Ingredients
1 ½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
3 large eggs
½ cup (120 ml) whole milk, lukewarm
⅓ cup (80 ml) extra virgin olive oil
1 cup (100 g) shredded cheese (Gruyère, Swiss, or sharp Cheddar)
¾ cup (100 g) cooked ham or bacon, diced
½ cup (75 g) pitted black and green olives, sliced
¼ cup fresh parsley or green onions, finely chopped
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pan and line the bottom and sides with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Mix the Liquid Base: In a separate medium bowl, vigorously whisk the eggs until light and frothy. Gradually whisk in the lukewarm milk and extra virgin olive oil until fully emulsified.
4. Combine the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula just until the flour disappears. The batter will be quite thick. Do not overmix, or the bread will lose its light texture.
5. Fold in the Mix-Ins: Gently fold the shredded cheese, diced ham, sliced olives, and chopped herbs into the thick batter until evenly distributed.
6. Bake: Spoon the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top surface with a spatula. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is deeply golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the very center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Slice: Allow the savory bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment paper edges. Place it on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into thick, clean pieces.
Nutrition Facts
(Per Serving – Recipe yields 10 thick slices)
Calories: 235 kcal
Protein: 9g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Health Benefits
High-Quality Protein Mix: The combination of whole eggs and diced ham provides complete structural proteins that support lean muscle maintenance and cellular health.
Heart-Healthy Fats: Utilizing extra virgin olive oil and Mediterranean olives delivers monounsaturated fats (oleic acid) that support cardiovascular health and optimal cholesterol levels.
Essential Bone Minerals: The generous serving of shredded cheese provides highly bioavailable calcium and phosphorus, working together to maintain strong bones and healthy teeth.
Long-Lasting Energy: Pairing complex macronutrients like healthy fats and protein with the crumb structure creates a highly satisfying snack that prevents immediate blood sugar spikes.