Focaccia Bread: A Flavorful and Savory Delight

Focaccia bread is a classic Italian favorite, loved for its crispy crust and soft, airy interior. This Focaccia Bread recipe combines the richness of cheese, the brininess of pimiento-stuffed olives, and the fragrant flavors of Italian seasoning to create a bread that is perfect for any meal. Whether served as an appetizer, a side dish, or enjoyed on its own, this Focaccia Bread is a delicious treat that will elevate any occasion.

In this article, we will guide you through a simple recipe for making Focaccia Bread, share advanced techniques to enhance the flavor and texture, provide storage tips, and answer your most frequently asked questions. Let’s get started!

For more tips on making delicious homemade bread, check out:

• How to Make Perfect Focaccia
• Different Types of Bread to Try

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe with Olives and Cheese

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 12 servings) 1x

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Description

This easy Focaccia Bread features a soft, flavorful dough topped with pimiento-stuffed olives, Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Drizzled with olive oil for extra richness, this bread is perfect as a side dish, snack, or appetizer.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 loaf (1 pound) frozen bread dough, thawed
• 1/2 cup sliced pimiento-stuffed olives
• 1/2 cup shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the dough:
   Roll or stretch the thawed bread dough into a 9×13-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Transfer the dough onto the prepared baking sheet.

3. Top with ingredients:
   Press your fingers into the dough to create small dimples. Drizzle the olive oil over the dough and spread it evenly using a brush or spoon. Sprinkle the sliced pimiento-stuffed olives, shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, shredded Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning evenly over the top.

4. Bake the focaccia:
   Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.

5. Serve:
   Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy as a side dish, appetizer, or a standalone snack.

Notes

• For added flavor, you can sprinkle extra Italian seasoning or fresh herbs (like rosemary or basil) on top before baking.
• You can substitute the olives with other toppings such as sundried tomatoes or roasted garlic for different variations.
• This focaccia can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Bread, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Focaccia Bread Recipe

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven:
   Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the dough:
   Once the bread dough has thawed, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Gently stretch and shape the dough into a rectangle or square that fits your baking dish. You can also use your fingers to press and spread the dough evenly into the pan.
3. Top the dough:
   Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the surface of the dough, ensuring it’s coated well. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the dough, then layer the shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, Parmesan cheese, and sliced pimiento-stuffed olives on top. Press the toppings gently into the dough with your fingers.
4. Let the dough rise:
   Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise for about 30-40 minutes in a warm place. It should puff up slightly as it rests.
5. Bake the focaccia:
   Once the dough has risen, place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bread is golden brown on top and fully cooked through. You can check the bottom of the bread by lifting it up to ensure it has a nice, crispy crust.
6. Cool and serve:
   Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly. Slice it into squares or rectangles and serve warm. This Focaccia Bread is perfect on its own or served with a side of olive oil for dipping.

Advanced Techniques

1. Enhance the Flavor with Additional Herbs

While Italian seasoning is a great start, you can experiment with other herbs to give your Focaccia Bread a unique flavor profile:

• Rosemary: Fresh rosemary is a classic herb used in focaccia. Sprinkle some chopped rosemary on top of the dough before baking to add a fragrant, earthy note.
• Garlic: For a garlicky twist, add roasted garlic cloves or minced fresh garlic to the dough, or infuse the olive oil with garlic before drizzling it over the dough.
• Thyme: Fresh thyme pairs wonderfully with the other flavors in the bread and adds a lovely aromatic element.

2. Use Different Cheeses

While Colby-Monterey Jack and Parmesan work well in this recipe, you can try other cheeses for a different flavor:

• Mozzarella: For a more gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture, try adding shredded mozzarella cheese alongside the other cheeses.
• Provolone: A slightly sharper cheese like provolone can bring a nice contrast to the richness of the bread.

3. Create a Fluffy Texture

To make your focaccia even fluffier, you can use a stand mixer to knead the dough for about 5-8 minutes before letting it rise. This extra kneading step will help the dough develop more gluten, resulting in a lighter, airier texture.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Storing Focaccia Bread

This Focaccia Bread is best served fresh, but it can be stored for later enjoyment:

• Room Temperature: Store any leftover focaccia in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature. It will stay fresh for 1-2 days.
• Refrigeration: If you want to store it for a longer period, place the bread in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days, but be aware that refrigeration may dry it out slightly.

Freezing Focaccia Bread

For long-term storage, you can freeze Focaccia Bread:

• Slice the bread into portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped bread in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• To reheat, remove the bread from the freezer and thaw it at room temperature. Warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes to restore its crispy crust.

Maintaining Freshness

To restore some of the softness after refrigeration, warm the focaccia in the oven or microwave. A quick drizzle of olive oil before reheating can also enhance the flavor and moisture.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

If you need to make this Focaccia Bread suitable for different dietary needs, here are some tips:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread dough or make your own gluten-free dough from scratch. There are many great gluten-free bread dough recipes available online.
• Dairy-Free: To make the focaccia dairy-free, substitute the cheeses with plant-based alternatives like dairy-free mozzarella and Parmesan-style cheese.
• Low-Carb/Keto: For a low-carb version, you can use almond flour or coconut flour to make a keto-friendly dough. Ensure that all toppings are low in carbs, such as using dairy-free cheese and omitting any high-carb vegetables.
• Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, opt for vegan cheese alternatives and ensure the bread dough is free from animal products (many store-bought frozen doughs are vegan-friendly).

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use homemade bread dough instead of frozen dough?

Yes, you can use homemade bread dough if you prefer. Just ensure it’s well-proofed and ready to use. The recipe will be essentially the same.

Can I add other toppings to the focaccia?

Absolutely! Focaccia is highly customizable. You can add toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking.

Can I make this focaccia ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the focaccia dough the day before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Simply take it out of the fridge to come to room temperature before baking.

What should I serve with focaccia?

Focaccia is delicious on its own or served with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, or a fresh herb dip. It also pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, and pastas.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

This Focaccia Bread is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. The combination of cheeses, olives, and Italian seasonings creates a mouthwatering bread that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or as a side for a special gathering, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your bread-making repertoire.

With easy storage options and the ability to customize with different toppings, Focaccia Bread is both versatile and delicious. Give it a try and enjoy the savory delight of freshly baked focaccia right at home!