Savoury Loaf with Olives and Bacon
AI-generated image
French

Savoury Loaf with Olives and Bacon

A classic French-style savoury loaf packed with smoky bacon, briny green olives, and nutty cheese. It slices neatly warm or cool, making it equally useful for brunch, a picnic, or a relaxed supper.

65 min 6 servings Medium
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How to prepare

1
Heat the oven to 180°C. Oil a 23 x 13 cm loaf pan and line the base with a strip of parchment, leaving enough overhang to lift out the loaf.
2
Fry the diced bacon in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and just crisp at the edges. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel and cool for 5 minutes.
3
Whisk the flour, baking powder, and black pepper in a large bowl. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, olive oil, and thyme until smooth and evenly blended.
4
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix just until no dry flour remains. Fold in the bacon, olives, and grated Gruyère; do not overmix, or the loaf may become dense.
5
Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake on the middle rack for 40 to 45 minutes, until deeply golden and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
Golden savoury loaf with olives and bacon fresh from the oven AI-generated image
6
Rest the loaf in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment and cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes. The center should feel set rather than soft when pressed lightly.
7
Cut into thick slices with a serrated knife and serve warm or at room temperature.
Sliced savoury loaf showing olives and bacon AI-generated image

Why this recipe works

Bacon supplies savory fat, olives bring bright salinity, and Gruyère melts into the batter for a tender, aromatic crumb. Resting before slicing gives the loaf its characteristic neat texture.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Cool completely, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The wrapped loaf can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

How to reheat it

Reheat slices in a 160°C oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or serve at room temperature. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crust.

Nutrition / serving

447kcal
21.79 gprotein
28.25 gcarbs
27.20 gfat
P
Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 15 Aug 2026 · updated 16 Aug 2026