Focaccia Bread with Cherry Tomatoes, Basil Pesto, and Goat Cheese Recipe
Description
Focaccia bread, a classic and beloved Italian-style bread, is enhanced with the vibrant flavors of basil pesto, creamy goat cheese, and juicy cherry tomatoes. This recipe creates a delightful twist on the traditional focaccia, infusing each bite with the aromatic herbs from the pesto, the tangy richness of goat cheese, and the fresh burst of tomatoes. Made with a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour, this focaccia offers a hearty yet soft texture perfect for pairing with soups or salads. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized with different toppings, but the combination of cherry tomatoes, basil pesto, and goat cheese makes for a particularly satisfying loaf.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1 cup |
| Active Dry Yeast | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Honey | 1 teaspoon |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Homemade Basil Pesto | 2 tablespoons |
| Cherry Tomatoes (halved) | 1/4 cup |
| Goat Cheese | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180-200 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30-35 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 7-9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1-2 g |
| Cholesterol | 5-10 mg |
| Fiber | 3-4 g |
| Sodium | 150-200 mg |
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Instructions
-
Prepare the Basil Pesto
Begin by preparing your homemade basil pesto. You can either make it from scratch by blending fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts (or walnuts), Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, or you can use store-bought pesto for convenience. Set aside. -
Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a hook attachment, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and active dry yeast. Add in the salt, honey, and olive oil. Slowly pour in warm water, a little at a time, mixing as you go to form a smooth dough. Knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes soft, elastic, and no longer sticky. You can also knead it in a stand mixer on medium speed for the same amount of time. -
First Rise
Lightly oil the same mixing bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. -
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (about 400°F) for 20 minutes, ensuring it’s properly heated before baking the focaccia. -
Shape the Focaccia
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and stretch it into a rough rectangle or square shape, about 1/2 inch thick. If the dough resists, let it rest for a few minutes before continuing. -
Assemble the Focaccia
Dust a baking sheet with flour or line it with parchment paper. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet. Use your fingertips to create dimples all over the surface of the dough. Brush the top generously with extra virgin olive oil. Then, spread a layer of basil pesto over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. -
Add the Toppings
Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes and crumbled goat cheese evenly over the surface of the focaccia. Gently press the toppings into the dough so they bake into the bread as it rises. -
Bake the Focaccia
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the focaccia has risen and is golden brown on the edges. You may notice the bread puffing up and the cheese slightly browning, which is perfect. -
Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
This focaccia is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, a light vegetable soup, or even a creamy tomato soup. You can also serve it as a part of a Mediterranean-style platter with olives, cheeses, and roasted vegetables.
Tips for Success
- Customize Your Toppings: Focaccia is an easy bread to customize. Feel free to try other toppings like olives, caramelized onions, or roasted peppers for a new twist each time.
- Use Fresh Goat Cheese: For the best flavor, opt for fresh goat cheese. The tanginess of goat cheese pairs beautifully with the basil pesto and cherry tomatoes.
- Ensure Proper Rising Time: For a light, airy focaccia, make sure to let the dough rise properly. If you’re in a hurry, you can use a warm oven (turned off) or a proofing setting to speed up the process.
- Olive Oil is Key: Don’t skimp on the olive oil! It gives the focaccia its rich flavor and helps create a beautifully crisp crust.
Conclusion
This Focaccia Bread with Cherry Tomatoes, Basil Pesto, and Goat Cheese is a delightful bread recipe that offers the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The combination of savory pesto, sweet tomatoes, and creamy goat cheese makes each bite utterly delicious. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or a special gathering, this focaccia will surely be a crowd-pleaser. Pair it with a soup or salad for a satisfying meal that brings a little taste of Italy to your table.
