Savory Italian Herb and Cheese Focaccia

Focaccia Farcita (Filled Italian Hearth Bread)

Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (12 servings)

Description:

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked focaccia, especially when it’s filled with delicious Italian-style ingredients like roasted peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or fresh herbs. This recipe, adapted from “Bread” by Treuille and Ferrigno, offers a versatile base that can be enjoyed plain or customized with your favorite fillings. Prep time includes dough rising and proving, ensuring a light and airy texture.

“Link To Share” is your all-in-one marketing platform, making it easy and professional to direct your audience to everything you offer.

• Modern, customizable bio pages • Link shortening with advanced analytics • Interactive, brandable QR codes • Host static sites and manage your code • Multiple web tools to grow your business

Get started now and elevate your projects!

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 300 ml water
• 500 g bread flour
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 200 g gorgonzola cheese
• 200 g mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 tsp coarse salt
• 3 sprigs fresh rosemary

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • In a bowl, sprinkle yeast over 200ml of warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until dissolved, then stir gently.
   • In a large bowl, mix 3/4 of the bread flour with salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeasted water mixture and olive oil.
   • Mix to incorporate, then gradually add the remaining water to form a sticky dough, using a wooden spoon.
   • If needed, add the remaining flour a tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together.

2. Knead the Dough:

   • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding more flour if necessary to prevent sticking.

3. First Rise:

   • Place the kneaded dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a tea towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

4. Prepare the Filling:

   • While the dough is rising, prepare your filling ingredients such as cheeses and fresh basil. Ensure any vegetables are precooked if necessary to match the baking time of the bread.

5. Shape and Fill the Focaccia:

   • Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 2 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball by gently cupping your hands around it (this technique is called chafing).
   • Let the balls rest for 10 minutes, then roll each piece out into a 9-inch round on a lightly floured surface.
   • Place one round on an oiled baking sheet. Arrange the cheeses and basil leaves on top, then cover with the second round of dough, sealing the edges.

6. Second Rise:

   • Cover the filled dough loosely with a tea towel and let it prove until doubled in size again, about 30 minutes.

7. Bake the Focaccia:

   • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Using your fingertips, gently press into the surface of the dough to create dimples about 1/2 inch deep.
   • Drizzle the dough with olive oil and sprinkle coarse salt over the top. Add rosemary sprigs for extra flavor.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-45 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and cooked through.

8. Serve:

   • Once baked, drizzle the warm focaccia with additional olive oil if desired.
   • Serve the focaccia warm, either as a standalone treat or paired with soups, salads, or antipasti.

Variation:

For a different twist, try filling the focaccia with 1 pound of cherry tomatoes (roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper), 5 ounces of mozzarella, and 4 ounces of arugula after baking.

Enjoy this Focaccia Farcita fresh from the oven, with its savory filling and aromatic herbs, perfect for sharing with loved ones or as a delightful addition to any meal.