This simple olive oil bread is so easy to make and doesn’t require any yeast! You can have fresh bread on the table in minutes!

olive oil bread

There are few things I love more than a fresh slice of bread. The problem is I don’t usually want to make an entire loaf of bread… because I will eat it all in a matter of days. Why aren’t there more single-serving bread recipes? Just in case you love bread as much as I do, here is a super simple recipe for some warm and fluffy bread, no yeast required.

You’re probably wondering, “Can I make bread without yeast?” and the answer is yes! I love fresh bread, but I don’t always have yeast in my pantry, and even when I do, I don’t want to wait hours for the dough to rise. The good news is, you can make bread without yeast!

Olive Oil Bread Ingredients

  • Flour– You’ll need all purpose flour for this recipe. If you want to make bread with whole wheat flour, I recommend trying this whole wheat flatbread recipe!
  • Baking Powder– The baking powder gives the bread a little bit of lift without yeast.
  • Olive Oil- This helps hydrate the bread and gives it a soft texture.
  • Water– This is necessary to hydrate the bread.
  • Salt– A little salt adds flavor to the bread.

I’m not sure if I should call these biscuits or rolls or just little mini loaves. These little loaves are made in a skillet, so you don’t even have to wait for the oven to preheat!

How to Make Bread Without Yeast

To make bread without yeast, mix water, flour, salt, baking powder, and olive oil in a large bowl.

bread dough before it's mixed

The baking powder will give this bread a little lift without any yeast. Mix until a dough forms.

bread dough in a bowl

Divide the dough into small disks.

olive oil bread

Cook the loaves in a skillet until toasted on each side.

olive oil bread

As an alternative method, you can mix the dough in a food processor. It’s a little more “hands off” but it does require cleaning the food processor, so I’m not sure if it’s really much faster. But both methods will create beautiful little loaves of bread!

Technically this recipe makes 4 little mini loaves, so if you wanted to be strict on portions, you could serve 4 people with these. But they’re so delicious that you’ll probably want to eat at least two. My absolute favorite olive oil is California Olive Ranch olive oil, but any kind will do.

Tips for Perfect Olive Oil Bread

  • I’ve made these in a non-stick skillet and a cast-iron skillet. I found a non-stick skillet to be the easiest, but either pan will work.
  • You can either make these in a food processor or by hand in a bowl. I actually think the bowl method is easier in the end because cleaning a food processor can be a hassle. But both work well!
  • Be sure to make the loaves equal in size so they cook at the same rate.
olive oil bread

Substitution Ideas

If you wanted to make this with whole grain flour, try using whole wheat pastry flour or white whole wheat flour, which is softer than regular whole wheat flour. In a pinch, you can use other oil like canola oil or vegetable oil, but I highly recommend using olive oil if you have it. It adds more flavor to the bread.

No Yeast Bread Variations

  • Adding a few fresh or dried herbs is an excellent way to add a little extra flavor. I’ve experimented with rosemary and parsley, and both added a subtle hint of flavor.
  • You could also add 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to create a cheddar biscuit!
  • If you’re looking for more ways to made bread without yeast, check out this post on the best yeast substitutes.

Is Olive Oil Bread Healthy?

I think this bread is a great healthy option because it’s easy to keep the portion sizes in check! It’s made with just a few simple ingredients and it’s perfect to pair with a bowl of soup or a salad!

How to Store Olive Oil Bread

I recommend eating this bread the same day you make it. Since it’s a small quantity, you probably won’t have much leftover. But if you do, store it in an airtight container or zipper-top bag at room temperature. I don’t recommend keeping it for more than a day, as it will dry out.

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olive oil bread

Olive Oil Bread

★★★★★ 4.9 from 36 reviews
  • Author: Liz Thomson
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 15 mins
  • Yield: 2 1x
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Bread
Print Recipe

Description

These little single-serving loaves of bread are easy to make and you don’t need any yeast! You can make this in a bowl or a food processor!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • 1/3 cup warm water
  • (Rosemary or other herbs, optional.)

Instructions

Bowl Method:

  1. Combine the flour, baking powder, and sea salt.
  2. Stir in the olive oil and water until mixed.
  3. Warm a large cast iron skillet or non-stick skillet over medium heat until heated.
  4. Sprinkle with olive oil and swirl around the pan to lightly coat.
  5. Shape the dough into 4 small patties.
  6. Drop into the heated skillet and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes on each side.
  7. You can sprinkle them with rosemary or other herbs while they’re cooking.
  8. Serve immediately.

Food Processor Method:

  1. In a food processor, add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Blend for 10 seconds.
  2. While running the food processor on low, slowly add in the olive oil and water.
  3. Blend for 30 seconds or until a dough starts to form. (You’ll be able to tell; it’ll start to clump up.)
  4. Warm a large cast iron skillet or non-stick skillet and heat over medium heat.
  5. Sprinkle with olive oil and swirl around the pan to lightly coat.
  6. Shape the dough into 4 small patties.
  7. Drop into the heated skillet and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes on each side.
  8. You can sprinkle them with rosemary or other herbs while they’re cooking.
  9. Serve immediately.

Notes

This olive oil bread is best served right away, but you can make it a day in advance if needed.

Keywords: olive oil bread

Recipes to Serve with Olive Oil Bread

Looking for a whole wheat bread recipe? Try this easy 4 ingredient whole wheat flatbread! Don’t worry- there’s still no yeast required!

whole wheat flatbread

Are you a carb lover like me, or could you pass on the breadbasket?