Full confession: I've never made a regular loaf of bread by hand. I know it's a baker's rite of passage to make homemade bread, and it's supposedly so therapeutic. 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 since this Onion and Olive Bread Machine recipe is like making artisan bread in your bread machine, there was no need to make your own by hand!

My family loves this bread machine bread so much so that my bread maker has never seen this much action! And this Bread Machine Olive Bread is not only simple to make, it totally rivals artisan bread from any bakery. So if you don't like making it by hand or buying it, then READ ON... This bread pairs perfectly with my Ham and Macaroni Soup!
🍒Reader Review
""I made this today and I used the liquids in bottom and flour yeast on top and it turned out absolutely amazing !!The size and density of the bread and flavours were perfect .I gave half the loaf to my neighbour and she loved it too .I will definitely be making this again !" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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 Ukrainian Easter Bread in my bread machine. 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.
If you love bread machine recipes, be sure to try my Bread Maker Cinnamon Raisin Bread too.
🥘Ingredient Notes
You don't need bread flour for this olive bread recipe- all-purpose flour works great. You will need the following simple ingredients for this bread machine recipe:

- Warm water. Make sure you use warm water (not hot or cold) as it activates the yeast.
- All-purpose Flour. In Canada and the U.S. you generally don't need to use bread flour because the protein in our regular flour is so high (11.7%).
- Dry Minced Onion. Don't try to substitute with fresh onion - it won't work.
- Bread Maker Yeast. You need to use this type of yeast because it's specially formulated for the bread machine and becomes active more quickly than active dry yeast.
Tips for Success
- Make sure your bread machine yeast is fresh (or at least not expired!)
- Measure all ingredients precisely (bread machines are very finicky when it comes to exact measurements)
- Follow the directions exactly (add ingredients in the order given) and never let the yeast touch the liquid!
- Use a serrated knife (bread knife) when cutting the bread (it's best to wait until it cools).
- Select the lightest color crust, (if you have the option on your bread machine), as it makes it easier to cut.
🔪How to Make Bread Machine Olive Bread
** It is really important that you follow your manufacturer's operating instructions for your bread machine when attempting to make any bread.

- Step 1: Add wet ingredients (water and olive oil) to bread pan. *Add ingredients in order given - this is critical!

- Step 2: Next, add dry ingredients (flour, sugar, salt, thyme, dry minced onion) -except yeast *When adding salt, pour it around the outer edge of mixture, away from yeast. *When adding sugar, pour it around the other outer edge of mixture, away from yeast (opposite the salt)

- Step 3: Add yeast last. Dig a small crater in the middle of the flour, away from the salt, sugar and water. *Never let the yeast come in contact with the liquid.

- Step 4: Place the bread pan in the bread machine.

- Step 5: Set bread machine pan on most appropriate setting - it's usually "normal mode" setting (the same setting I'd use to make a regular loaf of white bread , or "basic mode". If you have the option, choose size (1 lb), then crust color (light is easiest to cut), then press START

- Step 6: At the fruit signal, add the chopped black olives (it's usually about 10-15 minutes after the cycle starts). When it's done, move to a wire rack to cool.
Hint: Use oven mitts when removing the loaf pan from the bread machine, as the handle is hot! You'll also want to remove the paddle with oven mitts (it's hot too!) If it gets stuck in the bottom of the bread, wait until it cools, then gently remove it
Top tip: Balsamic Vinegar for dipping bread
Bread dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar is king! 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(affiliate link)!I actually found it 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):
👪 Serving Size
This Olive Bread Machine recipe makes a 1 lb. loaf. *Don't try to double a bread machine recipe: Using a larger recipe than recommended will likely cause the dough to rise too high. When the pan is not large enough, the dough is in danger of falling. Anytime your bread falls, it will be dense.
🥗 Pairing
This Bread Machine Bread with Onion and Olive Bread is great with soup. And my Award-winning Creamy Carrot Soup and this bread are a match made in dinner heaven!
I also love serving it with my Healthy Pumpkin soup, Beef Borscht (with canned beets), or this Easy Healthy Minestrone Soup
🌡️Storing
This olive bread recipe for the bread machine goes really fast so I don't often have to think about storing it. But if I make it ahead, I let it cool completely, then store it in plastic wrap or a large plastic bag or ziplock freezer bag in the fridge. I also use the same bag if I freeze it. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
❔FAQ's about Bread Machine Olive and Onion Bread
Liquid ingredients should be added first, then oil and fats, then dry ingredients, then yeast. It's important to add the ingredients in the order given.
🍞More Bread Machine Recipes!
Comments & Reviews
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So if you're looking for a bread machine olive bread, you'll love this bread maker onion and olive bread!


📋 Onion and Olive Bread Machine Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz warm water
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tablespoon white granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ cup dried minced onion
- 200 ml can of sliced black olives chopped
- 2 teaspoon bread maker yeast
Instructions
- (Makes a 1b loaf)Add wet ingredients first. This is critical!
- Add dry ingredient next (in sequence given). When adding salt, pour it around the outer edge of mixture, away from yeast. When adding sugar, pour it around the other 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. *Never let the yeast come in contact with the liquid.
- Put the bread pan in the bread machine
- Set bread machine on most appropriate setting - it's usually "normal mode" setting (the same setting I'd use to make a regular loaf of white bread , or "basic mode". If you have the option, choose size (1 lb), then crust color (light is easiest to cut), then press START
- Add the chopped black olives at the fruit signal.
- ** It is really important that you follow your manufacturer's operating instructions for your bread machine when attempting to make any bread.
Notes
-
- Make sure your bread machine yeast is fresh (or at least not expired!)
-
- Measure all ingredients precisely (bread machines are very finicky when it comes to exact measurements)
-
- Follow the directions exactly (add ingredients in the order given) and never let the yeast touch the liquid!
-
- Use a serrated knife (bread knife) when cutting the bread (it's best to wait until it cools).
-
- Select the lightest color crust, (if you have the option on your bread machine), as it makes it easier to cut
Helen
The dough was too wet when the baking cycle started so imaged it would not cook to a dough as I was to take it the paddle too. I added almost another cup of floor but might be a mistake
Has anyone else had this experience
Terri Gilson
Hi Helen,
Sorry to hear you had that problem. I had someone else say it seemed wet. However, it will work if you follow the directions.
Thanks,
Terri
Jack
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
Terri Gilson
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
Alexi
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!
Terri Gilson
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!
Jerry
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.
Terri Gilson
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!
Becky
I have a new bread machine (Cuisinart) and I did it in the order she specified, but I will try in the now-accepted order next time (liquids etc. on bottom, yeast on top of flour) and see how it turns out. This being said, I made the bread, but the dough was far too wet. It was a mucky mess in my machine as it started kneading, and even a few minutes later. I planned to do only the "Dough" cycle and bake in the oven. The recipe calls for 2 cups flour, but I ended up adding gradually (a tablespoon at a time), all day, 2 + 1/2 + 2/3 cups + 3 tablespoons of flour. I also had a 6 oz can (standard size) of whole black olives and chopped them up for this.
It turned out DELICIOUS, but it wouldn't have worked with just the 2 cups of flour. I will try it again as a freeform loaf (used a metal 8x5 bread pan this time).
Michelle
Hi! When do you add the olives?
Terri Gilson
Hi Michelle,
Add each ingredient in the order given in the ingredient list as noted
Thanks!Terri
Barbara
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?
Terri Gilson
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!
Amy
No, little more liquid and little more flour is all you need. Do t add more of other ingredients
Beth
Do you soak & drain the onions before adding?
Terri Gilson
Hi Beth: No, I didn’t find a need to do that- I just put them right in!
Parul
Can you use strong bread flour instead of AP flour?
Terri Gilson
Hi: AP flour can be used as a substitute for strong bread flour, so I don't see why not. However, I'm not sure how it would do in the bread maker. Personally, I've never used it.
I'd love to hear how it turns out if you make it! Terri
Sydney
The dough seems very wet- is this normal?
Terri Gilson
Hi Sydney, No more wet than any other dough in the bread machine. Do you make very many breads in the bread machine?
Becky
How did yours turn out, Sydney?
Nancy
Absolutely delicious! Even my 4yr old who hates olives loved it. Thanks for the great recipe!
Terri Gilson
Hi Nancy,
That's wonderful! So glad you and your little one enjoyed it! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment 🙂
Sharyn
The taste was delicious! The load was flat on top. What did I do wrong?
Terri Gilson
Hi Sharon,
I'm glad you liked it! I have never had that problem, but it could be our machines are just different. My machine is ancient, so I need to carefully add ingredients as per my machine's instructions. I would recommend you do the same. Here's a link that may help! https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/learn/guides/bread-machines
Ju
Anyone tried making this using the brine that came with Olive.
Terri Gilson
Hi Ju,
I would not recommend, as you'll have too much liquid and it won't bake up properly.
Terri
Norma Gibbon
I have almost this same recipe for my olive bread and it includes 2 tbsp olive brine ... NOTE: mine also has 2/3 cup Parmesan and 3 cups of flour but is otherwise the same ... usually finish in the oven because I like a round loaf for dipping in balsamic vinegar/olive oil ... YUM !! ... Add flour to make a soft dough, if required.
Terri Gilson
That's great, Norma! I agree- such a yummy bread! I love the addition of parmesan cheese 🙂
DenisaC
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!
Terri Gilson
Hi Denisa: Thanks! I hope you like it 🙂