This mozzarella focaccia bread is a delightful Italian flatbread that combines the soft, airy texture of focaccia with the creamy richness of mozzarella. It’s perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a base for sandwiches.
The recipe is simple and requires basic ingredients, making it accessible for home bakers. You can customize it with herbs, garlic, or additional toppings to enhance the flavor.
Homemade Mozzarella Focaccia Bread
This mozzarella focaccia bread is a delightful treat that brings the essence of Italian cuisine right into your kitchen.
With its golden, crispy crust and soft, airy interior, it’s a perfect addition to any meal.
The melted mozzarella cheese on top adds a creamy richness that complements the bread beautifully.
Ingredients for Focaccia Perfection
Creating this focaccia requires a few basic ingredients, making it accessible for anyone who enjoys baking.
You’ll need all-purpose flour, instant yeast, salt, warm water, and olive oil as the foundation.
The addition of shredded mozzarella and fresh rosemary elevates the flavor, while coarse sea salt provides a delightful crunch.
The Art of Dough Making
Making the dough is a simple yet rewarding process.
Start by mixing the flour, yeast, and salt in a large bowl, then incorporate warm water and olive oil until a shaggy dough forms.
Kneading the dough for about 5-7 minutes will develop its elasticity, ensuring a perfect rise.
Rising to the Occasion
Once kneaded, the dough needs to rise.
Place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it sit in a warm spot for about an hour.
This first rise is crucial for achieving that airy texture.
Shaping and Topping the Focaccia
After the dough has doubled in size, it’s time to shape it.
Transfer the dough to a greased baking sheet and stretch it to fit the pan, creating dimples with your fingers.
Drizzle olive oil over the top, sprinkle with sea salt, and generously add the mozzarella cheese and rosemary.
Baking and Serving
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and let the focaccia rise for another 30 minutes before baking.
Once it’s golden brown and the cheese is bubbly, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
Slice into squares and serve warm, perhaps with a small bowl of olive oil and herbs for dipping, making for an inviting presentation.
Homemade Mozzarella Focaccia Bread
This focaccia bread features a golden, crispy crust with a soft interior, generously topped with melted mozzarella cheese. The recipe takes about 2 hours from start to finish, including rising time, and serves 8 people.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or other herbs (optional)
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Add the warm water and olive oil, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Pan: Grease a baking sheet or a 9×13 inch pan with olive oil. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to the prepared pan.
- Shape the Dough: Stretch the dough to fit the pan, making dimples with your fingers. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with coarse sea salt and herbs if using.
- Add Cheese: Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella over the top of the dough.
- Second Rise: Cover the pan with a cloth and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Bake: Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the 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: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 8 slices
- Calories: 220kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
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