Name: Gluten Free Artisan Feta and Olive Bread Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: PT-489986H55M26S
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Gluten Free
Ingredients: 300ml warm water (around 40°C, skin temperature); 2 tbsp caster sugar; 5 tbsp vegetable oil (such as rapeseed oil); 1 tsp apple cider vinegar; 475g FREEE gluten free white bread flour; 1 tsp xanthan gum; 1 tsp salt; 2 tbsp caster sugar; 14g dried yeast; 2-3 tbsp rice flour (for dusting); 2 eggs; 85g green olives (pitted and roughly chopped); 100g feta cheese (crumbled)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 50 reviews

If you have been searching for a truly delightful and flavorful bread that fits your dietary needs, look no further than this Gluten Free Artisan Feta and Olive Bread Recipe. This bread offers a perfect balance of tangy feta, briny olives, and a wonderfully rustic texture that only artisan bread can deliver—all without gluten to worry about. It’s a comforting loaf that not only satisfies your bread cravings but also elevates any meal or snack to something special and memorable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a round wooden bowl filled with a thick layer of white dough that has risen and expanded, covered tightly with clear plastic wrap. The dough surface has small bubbles and a few cracks, giving it a soft and slightly uneven texture. Around the bowl, there are beige and white cloths, and the bowl is placed on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t worry about complicated or hard-to-find ingredients here. This recipe uses simple, high-quality staples that each bring their own magic to your Gluten Free Artisan Feta and Olive Bread Recipe. From the smooth tang of feta to the lively bite of olives, every component plays an essential role.

300ml warm water (skin temperature): This helps activate the yeast gently without killing it.
2 tbsp caster sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness that balances the saltiness of olives and feta.
14g dried yeast: The powerhouse ingredient responsible for making your bread rise beautifully.
475g FREEE gluten free white bread flour: Ensures a light and tender crumb without gluten.
1 tsp xanthan gum: Acts as a binder to give the bread structure and elasticity.
1 tsp salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors and balancing the sweetness.
1 tsp apple cider vinegar: Keeps the bread tender and adds a hint of tanginess.
5 tbsp vegetable oil (such as rapeseed oil): Adds moisture and richness for a soft crumb.
2 eggs: Help bind everything together and enrich the dough.
85g green olives (pitted and roughly chopped): Bring bursts of salty, savory flavor throughout the loaf.
100g feta (crumbled): Adds a creamy, tangy pop in every bite.
2-3 tbsp rice flour (for dusting): Prevents sticking and helps shape the dough beautifully.

How to Make Gluten Free Artisan Feta and Olive Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast

Start by measuring 300ml of warm water, just about skin temperature, into a jug. Stir in the caster sugar until dissolved, then sprinkle in your dried yeast. Give it a gentle stir and leave it in a warm spot for 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll want to see a frothy layer on top—that’s your yeast waking up, ready to work its magic!

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, mix your gluten free white bread flour with xanthan gum and salt. This combination is crucial because it forms the sturdy yet tender base you need for gluten free bread.

Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients

In a separate container, lightly whisk your eggs with the vegetable oil and apple cider vinegar. This mixture will help add richness and create a smooth, moist dough.

Step 4: Bring it All Together

Once your yeast mixture is frothy and alive, pour it into the flour mixture along with the egg and oil mix. Using a wooden spoon, beat the batter vigorously until you have a thick, sticky dough with no lumps. Now fold in those gorgeous green olives and crumbled feta evenly throughout your dough. This step guarantees that every slice will have a perfect distribution of flavor.

Step 5: Proof the Dough

Lightly dust a bread bowl with rice flour to prevent sticking, then pour in your olive and feta dough. Smooth the surface with wet hands to avoid dough sticking to your fingers, then loosely cover the bowl with oiled clingfilm. Set it somewhere warm for about 40 to 60 minutes until the dough has puffed up beautifully. This rise is essential for that classic artisan texture.

Step 6: Preheat Your Oven and Equipment

When your dough is almost ready, place a tray of hot water at the bottom of your oven and your cast iron pan on the middle rack. Preheat everything to 200°C / 180°C fan / Gas Mark 6. This steam and heat combination will give your bread the crust and rise that every artisan loaf dreams of.

Step 7: Shape and Score the Bread

Carefully remove the hot skillet and place a piece of baking paper on a flat surface. Turn your dough out of the bowl onto the paper, then lift it into the skillet. Using a sharp knife, score the top of the loaf with a cross or criss-cross pattern. This not only looks beautiful but also helps control how the bread expands during baking.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Quickly place the bread into the oven and close the door without peeking for at least 20 minutes to keep the steam in. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes until your bread turns golden and sounds hollow when tapped. If the top starts to darken too early, cover it loosely with foil to protect your crust.

Step 9: Cool Before Slicing

Once baked, let your loaf cool in the pan on a rack for at least 30 minutes. This rest period allows the crumb to set perfectly so you get warm, soft bread that slices beautifully and tastes divine.

How to Serve Gluten Free Artisan Feta and Olive Bread Recipe

A round loaf of bread with a golden brown crust and a cracked top rests inside a black baking pan lined with crinkled white parchment paper. The bread's crust shows rough, textured patterns with a dusting of flour that highlights circular ridges and cracks, revealing a softer, lighter brown inside. The pan is placed on a white marbled textured surface with a pink grid cooling rack and a light pink cloth visible around the edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This bread shines with a little extra flair. Try topping slices with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or oregano, or even a scattering of flaky sea salt to enhance those savory olive and feta notes.

Side Dishes

Pair your artisan bread with vibrant salads, rich hummus, or a bowl of steaming tomato soup. Its hearty texture and satisfying flavors make it a perfect companion to Mediterranean-inspired meals or any spread needing a flavor lift.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice thick and toast it lightly for an irresistible bruschetta base topped with fresh tomatoes and basil. Or cube and toss into a salad for added crunch and cheesy bursts. You can also serve the bread warm alongside a cheese board for an elegant and approachable appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it fresh for 2 to 3 days. Keeping it at room temperature maintains its crust and crumb best without drying out.

Freezing

This Gluten Free Artisan Feta and Olive Bread Recipe also freezes well. Slice it before freezing so you can toast individual pieces directly from the freezer any time you want a quick bite of deliciousness.

Reheating

To bring your bread back to life, warm it in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 10-15 minutes. This restores the crusty exterior and warms the olives and feta inside, giving you a fresh-baked feeling with every slice.

FAQs

Can I substitute green olives with black olives in this recipe?

Absolutely! Black olives will give a slightly different flavor, a bit sweeter and less sharp, but still delicious. Feel free to experiment to find your favorite combination.

Is this bread suitable for vegans?

This recipe includes eggs and feta cheese, so it is not vegan. However, swapping eggs for a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute and using vegan feta alternatives could make it vegan-friendly with some adjustments.

Can I use regular gluten free flour instead of the specified FREEE brand?

Yes, but results may vary. The specified flour blend is optimized for bread baking, so if you use a different brand, ensure it includes xanthan gum or a similar binder and be prepared for slight texture differences.

Do I need a cast iron skillet to bake this bread?

While a cast iron skillet helps produce a perfect crust and even baking, you can use any oven-safe heavy pan or a baking tray with a water tray for steam. The skillet just adds that authentic artisan touch.

How important is the proofing temperature and time?

Very important. Keeping your dough warm helps the yeast activate properly and gives you that fluffy, risen bread. Around 40-60 minutes in a warm spot is ideal; too cold and the dough won’t rise well, too hot and it can kill the yeast.

Final Thoughts

This Gluten Free Artisan Feta and Olive Bread Recipe is truly a joy to bake and even more delightful to eat. With its rustic charm and bursts of savory flavor, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to dive in, follow the steps, and treat yourself to a loaf that feels artisanal yet is entirely within your reach. Happy baking, friend!