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    Home » Recipes » Italian

    Focaccia with Kalamata Olives

    Published on November 12, 2019 - Updated on January 21, 2023 by Chef Rodney - 2 Comments - This post may contain affiliate links.

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    This Focaccia with Kalamata Olives is for all you focaccia and kalamata lovers out there. A delicious gourmet bread in a little over 3 hours!
     
    Focaccia Kalamata Olives

    I LOVE Focaccia. I try and make it as often as I can. I've posted Focaccia recipes before (Skillet Rosemary Focaccia Bread and my Easy Rosemary Focaccia). However this is the first time I have made Focaccia with Kalamata Olives.

    Focaccia Kalamata Olives

    The one thing that keeps me from making bread more often is that most bread recipes require quite a bit of time for "proofing". Take for instance this Focaccia recipe. Almost 3 hours where the dough has to rest & rise.

    Not a big deal if you have the time on your hands but if you are looking for a quick and easy bread recipe, I would suggest my Traditional Irish Soda Bread which does not require kneading or proofing. Ready in a little over 1 hour!

    Focaccia Kalamata Olives

    That being said, there is a reason why these types of bread recipes require extra time. To achieve the desired consistency the dough needs time to rest. I am nowhere near an expert when it comes to the science behind it but if you need to know I would suggest Google'ing it. Otherwise just trust the Chef!

    Focaccia Kalamata Olives

    A key ingredient in this dish is the Greek Olives, more commonly known as Kalamata Olives. These Greek olives are only grown in Greece near the town of Kalamata (hence their name) so they can be a little pricey.

    Focaccia Kalamata Olives

    Since these olives have a rather unique flavor profile, finding a substitute can next to impossible. Probably the closest would be French Black Olives or Gaeta Olives but if you can't find those either you can use regular California Black Olives but the dish will not be as good as Kalamata Olives.

    Focaccia Kalamata Olives

    Kalamata Olives are high in sodium, and healthy fats and contain a natural antioxidant. They are also particularly high in iron and vitamin A.

    Enough talk about Greek Kalamata Olives. If you want to know more about them than what I've already shared, check this page out.

    Focaccia Kalamata Olives

    🍞 What is Rising & Proofing

    Rising is the process where carbon dioxide makes the dough rise and develop flavor. Put the dough in a lightly oiled bowl (olive oil or non-stick spray) and cover with a tea towel or plastic wrap. The dough should be left in a warm location until it has doubled in size.

    Proofing basically means the last rise of the dough in its final shape (e.g bun, loaf, etc.) before baking. Many factors come into play for how long it will take to prove the dough. You can tell when the dough is ready for baking when the dough springs back after you gently press the dough with your finger.

    Focaccia Kalamata Olives

    If you love olives in your bread, you should give my Skillet Garlic Olive Bread a try. Super easy to make.

    For more great recipes with Kalamata Olives, I suggest you check these recipes out:

    • Olivada Spread
    • Greek Chicken and Pita Casserole
    • Greek Chicken Orzo Salad with Kalamata Olives

    📋 What Ingredients do I need

    You will need the following ingredients to make this Focaccia Bread with Kalamata Olives recipe (see recipe card for quantities): Warm Water, Active Yeast, All Purpose Flour, Salt, Olive Oil, Kalamata Olives, Fresh Rosemary and Flaky Sea Salt.

    🥣 How to Make Focaccia with Kalamata Olives

    Place 2 cups of warm water in your stand mixer equipped with a dough hook. Add dry yeast and stir. Let stand until the yeast dissolves. About 10 minutes.
    Add all purpose flour and salt to the yeast mixture and mix until the dough is sticky.
    Move the dough to a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if needed.
    Form dough into ball and place in an oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. About 1 ½ hours.
    Punch down dough and knead into a ball and return to the same bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
    Coat 15 x 10-inch baking sheet with olive oil. Punch down dough. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
    Press out dough to 13 x 10-inch rectangle. Let dough rest for 10 minutes.
    Drizzle 2 tablespoons oil over dough. Sprinkle olives and chopped rosemary evenly over the dough. Let dough rise uncovered in a warm area for about 25 minutes.
    Preheat oven to 475°F.
    Press fingertips all over dough, forming indentations. Bake the bread until brown. About 20 minutes.
    Remove from the oven, and brush with olive oil and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

    Focaccia Kalamata Olives

    Focaccia with Kalamata Olives

    This Focaccia with Kalamata Olives is for all you focaccia and kalamata lovers out there. A delicious gourmet bread in a little over 3 hours!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Proofing Time 2 hrs 50 mins
    Total Time 3 hrs 20 mins
    Course Bread Recipes
    Cuisine American, Italian
    Servings 12
    Calories 220 kcal

    Equipment

    • Stand Mixer
    • Jelly Roll Pan

    Ingredients
     

    • 2 cups Water, warm
    • 2 teaspoon Active Dry Yeast
    • 4 ½ cups All Purpose Flour
    • 2 teaspoon Salt
    • 3 tablespoon Olive Oil
    • 24 Greek Kalamata Olives, pitted, halved
    • 1 tablespoon Fresh Rosemary, chopped
    • Flaky Sea Salt
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Place 2 cups of warm water in your stand mixer equipped with a dough hook. Add dry yeast and stir. Let stand until yeast dissolves, about 10 minutes.
    • Add all purpose flour and salt to the yeast mixture and mix until the dough is sticky.
    • Move dough to a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, adding more flour if needed.
    • Form dough into ball and place in an oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 ½ hours.
    • Punch down dough and knead into a ball and return to the same bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
    • Coat 15 x 10-inch baking sheet with olive oil. Punch down dough. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
    • Press out dough to 13 x 10-inch rectangle. Let dough rest for 10 minutes.
    • Drizzle 2 tablespoons oil over dough. Sprinkle olives and chopped rosemary evenly over the dough. Let dough rise uncovered in a warm area for about 25 minutes.
    • Preheat oven to 475°F.
    • Press fingertips all over dough, forming indentations. Bake bread until brown, about 20 minutes.
    • Remove from the oven, and brush with olive oil and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 6gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 516mgPotassium: 73mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 36IUCalcium: 12mgIron: 2mg

    Nutritional information provided for this recipe is based on 1 serving. This information is an estimate and may vary based on several factors. If nutritional information is important to you and your diet, please verify this recipe with a Registered Dietitian.

    Tried this Recipe?Leave a Comment below and share a picture on Instagram and tag @hot_rods_recipes and hashtag #hotrodsrecipes!

    More Easy Italian Recipes

    • Easy Baked Italian Meatballs
    • Penne with Vodka Sauce
    • Classic Lasagna
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    Reader Interactions

    2 Comments

    1. Joseph Palermo

      April 16, 2020 at 6:11 pm

      It turned out amazing!

      Reply
      • Chef Rodney

        April 24, 2020 at 12:45 pm

        Thanks for the feedback!

        Reply

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