Description
Margherita Focaccia Bread is a simple yet delicious baked bread topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and fragrant basil.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella, diced
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Coarse sea salt, for topping
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough starts to form.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little flour as needed.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Focaccia: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Once the dough has risen, punch it down and spread it out onto a lined baking sheet. Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface.
- Add Toppings: Arrange halved cherry tomatoes and diced mozzarella on top of the dough. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle some coarse sea salt over everything.
- Second Rise: Let the dough rest for another 20 minutes to rise slightly again.
- Bake: Place the focaccia in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Top with fresh basil leaves before slicing.
Notes
- Presentation Tips: Serve warm on a wooden cutting board, drizzled with balsamic glaze and garnished with additional fresh basil.
- Perfect as an appetizer or side!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg