Name: Pull Apart Olive Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 4 h 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: Non-stick cooking spray, as needed for greasing; 12 unbaked, thawed dinner rolls; 1/4 cup sliced Kalamata olives; 1/4 cup green olives, sliced; 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 2 tablespoons olive oil

Print Recipe· 3.9 from 1 review

If you love the idea of fresh, fragrant bread studded with savory olives, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese, then you are going to adore this Pull Apart Olive Bread Recipe. It’s a joyful baking experience that transforms simple dinner rolls into an irresistible loaf bursting with Mediterranean flavors, perfect for sharing with friends and family at any occasion. This recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s effortless and fun, making it a standout on your baking list for weeknights, parties, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A golden brown rectangular baking tray filled with nine round, smooth dough balls arranged in three rows, topped with scattered white crumbled cheese and dried green herbs. Among the dough balls are a few pieces of green and dark purple olives peeking through, adding a pop of color. The tray sits on a white marbled surface, with some small crumbs around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first exciting step in making your Pull Apart Olive Bread Recipe shine. Each component is carefully chosen to bring a mix of flavor, texture, and color that turns this bread into a delightful centerpiece.

Non-stick cooking spray: Essential for greasing the pan to ensure your bread comes out effortlessly without sticking.
12 dinner rolls (unbaked, thawed): The base of this recipe, providing soft and fluffy pull-apart goodness.
1/4 cup sliced Kalamata olives: Adds a rich, salty punch packed with umami.
1/4 cup green olives: Provides a bright, slightly tart contrast to the darker olives.
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes: Brings a chewy texture and a sweet tang that perfectly complements the olives.
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese: Offers a creamy, salty finish that melts slightly on top during baking.
2 teaspoons dried oregano: Infuses an earthy, herbaceous aroma that elevates the loaf’s Mediterranean vibe.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Drizzled on top for a golden finish and extra richness.

How to Make Pull Apart Olive Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Start by generously spraying a loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray. This simple action will help you release the bread effortlessly once it’s baked, keeping those soft rolls intact and ready to be pulled apart.

Step 2: Arrange the Rolls

Place the 12 unbaked, thawed dinner rolls snugly into the prepared loaf pan. Don’t worry about spacing too much—the rolls will expand beautifully as they rise and bake, creating that classic pull-apart effect.

Step 3: Nestle in the Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Now for the magic touch: tuck the sliced Kalamata olives, green olives, and sun-dried tomatoes in between and on top of the rolls. This layering mingles the vibrant flavors right into your bread, ensuring every bite bursts with delicious surprises.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Cover the loaf with a clean cloth or plastic and let it rest for 3 to 4 hours until the dough rises just about an inch above the pan’s edge. Patience here pays off with soft, airy bread full of flavor.

Step 5: Add Cheese, Oregano, and Olive Oil

Once the dough has raised beautifully, remove any covering and evenly sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese across the top, followed by a generous dusting of dried oregano. Finish by drizzling the olive oil over everything for a glossy, fragrant finish before baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the loaf in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown crust and fully cooked bread that promises the perfect pull-apart texture once cooled slightly.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

When your bread is beautifully baked, remove it from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. This short wait lets the cheese set a little and the bread settle into its delicious, pull-apart form.

How to Serve Pull Apart Olive Bread Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a savory bread loaf with three rounded golden-brown tops, sprinkled with herbs and crushed nuts. The loaf is sliced to display the inside, revealing a soft, fluffy white bread texture with chunks of black and green olives and white cheese embedded throughout. Some olives are dark purple-black, while others are green, and the cheese pieces appear soft and crumbly. The loaf sits on a surface with a white marbled texture, and some crumbs and small bits of fillings are scattered around. In the blurred background, there is a white bowl with a green garnish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle some fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley on top to add freshness and a pop of color. Maybe even a light brush of additional olive oil just before serving to keep that glossy, inviting look.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean favorites like hummus, tzatziki, or a flavorful tomato and cucumber salad. It’s also perfect alongside hearty soups and stews, where it can mop up all the savory goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Pull Apart Olive Bread Recipe on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of dipping oils, olives, and cheese. Or tear off chunks and arrange alongside a charcuterie spread for a wow-worthy appetizer platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain its softness. It should keep well at room temperature for up to two days.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, the loaf freezes wonderfully. Just wrap it securely in foil and then place it in a freezer bag. When thawed, it tastes just as fresh as the day it was baked.

Reheating

To reheat, unwrap the bread and warm it in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes. This will refresh the crust and melt the feta slightly, restoring all the wonderful aromas and textures.

FAQs

Can I use different types of olives in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with black, Castelvetrano, or any other favorite olives to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

Do the rolls need to be fresh or can I use frozen?

Frozen thawed dinner rolls work perfectly and make this recipe super convenient. Just make sure they are completely thawed before assembling for the best rise.

Is there a substitute for feta cheese?

You can use goat cheese or ricotta salata if you want a slightly different texture or flavor, but feta gives the best signature tang for this Pull Apart Olive Bread Recipe.

Can I add herbs other than oregano?

Definitely! Rosemary, thyme, or even a sprinkle of Italian seasoning are great alternatives to add your own twist.

How long will the bread stay fresh after baking?

This bread is best enjoyed within two days, but properly stored in an airtight container, it can remain soft and tasty for up to three days.

Final Thoughts

Making this Pull Apart Olive Bread Recipe is truly a joyful kitchen adventure that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and delivers delightful Mediterranean flavors in every bite. Whether you’re sharing it at a family dinner or enjoying a cozy night in, this bread will quickly become a beloved favorite. Give it a try—you won’t regret the warm, cheesy, olive-studded goodness waiting for you!

Pull Apart Olive Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 1 review

Author: Sara
Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
Yield: 12 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Pull Apart Olive Bread is a savory and visually appealing bread perfect for sharing. It features soft dinner rolls baked with a flavorful mix of Kalamata and green olives, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and oregano, all drizzled with olive oil for a rich Mediterranean taste. This easy-to-make loaf is perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack.

Ingredients

For the Bread and Filling

Non-stick cooking spray, as needed for greasing
12 unbaked, thawed dinner rolls
1/4 cup sliced Kalamata olives
1/4 cup green olives, sliced
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

Topping and Seasoning

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

Grease: Spray a loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the rolls from sticking during baking.
Arrange Rolls: Place the 12 unbaked, thawed dinner rolls evenly into the loaf pan, arranging them side by side.
Add Olives and Tomatoes: Nestle the sliced Kalamata olives, green olives, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes among and on top of the rolls, distributing them evenly for flavor in every bite.
Rise: Cover the loaf pan (commonly with plastic wrap) and allow the rolls to rise for 3 to 4 hours, or until the dough has expanded about 1 inch above the loaf pan rim.
Remove Cover: Carefully remove the plastic wrap or cover from the risen rolls.
Add Toppings: Evenly sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the rolls, followed by the dried oregano for aromatic seasoning.
Drizzle Oil: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil evenly over the entire loaf to enhance moisture and flavor during baking.
Bake: Place the loaf pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked throughout.
Cool: Remove the bread from the oven, allow it to cool slightly to set, and then serve warm for the best taste experience.