Pesto, Olive & Mozzerella Tear & Share Loaf

Easy Pull‑Apart Loaf Recipe

Sometimes, the best meals are the ones that get a little messy. This tear-and-share loaf is exactly that—a warm, gooey, pull-apart bread that’s perfect for sharing (or not… no judgement here). Picture soft, pillowy bread layered with fragrant Pesto Genovese, salty Taverna olives, and melty mozzarella, all brought together with a drizzle of OEA House extra virgin olive oil. It’s basically a hug in carb form.

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What You’ll Need

For the dough:

500g strong white bread flour
1 tsp salt
7g dried yeast
300ml warm water
2 tbsp OEA House extra virgin olive oil

For the filling:

100g OEA Pesto alla Genovese
100g Taverna olives, roughly chopped
150g mozzarella, torn into small pieces

Extra:

Olive oil for brushing (OEA House extra virgin olive oil)
Extra mozzarella for sprinkling on top

How to Make It

Make the dough:
In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, and salt. Add the warm water and olive oil, and stir until it starts to come together. Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
First rise (proving):
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a tea towel, and leave somewhere warm for 1–1.5 hours, until it has doubled in size.
Prepare the filling:
Chop the Taverna olives and tear the mozzarella. Give your Pesto Genovese a good stir so it spreads easily.
Shape the loaf:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle, about 1cm thick. Spread the pesto evenly, then scatter over the olives and mozzarella.
Roll and cut:
Roll the dough up like a sausage roll, then cut it into Chelsea-bun-like pieces. Arrange the pieces in a greased loaf tin. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
Bake:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) / 400°F. Brush the top with OEA House extra virgin olive oil. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden and irresistible.
Pull apart and enjoy:
Let it cool slightly, then pull apart piece by piece. Warning: messy fingers almost guaranteed.

Tips & Tricks

Use any of our wonderful Pestos for variation.
Try it with some Basil Infused Olive Oil for extra freshness.

This tear-and-share loaf is perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or a spontaneous snack on the couch. Everyone will feel like they’re at a party—even if it’s just you, your PJs, and a cheesy grin.