Studded with briney Kalamata olives and buttery Castelvetrano olives, this savory olive oil challah is flavored with fresh herbs and a good amount of flaky sea salt. And happens to be a fabulous dipper for good olive oil and balsamic.
Savory Olive Oil Challah
My savory garlic rosemary challah is one of my most popular recipes and for good reason, because dare I say that savory challah is better then sweet challah? You be the judge.
I was channeling my garlic and herb focaccia, which is drizzled with floral olive oil and lots of fresh herbs and decided to transform those flavors into another savory challah.
This olive challah has olive oil as it's fat which gives the challah an incredible texture, without being too heavy.
What Olives to Use
Traditionally, Kalamata olives are used in breads, but I prefer to have a combination of different olives. In this recipe, I used both briney Kalamata olives and more mild and buttery Castelvetrano olives.
A Few Challah Making Tips
- You can make the dough ahead of time, just let if rise (proof) in the fridge instead of in a warm spot.
- To freeze challah, I would suggest baking the challah in its entirety, then letting cool completely, then wrap very well in plastic wrap and then place in a sealed plastic bag and freeze. The let challah thaw and bake until warmed through.
- The fresh rosemary sprigs may dry out in baking, so for presentation, add a few sprigs after it’s baked.
- Blot any excess brine off of the olives so they don't weigh down the dough.
Try these Challah recipes:
Olive Oil Challah with Olives and Rosemary
LittleFerraroKitchen.com
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 packet of yeast ¼ oz
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 whole eggs + 1 egg whisked for egg wash
- 4 cups all purpose flour + more for kneading
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ cup pitted and chopped Kalamata olives
- ½ cup pitted and chopped Castelveltrano olives
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves chopped finely + more for garnish
- Coarse sea salt for garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, add 1 cup warm water, yeast and sugar. Mix lightly with a fork to get all the yeast in the water and set aside for about 15 minutes. It should begin to foam up and you should see little bubbles.
- In another bowl, whisk the olive oil, honey and 2 eggs and pour mixture into the yeast mixture.
- Using a dough attachment on your mixer on low-medium speed, gradually add the flour, salt and chopped rosemary, about ½ cup of flour at a time with the mixer on low and add the chopped olives towards the end of mixing or with the last ½ cup of flour. The dough should begin to pull away from the bowl and come to 1 large ball of dough.
- Turn the dough onto a very well floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes. You can use your finger to see if it’s ready. Press your finger in and if the dough bounces back quickly, it’s ready.
- In a large bowl, pour a bit of oil in and place your dough ball in the bowl. Turn it around so the entire dough is covered with a thin layer of oil. Cover with a clean towel and place bowl in a warm spot. Allow to rest and rise for 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
- When dough is ready, it should have doubled in size. Punch the dough down and divide dough into 2 balls, this will be your challot. Cover 1 ball of dough as you work with the other.
- Divide dough into 3 or 4 pieces (depending on what kind of braid you’d like), which will be your strands. Roll each strand into a long rope all of equal sizes, about 8-10 inches in length and continue with desired braid.
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place challaot on a parchment or silpat lined baking sheet. Brush each challah with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sea salt and chopped rosemary. Let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake challah for about 30-35 minutes or until the top is lightly golden brown. Let challah cool before cutting into.
Notes
- Yes you can make the dough ahead of time, just let if rise (proof) in the fridge instead of in a warm spot.
- To freeze challah, I would suggest baking the challah in its entirety, then letting cool completely, then wrap very well in plastic wrap and then place in a sealed plastic bag and freeze. The let challah thaw and bake until warmed through.
- The fresh rosemary sprigs may dry out in baking, so for presentation, add a few sprigs after it’s baked.
- Blot any excess brine off of the olives so they don't weigh down the dough.
Emily Flint says
What a delicious recipe and thanks for all of the tips along they way. They were so helpful!
Cindy Mom, the Lunch Lady says
What a lovely loaf of challah. Fresh bread baked with rosemary is always so delicious.