If you have some extra time to spend in the kitchen, making your own olive and rosemary bread crown is a rewarding culinary project. This loaf is infused with the classic Italian flavours of tangy olives and fresh rosemary, enhanced by the subtle richness of blue cheese and a touch of sweet apricot jam. This combination creates a savoury bread that complements a wide variety of main dishes. Continue reading to learn about the origins of this recipe, the step-by-step process for making it, and how best to serve this homemade rustic Italian bread.
The History of Italian Bread
Bread-making is an ancient practice, with its roots tracing back thousands of years. The Egyptians are credited with introducing the loaf of bread as we know it around 4,000 years ago, using rudimentary stone tools. However, it was the ancient Romans who elevated this basic staple to a more refined level. They were the first to produce the specific type of flour used for making white bread, and they improved wheat milling techniques. In 100 AD, Rome even established a baking school, further cementing bread’s fundamental role in Italy’s rich culinary heritage. Bread in Italy is not only linked to high-quality cuisine and cooking practices but also holds significant nutritional and religious value.
Popular Types of Italian Bread
Italy boasts a wide variety of bread, with each region offering its own unique versions and adaptations. Making bread at home is an essential aspect of Italian culinary culture, with family recipes and special techniques often being passed down through generations. Here are some of the most popular types of Italian bread:
Focaccia: One of the simplest and most celebrated Italian breads, focaccia has a texture similar to pizza dough. Typically flavoured with herbs and olive oil, many regions in Italy enhance their focaccia with a variety of meats and vegetables.
Pane Toscano: Tuscan bread resembles a traditional white loaf but is flatter and often cooked in a wood-fired oven, giving it a distinct flavour. It’s perfect for soaking up soups or stews.
Pizza Bianca: Translating to “white pizza,” this bread is a cross between pizza and bread. The dough is thick and usually topped with olive oil, fresh herbs, mozzarella, or olives.
Ciabatta: Although ciabatta was only invented in the early 1980s, it has quickly become one of the most well-known Italian breads. With its soft, chewy texture and crispy crust, it is ideal for sandwiches, soups, or dipping.
Coppia Ferrarese: Italy’s answer to sourdough, this uniquely twisted bread has a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, meaning part of its production is specific to Ferrara in northern Italy. It’s perfect for an antipasto board or appetiser.
Panettone: Traditionally served as a dessert during Christmas and New Year, this sweet bread filled with candied fruit originates from Milan. The word “panetto” means “a small loaf of bread.”
Olive and Rosemary Bread Crown Recipe
Servings: 10
Time: 2hr 30min (including preparation and baking)
Diet: Vegetarian
We have combined traditional Italian flavours with a unique crown shape to create this bread. The simple yet elegant flavours make it a versatile side dish for meals like Sicilian spaghetti or creamy tomato risotto. The twisted dough strands form a round shape, making an impressive centrepiece for any dinner table.
For the filling, we added a hint of subtle blue cheese and a touch of apricot jam to balance the sweet and savoury flavours. This gives the finished bread a beautiful sweet sheen and a delightful complexity.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
250g strong white flour, plus extra for dusting
1 tsp salt
7g instant yeast
2 tbsp dried rosemary
50g unsalted butter
135ml warm milk
1 egg, beaten
For the Filling:
120g black olive tapenade
150g blue cheese, crumbled
3 tbsp apricot jam, warmed
Fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
Cooking Method
Prepare the Dough:
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, yeast, and dried rosemary. Incorporate the butter into the mixture until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
Create a well in the centre, add the warm milk and beaten egg, and gradually mix to form a dough. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes by hand (or for 5 minutes using a dough hook) until it is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough back in the bowl, cover it with cling film, and let it rise for 1 hour 30 minutes or until it has doubled in size.
Shape the Dough:
Line a baking tray with baking parchment. Lightly flour a clean work surface and tip out the dough. Punch down the dough to release the air.
Roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 33x25cm. Evenly spread the olive tapenade over the dough and sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese on top.
Roll the dough tightly from the long edge, like a Swiss roll, keeping the seam at the bottom. Cut the dough lengthwise down the centre, leaving a small section at each end uncut to hold the dough together.
Twist the two strands together and shape them into a circle. Place the dough ring on the prepared baking tray, cover it with greased cling film, and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes until it has doubled in size again.
Bake:
Preheat the oven to 220°C/200°C fan/gas mark 7. Bake the bread for 25 minutes until golden brown. Transfer to a cooling rack and allow it to cool.
Add Finishing Touches:
Warm the apricot jam slightly and brush it over the cooled bread. Garnish with fresh rosemary leaves.
How to Serve Your Olive and Rosemary Bread Crown
This stunning olive and rosemary bread crown is incredibly versatile. One of our favourite ways to serve it is with homemade porcini mayonnaise, which pairs wonderfully with the bread’s authentic flavours. The superior quality of homemade mayonnaise complements the bread perfectly, enhancing its taste and texture.
However, this bread can be enjoyed in many other ways. It is excellent for soaking up your favourite Italian soups or stews, adding a delightful flavour and texture to the meal. You can also serve it alongside any pasta dish, where its rich, savoury notes will complement the pasta’s flavours. For a simple yet elegant appetiser, dip it in high-quality olive oil.
Final Thoughts on our Olive and Rosemary Bread Crown
Celebrate an essential part of Italian food culture with this exquisite olive and rosemary bread crown recipe. It requires a bit more effort in the kitchen, but the results are well worth it. The combination of olives, rosemary, blue cheese, and apricot jam creates a luxurious and flavourful bread that is sure to impress your guests and loved ones. Enjoy the authentic taste of Italy in the comfort of your home with this remarkable bread recipe!
Looking for a quicker bread recipe? Try our Easy Homemade No-Yeast Focaccia Recipe