Rustic Mediterranean Bread with Olives, Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Prosciutto

A Flavorful Twist on Homemade Bread

If you're looking for a bread that goes beyond the ordinary, this Mediterranean Bread is the perfect choice. Packed with vibrant flavors from roasted peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and prosciutto, every bite delivers a satisfying mix of savory goodness. This bread is delicious on its own, making it a great option for picnics or casual gatherings, but it truly shines when dipped in high-quality olive oil with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or balsamic vinegar. Whether served alongside a meal or as a standalone treat, this rustic loaf will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Mediterranean flavors – Sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and basil bring a rich, aromatic touch.

• Great texture and mouthfeel – A crisp, golden crust gives way to a soft, flavorful interior.

• Versatile and delicious – Enjoy it plain, toasted, or paired with olive oil and sea salt for a gourmet experience.

• Perfect for entertaining – Impress your guests with a homemade loaf packed with bold, savory ingredients.

INGREDIENTS:

Bread Dough:

• 4 ½ cups unbleached flour (preferable)

• 1 package (or 1 tablespoon) active dry yeast

• 1 ½ cups milk

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 1 ½ teaspoons salt

• 1 egg

FILLING:

• ½ cup diced roasted peppers

• ½ cup diced sun-dried tomatoes

• 1 marinated hot pepper of your choice, diced

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

• ½ cup sliced black olives

• ½ cup diced prosciutto

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ teaspoon salt

Prepare the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 2 cups of the flour and the yeast.

• In a small saucepan, heat the milk, sugar, and salt until warm (105°F to 110°F). Stir to dissolve the sugar and salt.

• Add the warmed milk mixture to the flour and yeast, then mix in the egg.

• Beat on low speed for 1 minute, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Then, beat on medium speed for 3 minutes until smooth.

1. Incorporate the Remaining Flour:

   • Switch to the dough hook attachment (if using a stand mixer) and gradually add the remaining flour. Continue mixing on medium-low speed for 4 minutes.

   • If mixing by hand, stir in as much flour as possible, then turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 6 minutes until smooth and elastic.

2. First Rise:

   • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).

3. Prepare the Filling:

   • While the dough is rising, combine all filling ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

4. Shape the Loaves:

   • Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions.

   • Let the dough rest for 10 minutes, then roll each portion into a 14x10-inch rectangle.

   • Evenly spread half of the filling mixture over each rectangle, keeping the filling close to the edges.

   • Roll the dough tightly from the longer side, sealing the edges by pinching them closed.

   • Place the loaves on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal, seam-side down.

5. Second Rise:

   • Cover the loaves loosely and let them rise again until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

   • Before baking, use a sharp knife to make shallow ¼-inch deep slashes across the tops of the loaves.

6. Bake the Bread:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F.

   • Bake for 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped.

7. Cool & Serve:

   • Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

   • Slice and enjoy on its own, or serve with olive oil and sea salt for an elevated touch!

Mediterranean Bread | Perfect Deliciousness

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Author: Richelle Fortin

If you're looking for a bread that goes beyond the ordinary, this Mediterranean Bread is the perfect choice. Packed with vibrant flavors from roasted peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and prosciutto, every bite delivers a satisfying mix of savory goodness. This bread is delicious on its own, making it a great option for picnics or casual gatherings, but it truly shines when dipped in high-quality olive oil with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or balsamic vinegar. Whether served alongside a meal or as a standalone treat, this rustic loaf will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients

Bread Dough:

• 4 ½ cups unbleached flour (preferable)
• 1 package (or 1 tablespoon) active dry yeast
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 egg

Filling:

• ½ cup diced roasted peppers
• ½ cup diced sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 marinated hot pepper of your choice, diced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• ½ cup sliced black olives
• ½ cup diced prosciutto
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:
2. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 2 cups of the flour and the yeast.
3. In a small saucepan, heat the milk, sugar, and salt until warm (105°F to 110°F). Stir to dissolve the sugar and salt.
4. Add the warmed milk mixture to the flour and yeast, then mix in the egg.
5. Beat on low speed for 1 minute, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Then, beat on medium speed for 3 minutes until smooth.
6. Incorporate the Remaining Flour:
7. Switch to the dough hook attachment (if using a stand mixer) and gradually add the remaining flour. Continue mixing on medium-low speed for 4 minutes.
8. If mixing by hand, stir in as much flour as possible, then turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 6 minutes until smooth and elastic.
9. First Rise:
10. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
11. Prepare the Filling:
12. While the dough is rising, combine all filling ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
13. Shape the Loaves:
14. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions.
15. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes, then roll each portion into a 14x10-inch rectangle.
16. Evenly spread half of the filling mixture over each rectangle, keeping the filling close to the edges.
17. Roll the dough tightly from the longer side, sealing the edges by pinching them closed.
18. Place the loaves on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal, seam-side down.
19. Second Rise:
20. Cover the loaves loosely and let them rise again until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
21. Before baking, use a sharp knife to make shallow ¼-inch deep slashes across the tops of the loaves.
22. Bake the Bread:
23. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
24. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped.
25. Cool & Serve:
26. Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
27. Slice and enjoy on its own, or serve with olive oil and sea salt for an elevated touch!

Notes

This Mediterranean Bread is the ultimate fusion of rustic homemade bread and bold, flavorful ingredients. Try it for your next gathering or as a special treat to elevate your everyday meals!

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