Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1/3 cup chopped olives

Preparation

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt. Add water and olives, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 12-18 hours.
3. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) with a Dutch oven or heavy pot with a lid inside.
4. Once the oven is preheated, carefully remove the pot from the oven and remove the lid. Sprinkle flour or cornmeal on the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking.
5. Gently shape the dough into a ball and place it in the pot. Cover the pot and return it to the oven.
6. Bake for 30 minutes with the lid on, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-30 minutes, until the bread is golden brown.
7. Remove the bread from the pot and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Enjoy!

Tips for Making No-Knead Olive Artisan Bread

1. Use High-Quality Olives – Kalamata or green olives add the best flavor. Drain and pat them dry before adding to the dough to prevent excess moisture.

2. Chop Olives Evenly – Slice or roughly chop them to distribute flavor throughout the bread.

3. Use Bread Flour – Bread flour provides better structure, but all-purpose flour works too.

4. Hydration Matters – The dough is very wet, which helps create an airy crumb. Don’t add extra flour unless absolutely necessary.

5. Let It Rest Long Enough – A 12-18 hour rise at room temperature enhances flavor and gluten development.

6. Use a Dutch Oven – It traps steam for a crisp, golden crust. Preheat it before baking for best results.

7. Bake with the Lid On First – Covering the bread for the first 30 minutes allows it to rise properly before finishing uncovered for a crispy crust.

8. Check Internal Temperature – The bread is fully baked when it reaches about 200-210°F (93-99°C) inside.

9. Let It Cool Completely – Slicing too soon releases steam, making the bread gummy instead of airy.

10. Experiment with Add-ins – Try adding herbs (like rosemary or thyme), roasted garlic, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking.

Benefits of No-Knead Olive Artisan Bread

✔ Easy & Hands-Off – No kneading required; just mix, rest, and bake.
✔ Delicious Flavor – Olives add a tangy, savory bite that pairs well with soups, cheeses, or dips.
✔ Crunchy Crust & Soft Interior – The long fermentation and Dutch oven baking create the perfect texture.
✔ Healthier Option – No preservatives, artificial ingredients, or unnecessary sugar.
✔ Customizable – You can tweak the recipe with different olives, herbs, or flours.

Would you like a simple recipe to follow?