Full confession: I’ve never made a regular loaf of bread by hand. I know, it’s a baker’s rite of passage and it’s supposedly so therapeutic and all that, but I was given a bread machine as a gift very early on in the adulting portion of my life and it was just easier to do it that way. And honestly, just as easy to buy it.
Then a few years ago, I bought a delicious Black Olive & Onion loaf of artisan bread at the Co op bakery and I was addicted. And although it was sooo divine, it was kind of expensive. So, I decided I could probably make it in my bread machine for a lot cheaper. My family loves this bread machine bread so much so that my bread maker has never seen this much action! And this Bread Machine recipe for Onion & Olive Bread is not only simple to make, it rivals the artisan breads from any bakery. So if you don’t like making it by hand or buying it, then READ ON…
Bread Machine Recipes
I have made Ukrainian Easter bread by hand, but let me be clear- it was purely out of necessity AND before I discovered I could make it in my bread maker (recipes at the bottom of this post). But then my wrists went on me (I won’t bore you with the details – and yes, you’re welcome!) but I just couldn’t do the kneading anymore so this became even more of a necessity. I love bread machine recipes because they make bread making so easy!
Anyway, my philosophy is, ‘why would I do all that hard labor when there is a perfectly capable machine, at my mercy, available to do it for me’?
What is the best bread machine to buy?
Well, since I got my Charlescraft bread maker as a gift 25+ years ago and it’s still going strong, that’s the one I’d recommend to you, if it actually still existed…. But sadly, when I searched it up, it was no longer available. So, I did the next best thing and have provided you with some sound bread machine reviews.
So, if you are in the market for a bread machine and are wondering which one to buy READ THIS Business Insider Article: The best bread machines you can buy to make fresh loaves at home!
And this Zojirushi Home Baker Virtuoso Breadmaker was rated their top choice. What sets it apart is that it has two blades for kneading bread and features a heated lid for the even baking of loaves:
Bread dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar is king!
Balsamic Vinegar for dipping bread
Having quality balsamic vinegar and olive oil to dip your bread into is pretty important if you’re eating it straight up! And if you’ve ever had the misfortune of consuming a balsamic vinegar that’s not good quality, between the bitterness and gagging, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. My favorite balsamic vinegar discovery is Kirkland Signature Balsamic Vinegar of Modena! I actually found this by chance, shopping at Costco, and was pleasantly surprised at how smooth it is.
Then when I was researching balsamic vinegar for an article, I came across a taste test of “economical” balsamic vinegars, where Kirkland came out in FIRST PLACE! Several judges concurred that the aroma was the most interesting, with a hint of wood, it had the most viscosity and the best sweet-to-sour balance. One panelist said it was “brighter on the palate” and another said it they could detect hints of cherries on the nose. Several judges said that it had the most pleasing finish. In sum, “it has an excellent sweet to sour balance and pleasing finish, especially for its price point.” I’d have to agree with that! You can Read more about the balsamic vinegar taste test HERE.
So, if you’re not up to paying $75+ for a bottle of top notch balsamic vinegar aged 12+ years, then I think you’ll be pretty happy with this one (this bottle will last you a very long time):
Kirkland Balsamic Vinegar
Serve this Onion & Olive Bread with Soup
This Bread Machine Bread with Onion and Olive and my Award-winning Creamy Carrot Soup are a match made in dinner heaven!
Bread Machine Onion and Olive Bread
Ingredients
- 8 oz water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tbsp white granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp dried thyme
- 200 ml can of sliced black olives chopped
- 1/4 cup dried minced onion
- 2 tsp bread maker yeast
Instructions
- (Makes a 1b loaf)Add all ingredients in order given. This is critical!
- When adding salt, pour it around the outer edge of mixture, away from yeast.
- When adding sugar, pour it around the outer edge of mixture, away from yeast (opposite the salt)
- Yeast should be added last. Dig a small crater in the middle of the flour, away from the salt, sugar and water.
- Set bread machine on most appropriate setting - for my bread make it's the "normal mode" setting (the same setting I'd use to make a regular loaf of white bread).
- ** It is really important that you follow your manufacturer's operating instructions for your bread machine when attempting to make any bread.
Notes
Nutrition
More Bread Machine Recipes!
Bread Machine Italian Breadsticks
Bread Machine Gruyere Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
I haven’t thought of adding onion to a bread dough, I tried with olives a few recipes and they were delicious but this bread machine onion and olives bread recipe sounds even better!
I love using my bread machine as much as you do and I rely on it heavily, thanks again!
Hi Denisa: Thanks! I hope you like it 🙂
Absolutely delicious! Even my 4yr old who hates olives loved it. Thanks for the great recipe!
Hi Nancy,
That’s wonderful! So glad you and your little one enjoyed it! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment 🙂
The dough seems very wet- is this normal?
Hi Sydney, No more wet than any other dough in the bread machine. Do you make very many breads in the bread machine?
Do you soak & drain the onions before adding?
Hi Beth: No, I didn’t find a need to do that- I just put them right in!
One pound is very small for us and we went through it fast. I don’t like olives much, but it was great toasted! Can I double it to make a larger loaf?
Yes, I agree with you Barbara- it is a small loaf! I wish I had a bigger bread machine 🙂 I’m glad you liked it and I would definitely try to double it- I don’t see why not!
Hi! When do you add the olives?
Hi Michelle,
Add each ingredient in the order given in the ingredient list as noted
Thanks!Terri
How about adding salt and sugar with liquids and then flour on top of that. You’re making it more complicated than it needs to be by putting them in separate corners.
Hi Jerry,
My bread machine may be a little older and fussier than yours, but in my experience, it’s important to add the ingredients in that order (or the bread won’t rise properly.) Believe me, I’m all about NOT complicating things. However, if you can get it to work for you the way you suggested, then that’s great! Happy bread baking!
Hello!
I’m wondering how many grams the can of olives you use is? The link is to a 64 gram can.
Also, my bread maker has a signal 38 minutes into the cycle for “Add-In’s.” Should I wait for this signal to put in the olives and onion or do it all at once in the order you say?
I tried this recipe today, and while it tastes absolutely delicious, it collapsed and thus didn’t bake correctly.
I think I either used too much olives or should have put in all the ingredients at the beginning as you outlined.
I want to try again, because I want it to look as good as it tastes!
Thank you!
Hi,
I’m sorry it didn’t turn out for you! I put the olives in right away and don’t wait for the signal. I looked it up and a 200ml can is about 150 g, from what it says. It’s a small can, however. Unfortunately the Amazon links seem to change on me and it’s tough for me to know and keep up with them with hundreds of posts. Thanks for pointing it out! I’ll remove that link. Hopefully the bread will turn out for you this time! Enjoy!
How many gms or oz does your cup hold. I am English and cups are not our choice of measurement: Internet has so many different measurements for US cups
Hi Jack,
It is exactly 8 oz! It is the cup the came with the bread maker and the one I always use.
Thanks,
Terri