Margherita Focaccia Bread Recipe
This Margherita Focaccia Bread recipe combines soft, airy homemade focaccia with fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil for a delicious Italian-inspired bread perfect as an appetizer or side dish.
- Author: liam
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Dough
- 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)
Toppings
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella, diced
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Coarse sea salt, for topping
- 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, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture along with olive oil. Stir until a dough starts to come together.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little flour if the dough is sticky to prevent sticking.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Focaccia: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down the risen dough and spread it out onto a lined baking sheet. Use your fingers to create dimples across the surface of the dough.
- Add Toppings: Arrange halved cherry tomatoes and diced mozzarella evenly on top. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle coarse sea salt over the surface.
- Second Rise: Allow the dough to rest for another 20 minutes to rise slightly again before baking.
- Bake: Place the focaccia in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
- Serve warm on a wooden cutting board for a rustic presentation.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with extra fresh basil for enhanced flavor.
- This focaccia is perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side to Italian meals.
Keywords: Margherita Focaccia, Italian focaccia bread, homemade focaccia, cherry tomato bread, mozzarella focaccia, easy bread recipe