This cheesy focaccia bread is a delightful twist on the classic Italian flatbread. Soft, fluffy, and infused with olive oil, it is topped with melted cheese that adds a rich flavor to every bite.
The recipe is simple and requires basic baking techniques. Perfect as a side dish or snack, you can customize it with herbs or additional toppings to suit your taste.
Overview of Cheesy Focaccia Bread
This cheesy focaccia bread is a delightful take on the traditional Italian flatbread. Its soft, fluffy texture combined with the rich flavor of melted cheese creates a truly satisfying experience for any bread lover.
Perfect for sharing, this focaccia can be served as a side dish or enjoyed as a snack. The recipe is straightforward and allows for customization, making it easy to add your favorite herbs or toppings.
Key Features of the Recipe
The focaccia boasts a golden-brown crust that contrasts beautifully with its soft interior. Topped generously with a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, it offers a savory flavor that enhances every bite.
With a total preparation time of about two hours, this recipe is manageable for both novice and experienced bakers. The result is a delicious bread that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients That Shine
To create this delightful focaccia, you will need a few basic ingredients. All-purpose flour, warm water, sugar, salt, and active dry yeast form the foundation of the dough.
Olive oil plays a crucial role, providing moisture and flavor, while the combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese elevates the dish. Optional herbs like oregano or rosemary can be added for an extra layer of taste.
Step-by-Step Process
The process begins by activating the yeast, which is essential for a good rise. Once the yeast is frothy, it’s combined with flour and salt to form a dough.
Kneading the dough is a vital step, ensuring it becomes smooth and elastic. After a first rise, the dough is shaped and placed in a greased pan, where it’s allowed to rise again before baking.
Baking and Serving Suggestions
Baking the focaccia at a high temperature ensures a crispy crust while keeping the inside fluffy. Once it’s golden brown and the cheese is bubbling, it’s time to take it out of the oven.
Allow the focaccia to cool slightly before slicing it into squares. Serve it warm, drizzled with olive oil, and perhaps accompanied by a small bowl of olive oil for dipping, enhancing the overall experience.
Perfect Pairings and Enjoyment
This cheesy focaccia bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. It can complement soups, salads, or even be enjoyed on its own as a snack.
For a cozy meal, consider serving it alongside a hearty stew or a fresh garden salad. The versatility of this bread makes it a great addition to any dining occasion.
Easy Cheesy Focaccia Bread Recipe
This focaccia bread features a golden crust with a soft interior, topped generously with cheese. The recipe takes about 2 hours from start to finish and yields a delicious bread perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or rosemary (optional)
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking sheet or a 9×13 inch pan with olive oil.
- Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to the prepared pan. Stretch it out to fit the pan, creating dimples with your fingers.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle olive oil over the dough, sprinkle with oregano or rosemary if using, and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Add coarse sea salt on top.
- Second Rise: Let the dough rise for another 20-30 minutes.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the focaccia to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 8 slices
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
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