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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Strategically embed roasted broccoli into the dough’s pillowy terrain. Scatter sharp cheddar cheese in an even, tantalizing blanket.
- 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.
- 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