Description
Homemade Tomato Basil Focaccia brings Mediterranean warmth to kitchen tables with its golden, herb-infused crust and juicy tomato peaks. Crisp edges, tender crumb, and fragrant basil invite passionate bakers and bread enthusiasts to savor each delightful slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Flour and Yeast:
- 3 1/2 cups (437.5 grams) all-purpose or bread flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast
Liquid and Sweeteners:
- 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) warm water
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) honey or sugar
Seasoning and Salt:
- 1 teaspoon salt
Toppings:
- 1 cup (150 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by combining warm water, yeast, and honey in a mixing vessel. Allow the mixture to bloom and develop a frothy texture for approximately 5 minutes.
- Incorporate flour, salt, and olive oil into the yeast mixture, stirring until a rough, uneven dough begins to form.
- Transfer the dough onto a clean surface and knead vigorously for 6-8 minutes, developing a smooth, cohesive texture that springs back when gently pressed.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled container, cover with a damp cloth, and permit fermentation in a warm environment until the volume doubles, roughly 1-1.5 hours.
- Heat the oven to 425°F, preparing a baking sheet or cast iron skillet with a generous coating of olive oil.
- Gently manipulate the risen dough, stretching it carefully across the prepared pan, using fingertips to create characteristic rustic dimples throughout the surface.
- Generously drizzle additional olive oil across the dough’s surface, ensuring even coverage.
- Artfully distribute cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and fresh basil leaves across the dough’s landscape.
- Conclude by sprinkling flaky sea salt over the focaccia, enhancing its visual appeal and flavor profile.
- Bake until the edges turn golden brown and the surface develops a crisp, enticing texture, approximately 20-25 minutes.
Notes
- Choose fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes for the most vibrant flavor burst in every bite.
- Ensure your yeast is fresh and active by checking the expiration date to guarantee perfect rising.
- Use extra-virgin olive oil for a rich, authentic Mediterranean taste that elevates the bread’s overall profile.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free spot to help develop a light, airy texture that makes focaccia irresistibly soft.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg