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This simple yet delicious method turns everyday slices into crispy, flavorful additions to your meal. With just a few ingredients, you can create a versatile snack perfect for both sweet and savory dishes.

At McEvoy Ranch, the extra virgin oil that we produce on our 550-acre working farm in California is rich in monounsaturated fats and powerful antioxidants making it a great option for frying your bread. Not only does it add health benefits to your bread but adds a delicious flavor too. 

In this article we will explore the benefits of doing so and how to best go about it. 

Key Takeaways

  • Frying in olive oil produces a delightful contrast between a crunchy outside and a tender inside.

  • Olive oil adds its own flavor to the bread, complementing both sweet and savory toppings.

  • Compared to butter or other oils, olive oil contains fewer saturated fats and offers various health benefits.

  • Olive oil-fried bread can be used for a wide range of culinary applications.

What Makes Olive Oil-Fried Bread Unique?

Frying bread in olive oil adds a distinctive, flavorful twist to traditional fried bread. The bread takes on a beautiful golden color and develops a slightly nutty, aromatic flavor that other oils simply can't replicate.

Olive oil, celebrated for its heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, imparts a subtle fruitiness that complements the bread’s natural richness. This Mediterranean touch elevates the dish, setting it apart from versions fried in butter or vegetable oil. 

Beyond the delicious taste, studies show that those who closely follow the Mediterranean diet, which features olive oil as a staple, can reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 25%. The result is a healthier, more flavorful bread with a perfectly crispy texture and warm, savory aroma—offering a fresh take on a classic comfort food.

How Olive Oil Affects the Taste and Texture

Frying bread in olive oil transforms a simple slice into a flavourful treat. The olive oil imparts a rich flavor that enhances the bread's taste, giving it a crispy golden-brown crust while maintaining a soft interior. This technique allows the bread to absorb just the right amount of oil and avoids a greasy texture.

Why Choose Olive Oil Over Butter?

Many cooks prefer olive oil over butter for frying bread for several reasons:

  1. High Smoke Point: Olive oil's high smoke point of 405 degrees prevents burning, ensuring the bread fries evenly to a golden brown.

  2. Flavor Profile: Olive oil brings a subtle Mediterranean flavor that compliments various toppings.

  3. Texture Advantage: Olive oil creates a crisper exterior than butter, making it ideal for both sweet and savory preparations.

  4. Health Benefits: Olive oil is lower in saturated fats and higher in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants compared to butter, making it a healthier choice.

Health Benefits of Frying with Olive Oil

Frying bread with olive oil isn’t just a delicious choice—it also brings several significant health advantages to the table. 

Unlike many other frying oils, olive oil offers a range of benefits that make it an excellent option for those looking to enjoy flavorful food while maintaining a balanced, heart-healthy diet. Here are some key health benefits that make olive oil a superior choice for frying:

Lower in Saturated Fats

Olive oil contains significantly less saturated fat (1.9g) compared to butter (7.2g) per 1 tbsp, making it a heart-friendly choice. Here's a comparison:

Fat Type

Olive Oil (1 tbsp)

Butter (1 tbsp)

Saturated Fat

1.9g

7.2g

Monounsaturated Fat

9.9g

3.3g

Polyunsaturated Fat

1.1g

0.4g

Olive oil is also rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants that help protect cells from cancer and support cardiovascular health. This is why those who consume the guideline amount of olive oil daily have a 31% lower chance of developing cancer. 

When used correctly, it ensures a crispy texture without making the bread greasy, providing a lighter, healthier snack option.

Choosing the Best Olive Oil for Frying Bread

Not all olive oils are created equal, especially for frying. Here’s what you need to know:

Refined vs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Both refined and extra virgin olive oil are suitable for frying. Refined olive oil is a favorite choice for frying because it can withstand high temperatures, making it perfect for frying. 

Extra virgin olive oil is also good for frying, and ideally suited to low-heat cooking and dressings.

Oil Type

Smoke Point (°F)

Best Use

Refined Olive Oil

470

Frying, sautéing

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

405 

Dressings, low-heat cooking, sautéing, frying, baking

Light Olive Oil

465

Frying, baking

You can opt for refined olive oil, or extra virgin olive oil when frying for its added health benefits. 

Tips for Perfectly Fried Bread

Mastering the art of frying bread involves attention to detail and using the right techniques. Here are some essential tips to help you achieve perfectly fried bread every time:

  1. Getting the Oil Temperature Right

Maintaining the correct oil temperature is key to achieving a crispy, golden exterior without the bread becoming too greasy. The ideal temperature is around 375°F (190°C). 

If the oil is too hot, the bread will burn on the outside before the interior is fully heated. If the oil is too cool, the bread will absorb excess oil, becoming soggy. 

Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the heat consistently, and fry in small batches to keep the temperature steady. Allow the oil to return to the correct temperature between batches to ensure even frying.

  1. Choosing the Right Bread

Not all bread is suitable for frying. Opt for bread that can withstand the frying process without falling apart, such as thick-cut slices, day-old bread, or sturdy varieties like sourdough, ciabatta, or baguettes. Avoid bread that is too soft or delicate, as it can disintegrate in the hot oil.

Homemade doughs, like those made from self-rising flour and buttermilk, also work well as they have the right balance of moisture and structure to fry up light and airy. 

  1. Preparing the Bread for Frying

Before frying, make sure the bread is dry. If you’re using fresh or homemade dough, pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. 

  1. Controlling Frying Time

Fry the bread for about 2–3 minutes on each side or until it turns a deep golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in uneven cooking. Flip the bread only once to avoid breaking the crust and to ensure even browning on both sides.

  1. Draining Excess Oil

Once the bread is fried to perfection, transfer it immediately to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. For an extra light touch, gently blot the top of the bread with another paper towel. Serve the bread while it's still warm for the best flavor and texture.

  1. Enhancing Flavor and Texture

To add an extra layer of flavor, consider seasoning the bread right after frying. A sprinkle of sea salt, a pinch of herbs, or a dash of garlic powder can elevate the taste. You can also drizzle a bit of extra olive oil and vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice for a Mediterranean twist. 

For a sweeter version, dust the hot bread with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar.

Bread Type

Frying Suitability

Texture Result

Thick-cut white bread

Excellent

Crispy exterior, soft interior

Homemade dough

Very good

Crispy and chewy

Thin sliced bread

Poor

Often burns or becomes greasy

After frying, drain the bread on paper towels to remove excess oil, ensuring a crispy texture.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Fried Toast

Making fried bread from scratch at home is straightforward. Follow this step-by-step guide to get it just right:

Ingredients

You will need:

  • 2 cups self-raising flour

  • 1 cup buttermilk

  • Olive oil for frying

Preparing the Bread

  1. Mix Ingredients: Combine the flour and buttermilk in a bowl to form a sticky dough.

  2. Shape the Dough: On a floured surface, flatten the dough into 3-inch circles.

  3. Prepare for Frying: For pre-sliced bread, dip each slice in beaten egg or milk before frying.

Optimal Frying Techniques

  1. Heat the Oil: In a heavy pot, heat the oil to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Fry the Bread: Carefully place the bread in the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.

  3. Maintain Oil Temperature: Fry in small batches to keep the oil at the right temperature.

  4. Drain and Serve: Drain the fried bread on paper towels to remove any excess oil and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Final Thoughts

Frying bread in olive oil offers a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy bread with a crispy outside and soft inside. This technique provides a healthier alternative to butter, enhancing both flavor and texture.

Through choosing the right olive oil and mastering proper frying techniques, you open up new and delicious ways to eat simple ingredients. Always monitor the oil temperature and select bread that pairs well with your dish. Whether you're preparing a savory snack or a sweet treat, olive oil-fried bread is a perfect addition to any meal.

Experiment with different toppings and seasonings to create your unique version of fried bread. This versatile method can transform your cooking, adding a gourmet touch to everyday ingredients.

Shop our Olive Oils

FAQ

What makes frying bread in olive oil a delicious alternative?

Olive oil gives the bread a crispy outside and a soft inside, bringing out its natural flavors with a hint of Mediterranean taste.

Why is olive oil preferred over butter for frying bread?

Olive oil has a higher smoke point, making it ideal for frying at high temperatures, and it contains less saturated fat than butter.

What are the health benefits of frying bread in olive oil?

Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, making it a healthier option that doesn't make the bread greasy.

What type of olive oil is best for frying bread?

Both refined olive oil and extra virgin olive oil are suitable for frying bread. 

How can I achieve perfectly fried bread?

Keep the oil at 375°F (190°C), choose thick-cut bread or homemade dough, and fry in small batches to maintain the right temperature.

 

McEvoy Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Certified Organic

By CCOF

Sustainably Produced

At Our Ranch

Early Harvested

High Polyphenols

Award Winning

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

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