Golden Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia Bread Recipe: A Savory Delight

My weekend kitchen experiments with broccoli cheddar focaccia bread always spark unexpected culinary joy.

Savory aromas fill every corner of my small apartment.

Comfort meets creativity in this delightful fusion of rustic Italian bread and classic flavor combinations.

Crisp broccoli florets nestle perfectly into golden, cheesy dough that promises delectable bites.

Cheese lovers will appreciate the sharp cheddar bold presence against the soft, pillowy bread.

Baking this focaccia becomes a delicious adventure that connects simple ingredients with remarkable taste.

Slice into this warm, inviting creation and let your taste buds celebrate.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw and pat dry frozen broccoli completely before roasting to prevent excess moisture that could make the focaccia soggy.

• What type of flour works best for this recipe?

Bread flour or all-purpose flour will work well. Bread flour will give a slightly chewier texture with more protein content.

• How do I know the dough has risen properly?

The dough should double in size and look puffy. When you gently press it with a finger, the indentation should slowly spring back but remain slightly visible.

• Can I make this focaccia ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough and let it rise the day before, then refrigerate overnight. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before shaping and baking to let it come to room temperature.

Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia Bread That’s Soft, Savory, and Cheesy

• Savor Quick Comfort: Perfect for Busy Weeknights
• Whip up this delectable focaccia in just over an hour, making it an ideal solution for families craving homemade bread without spending hours in the kitchen. The straightforward recipe requires minimal cooking skills, ensuring even novice bakers can create a delicious meal effortlessly.
• Customize with Seasonal Ingredients
• Transform this versatile focaccia base by swapping broccoli with seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. The flexible recipe allows endless creativity, letting home cooks experiment and personalize their bread according to available ingredients or family preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter
• Serve this cheesy, vegetable-loaded focaccia as an impressive appetizer that will wow guests at potlucks, game nights, or casual gatherings. Its golden-brown crust, crispy edges, and melted cheddar create an irresistible dish that encourages sharing and conversation.
• Nutrient-Packed Comfort Food
• Boost your meal's nutritional value by incorporating roasted broccoli, which adds vitamins, fiber, and minerals to the bread. The combination of whole grains, vegetables, and protein-rich cheese makes this focaccia a more balanced and wholesome option compared to traditional bread.

Baking List for Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the foundation for soft and chewy bread base.
• Active Dry Yeast: Creates essential rise and airy texture for focaccia.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast development.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and texture.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic and savory flavor profile.
• Dried Oregano: Introduces subtle herbal undertones.

• Warm Water: Activates yeast and helps develop smooth dough consistency.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness, helps dough rise, and creates golden exterior.
• Flaky Sea Salt: Provides crisp finishing touch and enhances overall seasoning.

• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, creamy flavor and melts beautifully on bread surface.

Broccoli Focaccia Bread Baking Steps

Step 1: Whip Up the Dough

Grab a big mixing bowl and toss in flour, yeast, and salt.

Pour in warm water and stir until everything transforms into a sticky, shaggy mixture.

Roll up your sleeves and knead the dough for 5-7 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the dough becomes smooth and stretchy like a soft pillow.

Step 2: Let the Dough Dance

Drizzle olive oil over the dough and cover it with a clean kitchen towel.

Find a cozy, warm spot in your kitchen and let the dough relax and rise for about an hour.

Watch it double in size like magic.

Step 3: Roast Broccoli to Perfection

Fire up the oven to 400°F.

• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Oregano

Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn delightfully crispy.

Step 4: Shape Your Focaccia Canvas

Grab a 9×13-inch baking sheet and give it a generous olive oil massage.

Gently transfer the risen dough and stretch it out evenly.

Use your fingertips to create playful dimples across the surface.

Step 5: Decorate with Deliciousness

Nestle the roasted broccoli into the dough’s dimples.

Sprinkle cheddar cheese generously, creating a cheesy blanket over the surface.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Glory

Drizzle extra olive oil and shower the focaccia with flaky sea salt.

Slide it into the oven and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when the edges turn golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Slice and Savor

Let the focaccia cool for 5-10 minutes.

Cut into generous slices and serve while still warm.

Enjoy the crispy edges, cheesy top, and roasted broccoli goodness!

Bread Tips for Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia

• Ensure water is warm (110-115°F) to help yeast activate without killing it, creating a soft, fluffy bread texture.
• Roast broccoli beforehand to concentrate its taste and remove excess moisture, preventing soggy focaccia.
• Press fingers gently into dough to create signature focaccia peaks and valleys, helping olive oil pool and add extra crispiness.
• Use sharp cheddar for more intense flavor, and grate it fresh for better melting and more even coverage across the bread.
• Pat roasted broccoli dry with paper towels to prevent excess liquid from making the focaccia soggy during baking.

Broccoli Focaccia Bread Storage

• Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping it fresh and preventing moisture loss.
• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for storage up to 1 month, maintaining its delicious texture.
• Warm slices at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, restoring the crispy edges and melty cheese perfection.
• Toast slices directly for a quick 2-3 minute warmup, creating a crisp exterior with a soft interior.

Flavor Matches for Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia

• Pair Perfectly: Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia Companions
• Crisp White Wine Companion: A chilled sauvignon blanc cuts through the bread's richness, its bright acidity complementing the sharp cheddar and roasted broccoli flavors.
• Hearty Soup Sidekick: Serve alongside a creamy tomato or roasted butternut squash soup, letting the focaccia soak up the delicious broth and create a satisfying meal.
• Protein-Packed Partner: Slice and serve with sliced roasted chicken or turkey, transforming the focaccia into a stunning sandwich base that elevates your protein with cheesy, herbal notes.
• Fresh Green Salad Match: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the bread's richness, adding a crisp, peppery contrast to the warm, cheesy focaccia.

Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia Bread Flavor Options

• Gluten-Free Focaccia: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend using almond and rice flour, ensuring the same soft texture while accommodating wheat-sensitive diets.
• Vegan Cheese Option: Swap traditional cheddar with dairy-free nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese alternatives like cashew or almond-based cheese for a fully vegan experience.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Version: Substitute regular flour with cauliflower or almond flour, using roasted zucchini and feta cheese instead of broccoli and cheddar for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate alternative.
• Protein-Packed Green Focaccia: Add chopped spinach alongside broccoli, incorporate protein powder into the dough, and use a high-protein cheese like cottage cheese or protein-enriched cheddar for an extra nutritional boost.

Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia Bread Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia bread brings Italian bakery charm with sharp cheese and crisp broccoli florets nestled in a golden, herb-infused crust. Rustic Mediterranean flavors merge into a delectable side dish that welcomes hungry guests to the table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups (442 grams) bread flour or all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) broccoli florets, chopped

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (355 milliliters) warm water (110°F or 43°C)
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast

Seasoning and Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Flaky sea salt, for topping

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a robust dough by blending flour, yeast, and salt in a spacious mixing vessel, then incorporate warm water to create a cohesive, slightly tacky mixture. Massage the dough vigorously for 6-8 minutes until achieving a silky, elastic consistency.
2. Luxuriously coat the dough with olive oil, envelop it in a protective wrap, and nestle in a cozy environment for approximately 60 minutes, allowing it to gracefully expand and double in volume.
3. Activate the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss verdant broccoli florets with aromatic garlic, fragrant oregano, and a whisper of salt, then roast until edges crisp and caramelize, approximately 12-15 minutes.
4. Generously anoint a 9×13-inch baking sheet with olive oil. Tenderly transfer the risen dough, stretching it into an even, inviting canvas. Employ fingertips to create characteristic focaccia dimples across the surface.
5. Strategically embed roasted broccoli into the dough’s pillowy terrain. Scatter sharp cheddar cheese in an even, tantalizing blanket.
6. Cascade additional olive oil over the landscape and sprinkle flaky sea salt for dramatic flavor enhancement. Bake at 400°F for 22-26 minutes until achieving a golden, crisp-edged perfection.
7. Allow the focaccia to rest and settle for 8-12 minutes before slicing and presenting this aromatic masterpiece while still warmly inviting.

Notes

• Boost rising power by placing the dough in a slightly warm, draft-free area like a turned-off oven with the light on.
• Prevent dough from sticking by lightly oiling your hands when kneading and stretching.
• For gluten-free adaptation, swap wheat flour with a blend of almond and rice flour, adding xanthan gum for better texture.
• Cut down preparation time by using pre-roasted broccoli or quickly sautéing florets instead of oven-roasting.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg