My first experience with Mediterranean-style bread wasn’t at a fancy restaurant or while traveling abroad—it was in my grandmother’s kitchen. She wasn’t Mediterranean by heritage, but her pantry was always stocked with olives, fresh herbs, whole grains, and extra virgin olive oil. One crisp spring morning, she handed me a warm slice of her rustic olive oil and herb loaf. The crust crackled gently under my fingers, the inside soft, fragrant, and earthy. That moment sparked my love for bread made with purpose—where every ingredient brings both flavor and nourishment.
Years later, while exploring the Mediterranean diet for its health benefits and culinary richness, I was reminded of that bread. What I learned was this: bread doesn’t have to be the enemy of a healthy lifestyle. In fact, when made with heart-healthy fats, whole grains, and minimal sugar, it can be an essential and fulfilling part of your diet. This Mediterranean diet bread recipe was born out of that philosophy—a tribute to simplicity, tradition, and flavor.
Why do people love this Mediterranean Diet Bread Recipe?
Because it’s as versatile as it is healthy. It’s a rustic, no-fuss loaf packed with good-for-you ingredients, perfect for sandwiches, dipping in hummus, or just enjoying on its own with a drizzle of olive oil. Plus, it fits beautifully into the Mediterranean way of eating, which emphasizes balance, wholesome ingredients, and vibrant flavors.
Ingredients for Mediterranean Diet Bread Recipe
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or additional whole wheat for denser texture)
- 2¼ tsp instant dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1½ tsp sea salt
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed (optional, for fiber boost)
- 1½ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for balance)
- 2 tbsp mixed seeds (sunflower, sesame, or pumpkin)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
- Additional seeds or oats for topping
Ingredient Variation Suggestions
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix with added xanthan gum. Texture will vary.
- Add-Ins: Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions add Mediterranean flair.
- Herbs: Swap rosemary for oregano, basil, or za’atar for different herbal notes.
- Flour Options: Replace all-purpose with spelt or rye flour for more earthiness.
- Vegan-Friendly: Use maple syrup instead of honey to keep it fully plant-based.
Making Process of Mediterranean Diet Bread Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, salt, ground flaxseed, and yeast.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in warm water, olive oil, and honey or maple syrup. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Transfer dough to a floured surface. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
Step 4: First Rise
Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Loaf
Punch down the dough and shape it into a round or oblong loaf. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a greased loaf pan.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the shaped dough and let it rest for another 20 minutes while the oven preheats to 375°F (190°C).
Step 7: Add Toppings
Brush the top lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with seeds or oats.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing. Serve with dips, soups, or simply with olive oil and sea salt.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Mediterranean Diet Bread
- Use Quality Olive Oil: A fruity, aromatic extra virgin olive oil makes a huge difference in flavor.
- Let It Rest: Don’t skip the resting times—these allow gluten to develop and improve texture.
- Check Oven Accuracy: Invest in an oven thermometer to ensure consistent results.
- Avoid Over-Kneading: Whole wheat flour doesn’t need as much kneading as white flour.
- Freeze for Later: Slice and freeze extra bread for toast or sandwiches throughout the week.
Related Breads from Around the World
If you’re inspired by wholesome, homemade loaves like this Mediterranean Diet Bread, you’ll love exploring other global bread recipes that celebrate tradition and flavor in their own unique ways. For a rich and savory bite, try our Lard Bread Recipe, an Italian-American classic filled with bits of pork fat and cheese—perfect for a hearty snack or side.
If you’re following a low-carb lifestyle, our Keto Sourdough Bread offers a tangy, gut-friendly option without the carbs, using almond flour and a sugar-free starter. Craving something Caribbean? The slightly sweet, dense, and satisfying Jamaican Hard Dough Bread is a staple in Jamaican households, perfect for toast or sandwiches.
And if you’re interested in street-food-style flatbreads, don’t miss Rougamo Bread, a Chinese-style bread traditionally used to hold flavorful meat fillings in the beloved rougamo (or “Chinese hamburger”). Each of these recipes adds its own twist to the world of bread baking, offering flavor profiles and textures that are as diverse as they are delicious.
Final Thoughts On Mediterranean Diet Bread Recipe
This Mediterranean diet bread recipe is more than a way to fill your plate—it’s a way to embrace a lifestyle rooted in nourishment and tradition. The Mediterranean way encourages slowing down, eating whole, real foods, and appreciating each meal with intention. And this bread? It’s the perfect place to start.
With its earthy taste, satisfying texture, and wholesome ingredients, it delivers flavor without compromising health. Whether you’re dipping it in olive oil, toasting it for breakfast, or sandwiching it with roasted veggies and feta, this bread is sure to become a staple in your home.
Mediterranean Diet Bread Recipe – Wholesome, Hearty, and Incredibly Nourishing
This Mediterranean diet bread is a hearty, homemade loaf made with whole wheat flour, extra virgin olive oil, seeds, and aromatic herbs. Soft on the inside and crisp on the outside, it’s rich in flavor and nutrients—perfect for those seeking a healthy and satisfying bread option.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, salt, ground flaxseed, and yeast.
-
Pour in warm water, olive oil, and honey or maple syrup. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
-
Transfer dough to a floured surface. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
-
Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
-
Punch down the dough and shape it into a round or oblong loaf. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a greased loaf pan.
-
Cover the shaped dough and let it rest for another 20 minutes while the oven preheats to 375°F (190°C).
-
Brush the top lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with seeds or oats.
-
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
-
Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing. Serve with dips, soups, or simply with olive oil and sea salt.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 160kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 5g8%
- Saturated Fat 0.5g3%
- Sodium 220mg10%
- Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 5g10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
