This Savory Olive, Bacon & Cheese Bread is soft, moist, and loaded with crispy bacon, tangy olives, and melted cheese in every bite. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, picnics, or as a side with soups and salads, this flavorful quick bread is easy to make and guaranteed to impress.

Recipe Overview

Ingredients

Bread Batter

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Wet Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup whole milk
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

Mix-Ins

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
• ½ cup sliced black or Kalamata olives
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Topping (Optional)

• ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• A few sliced olives
• Fresh parsley

Equipment Needed

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:

• Eggs
• Milk
• Olive oil
• Greek yogurt

Mix until smooth.

Step 4: Combine

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Fold gently until just combined.

Do not overmix.

Step 5: Add the Fillings

Fold in:

• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Crumbled bacon
• Sliced olives
• Green onions
• Parsley

Mix just until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Fill the Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

Smooth the top.

Sprinkle with:

• Extra cheddar cheese
• A few olive slices

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until:

• The top is golden brown.
• A toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil during the last 15 minutes.

Step 8: Cool

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing.

Tips for the Best Savory Bread

Use Crispy Bacon

Cook the bacon until crisp so it stays flavorful and doesn’t become chewy in the bread.

Drain the Olives

Pat the olives dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture.

Don’t Overmix

Mix only until the flour disappears to keep the bread tender.

Fresh Cheese Melts Better

Freshly shredded cheese provides a richer flavor and smoother texture.

Flavor Variations

Mediterranean Deluxe

Add:

• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Crumbled feta
• Fresh basil

Spicy Version

Mix in:

• Chopped jalapeños
• Red pepper flakes
• Pepper Jack cheese

Herb Garden

Add fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano.

Ham & Cheese

Replace the bacon with diced smoked ham.

Vegetarian

Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms and spinach.

What to Serve With

Soups

• Tomato soup
• Creamy broccoli soup
• Potato soup
• French onion soup

Salads

• Greek salad
• Caesar salad
• Garden salad
• Cucumber salad

Breakfast

• Scrambled eggs
• Omelets
• Fresh fruit

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator

Store for up to 5 days.

Freezer

Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

Oven

Warm slices at 325°F (160°C) for 8–10 minutes.

Air Fryer

Heat at 320°F (160°C) for 3–4 minutes.

Microwave

Heat for 20–30 seconds.

Nutrition Information (Per Slice)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use green olives?

Yes. Green olives add a slightly tangier and saltier flavor than black olives.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Bake the loaf a day ahead and store it tightly wrapped. The flavors become even better the next day.

Can I use different cheeses?

Yes. Gruyère, Swiss, Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Parmesan all work wonderfully.

Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?

Yes. Divide the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum.

Recipe Notes

✅ Protein-rich

✅ Perfect for breakfast or brunch

✅ Freezer-friendly

✅ Great for meal prep

✅ Mediterranean-inspired

Make-Ahead Tip

Prepare the batter up to 12 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Stir gently before transferring to the loaf pan and baking.

Serving Suggestion

Serve warm with softened butter, herb cream cheese, or alongside a bowl of soup or a crisp green salad. It’s also delicious toasted for breakfast with scrambled eggs.

Chef’s Secret

For an irresistible bakery-style loaf, reserve a little of the bacon, cheese, and olives to sprinkle over the top before baking. Let the bread cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing to help it set and keep every slice moist, cheesy, and perfectly textured.