Short Description
This Mediterranean-inspired savory loaf is loaded with briny green olives, salty ham, and creamy feta, all wrapped in a moist, golden quick bread. Perfect served warm or at room temperature, it’s ideal for brunch, picnics, or a flavorful snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Mediterranean flavors: Tangy olives, salty ham, and creamy feta blend beautifully.
- Effortless quick bread: No yeast or rising time, just mix, bake, and enjoy—under an hour.
- Versatility: Delicious on its own, with soup, or as part of a picnic spread.
- Crowd-pleasing: Hearty, flavorful, and visually appealing with olive and cheese speckles.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 eggs
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ⅓ cup milk
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- ½ cup cooked ham, diced
- ½ cup green olives, sliced
- ¾ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk eggs, olive oil, milk, and yogurt until smooth.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—avoid overmixing.
- Gently fold in diced ham, sliced olives, crumbled feta, and chopped parsley.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm or chilled.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 8–10 slices
- Active time: 15 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 55–60 minutes (including baking and a short cooling period)
Variations
- Meat-free: Omit the ham and increase olives or feta for a fully vegetarian option.
- Cheese swaps: Substitute feta with goat cheese or mozzarella for a different texture and flavor.
- Spice it up: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for subtle heat.
- Herbal twist: Swap parsley for fresh basil or dill for varied flavor profiles.
- Whole wheat option: Replace up to half of the flour with whole wheat for added nuttiness.
Storage / Reheating
- Storage: Store sliced loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Slice and freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic and foil; freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
- Reheating: Warm slices in a 350 °F (175 °C) oven for about 8–10 minutes, or toast gently for a crisp crust.
FAQs
What can I use instead of green olives?
Kalamata olives, black olives, or even chopped pickled peppers all work well and offer varied saltiness and flavor.
Can I make this loaf gluten-free?
Yes—substitute with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Baking time may vary slightly.
Is plain yogurt necessary?
You can substitute yogurt with sour cream or buttermilk for a tangy, moist loaf.
Can this be prepared ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the batter and store in the fridge overnight; bake fresh in the morning.
How do I prevent soggy bottom?
Ensure your pan is well-greased or lined with parchment. Don’t under-bake; the toothpick test is key.
Can I reduce the oil?
You may decrease olive oil by up to half (to ~2 tbsp), but some moistness and tenderness may be lost.
Can I add veggies?
Yes—fold in diced bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or shredded zucchini (squeezed dry) for extra color and nutrition.
Can I use smoked ham instead of cooked ham?
Absolutely—smoked ham adds a deeper, smoky flavor that pairs well with feta and olives.
Should I chop the olives finely?
Slice or chop olives into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even distribution and easy slicing.
How do I avoid overmixing the batter?
Gently fold dry ingredients into wet until just incorporated; a few lumps are acceptable and help avoid a dense loaf.
Conclusion
This Savory Olive, Ham & Feta Loaf is a crowd-pleasing, Mediterranean-inspired quick bread that’s easy to prepare yet full of vibrant flavors. Whether serving it warm for brunch, chilled at a picnic, or sliced for hearty snacks, it’s sure to delight. Enjoy the perfect balance of tangy feta, briny olives, and savory ham in every golden slice.
Print
Savory Olive, Ham & Feta Loaf
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 slices) 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Mediterranean-inspired savory loaf is loaded with briny green olives, salty ham, and creamy feta, all wrapped in a moist, golden quick bread. Perfect warm or at room temp, it’s ideal for brunch, picnics, or a flavorful snack.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 eggs
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1/2 cup green olives, sliced
- 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- In another large bowl, whisk eggs, olive oil, milk, and yogurt until smooth.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined.
- Fold in diced ham, olives, feta, and parsley.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- 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. Slice and serve warm or chilled.
Notes
- Use kalamata olives or black olives for a different flavor profile.
- This loaf can be made a day ahead; flavors deepen over time.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze slices individually.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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