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FRENCH-STYLE FOUGASSE WITH OLIVES + BONUS MOZZARELLA BREAD ROLLS

By Delicious Recipes!Posted on
FRENCH-STYLE FOUGASSE WITH OLIVES + BONUS MOZZARELLA BREAD ROLLS

FRENCH-STYLE FOUGASSE WITH OLIVES + BONUS MOZZARELLA BREAD ROLLS

Enjoy the classic French fougasse, a beautiful leaf-shaped bread infused with olive oil and fragrant herbs, topped with chopped black and green olives. As a bonus, try the mozzarella bread rolls—soft loaves filled with creamy mozzarella and a touch of sweet Hungarian pepper paste.

🕒 Prep Time: 20 min

🍳 Rising Time: 20 min
🍰 Bake Time: 10-15 min
🍽️ Yield: 4 fougasses or 2 fougasses + 2 mozzarella rolls

Ingredients

For the Fougasse:

  • 1 batch baguette or French bread dough
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Herbes de Provence (or a mix of fresh thyme and rosemary)
  • 10 black olives, finely chopped
  • 10 green olives, finely chopped
  • Coarse salt (e.g., fleur de sel) and freshly ground pepper

For the Mozzarella Rolls (optional):

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Hungarian sweet pepper paste (pasta de ardei dulce)
  • 5 mozzarella balls, sliced (thick slices)
  • A sprinkle of grated Parmesan (optional)

Instructions

  1. Mix the Herbes de Provence with olive oil to create an aromatic oil.
  2. Lightly flour your work surface and divide the dough into 4 equal pieces.
  3. Flatten each piece gently with your hands—not too thin.
  4. Using a rolling pin or knife, cut several slits in each dough piece in a leaf pattern (see photo reference). It should resemble a leaf shape.
  5. Brush each “leaf” with the herb-infused olive oil. Sprinkle generously with coarse salt and a little pepper.
  6. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Carefully lift each dough piece by the top edge and place it on the tray; the dough will stretch slightly under its own weight, enlarging the slits.
  7. Sprinkle chopped green and black olives evenly over the fougasse, pressing gently so they adhere well. Let the dough rise for 20 minutes.
    Tip: You can also knead chopped olives into the dough, but topping them preserves the plain dough for other uses.
  8. Bake at 240°C (465°F) for about 10-15 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Mozzarella Bread Rolls:

  1. For the remaining 2 dough pieces, flatten them with your hands. Mix the sweet pepper paste with olive oil and brush generously over each piece.
  2. Arrange thick mozzarella slices over the dough. Let rise for 20 minutes.
  3. Press the mozzarella gently into the dough to secure it, sprinkle Parmesan on top if desired.
  4. Bake at 240°C (465°F) for about 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

💡 Tips

  • The leaf shape and cuts create a beautiful, rustic look and help even baking.
  • Herb-infused olive oil adds fragrant flavor without overpowering the bread.
  • Use fresh or dried herbs based on availability.
  • Mozzarella bread rolls make a deliciously cheesy accompaniment or snack.

🍽️ Perfect For

  • French-style bread baskets
  • Appetizers and snacks
  • Pairing with soups, salads, or charcuterie boards

📝 Final Thoughts

Fougasse is a visually stunning and flavorful bread, perfect for sharing and impressing guests. The mozzarella rolls add a melty, savory bonus that pairs well with the herby, olive-studded fougasse for a well-rounded bread selection.