This no knead skillet olive bread is a delightful and easy-to-make recipe that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. With a crispy crust and a soft, olive-studded interior, this bread is perfect for any meal or as a standalone snack. The long rise time allows the flavors to develop fully, making it a truly artisanal experience.
If you don't usually keep pitted olives in your pantry, you might need to pick some up at the supermarket. These olives add a burst of flavor and a unique texture to the bread. Make sure to choose olives that are already pitted to save time and effort.

Ingredients For No Knead Skillet Olive Bread Recipe
Flour: The base of the bread, providing structure and texture.
Pitted olives: Chopped and mixed into the dough for a savory, briny flavor.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
Sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps with the browning of the crust.
Active dry yeast: The leavening agent that helps the bread rise.
Warm water: Activates the yeast and brings the dough together.
Technique Tip for Making Skillet Olive Bread
To enhance the flavor of your olive bread, consider using a mix of green and black olives. This will add a depth of flavor and a more complex taste profile. Additionally, when folding in the olives, make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough to ensure every bite has a burst of olive goodness.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with bread flour: Bread flour has a higher protein content which can result in a chewier texture, suitable for bread.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, though it may make the bread denser.
pitted olives - Substitute with sun-dried tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes provide a similar umami flavor and chewy texture.
pitted olives - Substitute with capers: Capers offer a briny, salty flavor similar to olives, though they are smaller in size.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral flavor.
salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has larger flakes and a purer taste, but you may need to adjust the quantity slightly.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a touch of sweetness and moisture, though it may slightly alter the flavor.
sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a unique sweetness and can add a subtle maple flavor.
active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be mixed directly with dry ingredients and works faster than active dry yeast.
active dry yeast - Substitute with fresh yeast: Fresh yeast can be used, but you'll need to use about twice the amount and dissolve it in water first.
warm water - Substitute with milk: Milk can add a richer flavor and softer texture to the bread.
warm water - Substitute with beer: Beer can add a unique flavor and help with the leavening process due to its carbonation.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Olive Bread
How to Store or Freeze Your Olive Bread
- To keep your olive bread fresh, store it in a bread box or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel. This helps maintain the crust's texture while preventing it from drying out.
- If you prefer using plastic wrap or a resealable plastic bag, ensure the bread is completely cool before wrapping to avoid condensation, which can make the crust soggy.
- For longer storage, slice the bread and place parchment paper between each slice. This makes it easier to grab a slice or two without defrosting the entire loaf.
- Place the sliced bread in a resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag with the date to keep track of its freshness.
- When you're ready to enjoy your no knead skillet olive bread, thaw slices at room temperature or pop them directly into the toaster for a quick refresh.
- For a whole loaf, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and place it in a freezer bag. This double layer of protection helps preserve the bread's quality.
- To reheat a whole loaf, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), remove the foil, and bake the bread for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the crust is crispy again.
- Avoid refrigerating your bread, as this can cause it to stale faster. Room temperature or freezing are the best options for maintaining its delicious texture and flavor.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the olive bread in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Place it on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
For a quick reheat, slice the olive bread and place the slices in a toaster oven. Toast on a medium setting until the edges are crispy and the bread is heated through.
If you prefer using a microwave, wrap the olive bread in a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as it can make the bread chewy.
For a stovetop method, heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the slices of olive bread in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the bread is warm and slightly crispy.
If you have a steam oven, place the olive bread inside and set it to reheat mode. This will help maintain the bread's moisture and texture. Heat for about 5-7 minutes.
Essential Tools for Making Skillet Olive Bread
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast, and to mix in the warm water and olives.
Plastic wrap: Used to cover the mixing bowl and allow the dough to rise without drying out.
Skillet: A heavy-duty pan that will be preheated in the oven and used to bake the bread.
Oven: Preheated to 450°F (230°C) to bake the bread and achieve a golden brown crust.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the flour, olives, and warm water accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt, sugar, and yeast precisely.
Spatula: Helpful for mixing the dough and folding in the chopped olives.
Oven mitts: Essential for safely handling the hot skillet when placing the dough in it and removing it from the oven.
Cooling rack: Used to let the bread cool down properly before slicing and serving.
How to Save Time on Making This Olive Bread
Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure and chop olives and other ingredients the night before to save time.
Use a stand mixer: Mix the dough with a stand mixer to ensure even consistency and save effort.
Quick rise method: Place the dough in a warm spot, like an oven with the light on, to speed up the rising process.
Preheat skillet early: Preheat the skillet while the oven is heating to save time.
Use parchment paper: Line the skillet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and quick transfer.

No Knead Skillet Olive Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Pitted olives, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Active dry yeast
- 1.5 cups Warm water
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
- Add warm water and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Fold in the chopped olives.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise for 12-18 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the skillet in the oven to heat up.
- Once the dough has risen, carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and place the dough in it.
- Bake for 30-45 minutes, until the crust is golden brown.
- Let the bread cool before slicing and serving.
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