Portuguese Breads > Savory Breads > Cheese Breads

São Jorge Cheese and Olive Bread Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup pitted and chopped green olives
- 1/2 cup grated São Jorge cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil

Special equipment needed:
- Stand mixer with dough hook attachment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, yeast, salt, and sugar.
2. Add warm water and olive oil to the bowl and mix on low speed until a dough forms.
3. Increase the speed to medium and knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Add chopped olives and grated São Jorge cheese to the dough and knead for another 2-3 minutes until they are evenly distributed.
5. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
7. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf.
9. Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
10. Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
11. Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
This recipe makes one loaf of bread, which serves 8-10 people.

Nutritional information:
Calories: 265
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 11mg
Sodium: 491mg
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 8g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of pitted and chopped olives in this recipe.
- If you can't find São Jorge cheese, you can substitute it with any hard and sharp cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan.

Variations:
- You can add other ingredients to the bread dough, such as sun-dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, or fresh herbs.
- You can also make mini loaves or rolls instead of one large loaf.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the water you use to activate the yeast is warm, but not too hot, or it will kill the yeast.
- Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, but don't overwork it or it will become tough.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place, such as an oven with the light on or a sunny window.
- To check if the bread is done, tap it on the bottom and listen for a hollow sound.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing it, or it will be too soft and crumbly.

Storage instructions:
- Store the bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- You can also freeze the bread for up to 3 months.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the bread, wrap it in foil and bake it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until it is warm and crispy.

Presentation ideas:
- Slice the bread and serve it on a wooden board or platter.
- Garnish the bread with fresh herbs or more grated cheese.

Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil
- Grated cheese

Pairings:
- This bread goes well with soups, stews, or salads.
- You can also serve it as a snack or appetizer with dips, such as hummus or tzatziki.

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables, such as carrots or Brussels sprouts
- Grilled meats, such as chicken or steak

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- If the dough is too wet, add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it becomes manageable.
- If the bread is too dense, make sure you knead the dough enough and let it rise in a warm place.
- If the bread is too dry, you may have overbaked it or not added enough water to the dough.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure all the ingredients and equipment are clean and sanitized before starting.
- Wash your hands before and after handling the dough.
- Store the bread in an airtight container or plastic bag to prevent contamination.

Food history:
- São Jorge cheese is a traditional Portuguese cheese made from cow's milk.
- It is named after the island of São Jorge in the Azores, where it originated.
- The cheese has a sharp and tangy flavor and is often used in traditional Portuguese dishes, such as bread and soup.

Flavor profiles:
- This bread has a savory and salty flavor from the olives and cheese.
- The bread itself is soft and fluffy, with a crispy crust.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve this bread as a side dish or appetizer with your favorite dips or spreads.
- You can also use it as a base for sandwiches or toast.

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Region: Portuguese

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Salty, Herby, Cheesy