A golden, rustic loaf packed with tangy feta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and briny black olives—this Mediterranean-inspired bake is perfect for brunch, picnics, or a savory snack with a glass of wine. Its rich combination of flavors and moist, tender crumb makes it an irresistible treat at any time of day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This savory Mediterranean loaf offers a satisfying alternative to sweet baked goods. The balance of salty feta, tart tomatoes, and aromatic herbs wrapped in a soft, fluffy crumb makes it perfect for various occasions. It’s simple to prepare, visually appealing, and delivers a gourmet touch with minimal effort. Whether you serve it warm or at room temperature, it’s a dish that impresses every time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- all-purpose flour
- baking powder
- large eggs
- plain Greek yogurt
- olive oil
- milk
- crumbled feta cheese
- chopped black olives
- halved cherry tomatoes
- dried oregano
- fresh thyme leaves
- garlic powder
- salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the yogurt, olive oil, and milk until smooth.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just incorporated.
- Gently fold in the feta, chopped olives, and half of the cherry tomatoes.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, topping it with the remaining cherry tomatoes, additional olives, and fresh thyme.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 8 slices.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Variations
- Cheese Swap: Replace feta with goat cheese or shredded mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Add-ins: Sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or caramelized onions can deepen the Mediterranean taste.
- Herb Blend: Try using basil, rosemary, or dill instead of thyme for a new twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly option.
- Mini Loaves or Muffins: Divide the batter into muffin tins for portable individual servings.
Storage/Reheating
Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To reheat, warm slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it may affect the texture.
FAQs
How do I prevent the loaf from becoming too dry?
Make sure not to overbake the loaf and check for doneness with a toothpick. Also, use full-fat yogurt and milk for moisture.
Can I freeze this savory loaf?
Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Is it possible to make this loaf dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy-free yogurt, milk, and vegan feta to make it suitable for dairy-free diets.
Can I use green olives instead of black olives?
Absolutely. Green olives offer a different, slightly tangier flavor that works well in this recipe.
What can I serve with this loaf?
Serve with a side salad, a bowl of soup, or as part of a brunch spread with eggs and fresh fruit.
Can I make this loaf in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the loaf a day ahead and store it covered. The flavors actually deepen after resting.
Why did my loaf sink in the middle?
This might happen if the loaf was underbaked or if too much moisture was added. Be precise with measurements and bake time.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, dried herbs can be used. Adjust the quantity since dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh.
What kind of pan should I use?
Use a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan. If using a different size, adjust the baking time accordingly.
How do I know when the loaf is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the loaf is done.
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Olive & Feta Savory Loaf is a delightful, flavorful bake that’s versatile and easy to prepare. With its rustic charm and gourmet appeal, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the harmonious blend of Mediterranean flavors in every slice.
Print
Mediterranean Olive & Feta Savory Loaf
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 slices) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A golden, rustic Mediterranean-inspired loaf filled with tangy feta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and briny black olives—perfect for brunch, picnics, or as a savory snack.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped black olives
- 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs and mix in yogurt, olive oil, and milk until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined.
- Gently fold in feta, chopped olives, and half of the cherry tomatoes.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and top with the remaining tomatoes, more olives, and fresh thyme.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
- This loaf can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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