Savory Ham, Olive & Cheese Loaf

🕒 Time

• Prep: 15–20 minutes

• Bake: 45–55 minutes

• Total: About 1 hour 15 minutes

🍽 Servings

8–10 slices

🛒 Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)

Wet Ingredients

• 3 large eggs (room temperature)

• ½ cup (120ml) whole milk

• ⅓ cup (80ml) olive oil or neutral oil

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional but recommended)

Mix-ins

• 1 cup (120g) shredded cheese (Gruyère, cheddar, or mozzarella)

• ¾ cup (100g) diced cooked ham

• ½ cup (70g) sliced black olives

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tbsp dried)

• 2–3 tbsp finely chopped green onions (optional)

🔪 Equipment

• 9×5 inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk

• Spatula

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Pan

• Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).

• Grease the loaf pan and line with parchment paper (optional for easy removal).

2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• Flour

• Baking powder

• Salt

• Pepper

• Oregano

3️⃣ Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl:

• Whisk eggs until slightly frothy.

• Add milk, oil, and Dijon mustard.

• Mix until smooth.

4️⃣ Combine

• Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients.

• Stir gently until just combined (don’t overmix).

• Fold in cheese, ham, olives, parsley, and green onions.

The batter should be thick but scoopable.

5️⃣ Bake

• Pour batter into prepared pan.

• Smooth the top and sprinkle a little extra cheese if desired.

• Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until:

  • Golden brown on top

  • Toothpick inserted comes out clean

If browning too fast, loosely cover with foil after 30–35 minutes.

6️⃣ Cool

• Let cool in pan for 10–15 minutes.

• Transfer to a wire rack.

• Slice once slightly cooled for clean cuts.

🧀 Tips for Success

• Use room temperature eggs for better rise.

• Toss olives and ham in a tablespoon of flour before mixing in to prevent sinking.

• For extra flavor, add ¼ tsp smoked paprika.

🥖 Serving Ideas

• Serve warm or at room temperature.

• Perfect for brunch, picnics, lunchboxes, or as an appetizer.

• Pair with a green salad or soup.