Imagine the aroma of a freshly baked Olive Ham and Cheese Loaf filling your kitchen—the rich scent of melted Gruyère cheese, savory ham, and briny Kalamata olives baked into a warm, golden loaf. This flavor-packed bread is the perfect combination of salty, cheesy, and slightly herby, making it a fantastic option for breakfast, brunch, or a satisfying snack.

Unlike traditional sweet loaves, this savory bread is inspired by classic French quick breads and requires no yeast, making it easy to whip up in under an hour. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing a picnic treat, or simply craving something homemade, this Olive Ham and Cheese Loaf is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love Olive Ham and Cheese Loaf

Packed with flavor – The mix of olives, ham, and cheese creates a rich, satisfying taste.
No yeast required – This quick bread is easy to make without waiting for dough to rise.
Perfect for any meal – Enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or even as a side with soup.
Great for meal prep – Stays fresh for days and can be frozen for later.
Customizable – Swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Olive Ham and Cheese Loaf

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious savory bread:

Ingredient	Amount
All-purpose flour	1 cup
Baking powder	1 ½ teaspoons
Salt	¼ teaspoon
Black pepper	½ teaspoon
Ham (cubed)	½ cup
Kalamata olives (chopped)	1 cup
Gruyère cheese (shredded)	⅔ cup
Fresh mint (chopped)	2 tablespoons
Large eggs (lightly beaten)	4
Unsalted butter (melted)	5 tablespoons

How to Make Olive Ham and Cheese Loaf

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.

3. Add the Mix-Ins

Fold in the cubed ham, chopped olives, shredded Gruyère cheese, and fresh mint.

4. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and slowly add the melted butter, stirring until combined.

5. Combine Everything

Gently mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the loaf dense.

6. Transfer to the Loaf Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

7. Bake the Loaf

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cool and Serve

Let the loaf cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for the Best Olive Ham and Cheese Loaf

Use high-quality cheese – Gruyère gives a rich, nutty flavor, but you can also use cheddar or Swiss cheese.
Pat dry the olives and ham – This prevents extra moisture from making the loaf soggy.
Don’t overmix – Stir the batter until just combined to keep the texture light and fluffy.
Experiment with herbs – Fresh rosemary or thyme can add an extra depth of flavor.
Let it cool before slicing – This helps the loaf hold its shape without crumbling.

What to Serve with Olive Ham and Cheese Loaf

This savory loaf pairs perfectly with many dishes. Try serving it with:

Creamy soups – A slice of this bread is great with tomato soup or potato leek soup.
Salads – Serve alongside a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
Breakfast spread – Pair with butter, cream cheese, or a fried egg for a hearty breakfast.
Charcuterie boards – Cut into cubes and serve with cheese, meats, and olives.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~210 kcal
Protein	9 g
Carbs	15 g
Fat	12 g
Fiber	1 g

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Mistake	Cause	Solution
Loaf is too dry	Overbaked	Check at 35 minutes with a toothpick
Soggy texture	Too much moisture from olives/ham	Pat dry olives and ham before mixing
Cheese burns on top	Oven too hot	Cover with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking
Dense texture	Overmixed batter	Mix only until ingredients are combined

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze – Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat – Warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a fresh-baked taste.

Creative Variations to Try

Mediterranean Twist – Add sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese for a Greek-inspired loaf.
Spicy Version – Mix in chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Cheesy Upgrade – Use a blend of Parmesan, mozzarella, and Gruyère for more depth of flavor.
Nutty Crunch – Add chopped walnuts or almonds for texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes! You can substitute whole wheat flour for a heartier texture or use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.

2. What can I use instead of Gruyère cheese?

Cheddar, Swiss, or Parmesan are great alternatives that still give a rich and cheesy flavor.

3. Can I make this loaf without eggs?

Yes! Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) as a substitute.

4. How do I prevent my loaf from sticking to the pan?

Grease the loaf pan thoroughly with butter or line it with parchment paper.

5. Can I make mini loaves or muffins with this recipe?

Absolutely! Adjust the baking time to 20-25 minutes for muffins or mini loaves.

6. What’s the best way to serve this bread for a party?

Slice it into small cubes and serve with a side of mustard, cream cheese, or hummus for dipping.

Try This Olive Ham and Cheese Loaf Today!

Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to bake this delicious Olive Ham and Cheese Loaf at home! Whether you’re making it for breakfast, lunch, or a cozy snack, this savory, cheesy bread will quickly become a favorite.