This delightful homemade bread infused with aromatic garlic and briny olives is perfect as an appetizer or a side dish. Follow these simple steps to create a fluffy, flavorful loaf topped with melted cheese.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Make a well in the center, then add the warm water and vegetable oil. Knead the ingredients until you achieve a soft dough that is slightly sticky to the touch.
- First Proofing: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, or until its volume has visibly doubled.
- Second Proofing: Transfer the risen dough to a lightly floured surface and gently roll it out to fit your baking tray. Place the dough onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper, cover it again, and allow it to rest for another 15-20 minutes for a second proofing.
- Prepare the Garlic Sauce: While the dough is resting, prepare the topping. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. For an extra kick, you can optionally add a pinch of dried oregano or red pepper flakes.
- Score and Sauce the Dough: Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, make shallow cuts on the dough to create square or rectangular portions. Evenly spread the prepared garlic sauce over the entire surface of the dough, ensuring every part is covered.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle grated Kasseri cheese (or your preferred cheese like mozzarella or cheddar) generously over the dough, then arrange the sliced olives on top.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Bake the bread in the preheated oven using both top and bottom heating elements, watching carefully until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. If the top browns too quickly, you may loosely cover it with aluminum foil or parchment paper to prevent the cheese from burning.
- Serve: Once the top and bottom are beautifully browned, remove the bread from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade garlic and olive bread!
