Lightened-Up Olive, Bacon, and Cheese Bread (Weight Watchers-friendly)

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup chopped olives (green or black, preferably low-sodium)
• 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled turkey bacon (or lean bacon), preferably reduced sodium
• 1/2 cup reduced-fat shredded cheese (such as reduced-fat cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any preferred milk)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 eggs
• Optional: Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme for added flavor

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the chopped olives, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheese. Add the fresh herbs if using.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, unsweetened applesauce, almond milk, olive oil, and eggs until well combined.
4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!