions: Spread a layer of caramelized onions over the dough before adding the feta, olives, and garlic for a sweet and savory combination. Seed Topping: Sprinkle sesame, poppy, or bagel seasoning on top of the rolls before baking for added crunch and flavor. Dipping Sauces: Serve the rolls with tzatziki sauce, marinara sauce, or balsamic reduction for dipping. Mini Rolls: Make smaller rolls for bite-sized appetizers or snacks. Stuffed Rolls: Roll the dough around a filling of spinach, ricotta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and pesto for a different twist on the classic recipe.
Creative ways to serve feta, olives and garlic rolls
Charcuterie Board: Serve the rolls alongside a selection of cheeses, cured meats, nuts, and fruits for a Mediterranean-inspired charcuterie board. Soup Dippers: Serve the rolls alongside a bowl of soup for dipping, such as tomato basil soup or creamy potato soup. Sandwich Rolls: Use the rolls as a base for sandwiches, such as Greek-inspired sandwiches with grilled chicken, cucumber, tomato, and tzatziki sauce. Bruschetta Bites: Slice the rolls into rounds, toast them until crispy, and top with a mixture of diced tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar for a delicious bruschetta appetizer. Bread Pudding: Cube the rolls and use them in a savory bread pudding with eggs, milk, cheese, and vegetables for a hearty brunch dish. Panzanella Salad: Cube the rolls and toast them until crispy, then toss them with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, basil, and a balsamic vinaigrette for a twist on the classic Italian bread salad. Stuffed Peppers: Use the rolls as a stuffing for bell peppers, along with ground meat, rice, and spices, then bake until the peppers are tender for a flavorful main dish. Breakfast Strata: Cube the rolls and use them in breakfast strata with eggs, milk, cheese, and your favorite vegetables for a savory breakfast casserole.
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