Mediterranean Rustic Greek Bread & Olive Tray
This recipe combines the heartiness of homemade rustic Greek-style bread with the bold flavors of a Mediterranean olive and cheese tray. The bread is infused with olive oil and herbs, baked golden with a chewy yet airy crumb. Paired with a simple olive platter featuring feta, fresh herbs, and optional additions like roasted vegetables or dried fruits, it makes for the perfect centerpiece at a dinner table, a mezze spread, or a casual gathering. It’s rustic, fresh, and full of character.
Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1–2 hours rising time)
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Rustic Greek Bread:
3 ½ cups bread flour (or a mix of bread flour and semolina)
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 tsp sugar
1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
1 ½ tsp salt
1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
Fresh rosemary for garnish
For the Olive Tray & Accompaniments:
A mix of black and green olives (marinated if desired)
½ cup feta cheese, cubed or crumbled
Extra virgin olive oil, for dipping and drizzling
Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, basil) for garnish
Lemon wedges
Optional Additions:
Other cheeses: goat cheese, manchego, or mozzarella
Vegetables: cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, cucumber slices
Nuts or dried fruits: almonds, walnuts, figs, or apricots
Instructions
Make the Rustic Greek Bread:
Activate yeast: In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Make dough: Stir in flour, olive oil, salt, Italian seasoning, and garlic (if using). Mix until a dough forms.
Knead: Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First rise: Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
Shape: Punch down dough and shape into a rustic round loaf. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Second rise: Cover and let rise another 30–40 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Bake: Score the top with a sharp knife, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with rosemary, and bake 30–35 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Cool: Let bread cool slightly before slicing.
Assemble the Olive Tray:
Arrange: Place a bowl of olives, feta cheese cubes, and lemon wedges on a serving tray.
Add extras: Fill in with optional vegetables, nuts, or dried fruits.
Finish: Drizzle olive oil over feta and garnish with fresh herbs.
Serve:
Slice the warm rustic bread, arrange alongside the olive tray, and enjoy with dips, spreads, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips & Variations
Flour choice: A mix of bread flour and semolina gives a more authentic Mediterranean texture, but you can use all bread flour if that’s what you have.
Flavor boost: Add sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, or olives directly into the bread dough for extra flavor.
Herb options: Swap rosemary for thyme, oregano, or a sprinkle of za’atar before baking.
Make it crustier: Place a small pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam for a crunchier crust.
Faster version: If short on time, you can use store-bought rustic bread or ciabatta and focus on preparing the olive tray.
Cheese swap: Beyond feta, try halloumi cubes, creamy burrata, or aged pecorino for variety.
Vegan-friendly: Leave out cheese or replace it with marinated artichokes, hummus, or roasted eggplant dip on the tray.
Wine pairing: This tray pairs beautifully with crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir.
Q&A
Q: Can I make the bread ahead of time?
A: Yes, bake the bread a day in advance. Wrap it in foil or store in an airtight bag. Warm it in the oven before serving.
Q: Do I need a stand mixer to make the dough?
A: Not at all. The dough can be kneaded by hand; it just takes a bit of extra effort (about 8–10 minutes).
Q: Can I freeze the bread?
A: Yes. Once fully cooled, slice and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Toast or warm before serving.
Q: What’s the best way to serve the tray?
A: Slice the bread, set out bowls of olives and cheese, drizzle everything with olive oil, and garnish with herbs for a rustic, sharable platter.
Q: How can I make the bread softer instead of crusty?
A: Brush the loaf with olive oil or melted butter right after baking and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel to soften the crust.
Nutrition
(per serving, approx. 8 servings with bread + tray)
Values will vary depending on add-ins
Calories: 290
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 1g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Sodium: 360mg
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Rustic Greek Bread & Olive Tray is simple yet elegant, perfect for gatherings or as a starter to a larger meal. The bread comes out golden, airy, and aromatic with herbs, while the olive tray adds briny, creamy, and fresh contrasts. With optional extras like roasted vegetables, nuts, and dried fruits, it’s endlessly customizable. Whether paired with wine, served alongside a mezze spread, or enjoyed on its own, this combination captures the warm, rustic charm of Mediterranean dining.