🍞 Mediterranean-Inspired Savory Quick Bread

📖 Description

This Mediterranean-inspired savory quick bread is packed with gooey cheese, briny olives, and fresh herbs, making it a flavorful and satisfying treat. Unlike traditional bread, it requires no yeast, no kneading, and no rising time. Just mix the batter, bake, and enjoy a warm, cheesy loaf in under an hour. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or a side dish with soups, salads, or grilled meats.

📝 Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for extra fiber)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 cup shredded cheese (feta, mozzarella, or cheddar mix)
• ½ cup pitted olives, chopped (black or green)
• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, oregano, or basil), chopped
• 2 tablespoons milk (if batter is too thick)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
   • In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
   • In another bowl, whisk eggs, yogurt, and olive oil until smooth.
4. Combine Batter
   • Add wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently until combined.
   • Fold in cheese, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
   • If the batter feels too thick, add a splash of milk.
5. Bake
   • Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
   • Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool & Serve
   • Allow bread to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
   • Serve warm or at room temperature.

🍴 Servings

• Makes 1 loaf (8–10 slices).

📊 Nutritional Information (per slice, approx.)

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 13g
• Carbs: 16g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g

💡 Notes & Tips

• Use feta cheese for a traditional Mediterranean taste.
• Can substitute almond flour for a lower-carb version (adjust eggs to 4).
• Try roasted red peppers or zucchini for extra flavor.
• Store leftovers wrapped in foil at room temp for 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days.
• Freezes well for up to 2 months.

🌱 Health Benefits

• Olives provide heart-healthy fats and antioxidants.
• Herbs like oregano and basil have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Greek yogurt boosts protein and probiotics.
• Cheese adds calcium for strong bones.

❓ Q & A

Q1: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum for structure.

Q2: What’s the best cheese to use?
Feta gives a tangy, Mediterranean flavor, but mozzarella or cheddar also work.

Q3: Can I make this into muffins?
Absolutely! Bake in a muffin tin for 18–20 minutes.

Q4: How do I keep it moist?
Don’t overbake, and use full-fat yogurt for the best texture.

Q5: What should I serve it with?
It pairs perfectly with hummus, tzatziki, roasted chicken, or a fresh Greek salad.