Description
This Olive Ham and Cheese Loaf is a savory, cheesy quick bread packed with delicious flavors from salty ham, briny Kalamata olives, and nutty Gruyère cheese. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack, and it requires no yeast, making it quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Mix-Ins:
- ½ cup ham, cubed
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, chopped
- ⅔ cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
Wet Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- Mix the dry ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the mix-ins – Fold in cubed ham, chopped olives, shredded cheese, and fresh mint.
- Prepare the wet ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and slowly add the melted butter.
- Combine everything – Gently mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Transfer to the loaf pan – Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool before serving – Let the loaf rest for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use cheddar or Swiss cheese instead of Gruyère for a different taste.
- Pat dry ham and olives before adding to avoid excess moisture.
- Serve with butter, cream cheese, or soup for a hearty meal.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired