Italian Focaccia Bread with Cherry Tomatoes and Herbs

Focaccia is a simple yet delicious Italian bread known for its fluffy texture and rich flavor. It's a favorite in Italian cuisine, often enjoyed as a standalone snack or paired with meals. This recipe features a traditional focaccia enriched with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes and the aromatic essence of rosemary and thyme. The process of making this bread involves letting it rise twice, which helps achieve a soft interior and a golden, crispy crust. With a preparation time of just over two hours, you can find joy in crafting this delightful bread at home. As it bakes, your kitchen will fill with the irresistible smell of freshly made focaccia, enticing everyone in your household. The final result is a perfect combination of savory and sweet, thanks to the salty herbs and the fresh burst of tomatoes. Enjoy this bread as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a base for sandwiches. Focaccia's versatility allows you to explore and add your favorite toppings and ingredients for a custom twist. This recipe is not only fun to make but also a versatile addition to any meal. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this Italian focaccia offers an enjoyable and delicious baking experience.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 2 liters of wheat flour
• 1 liter of warm water
• 50 g fresh yeast (or 16 g dry yeast)
• 3 tablespoons oil
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar

For the Surface:

• 50 ml oil (can mix oil with water 1:1 for moister crust)
• Cherry tomatoes
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Salt

Preparation Time

• Total: 130 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water. Add the oil, salt, and sugar.
2. Gradually mix in the flour, adding more if needed, to form a thick paste-like dough.
3. Knead the dough until it no longer sticks to your hands, or use a dough hook in a kitchen mixer.
4. Coat the dough ball with oil, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until doubled in size.
5. Preheat the oven to 225 degrees Celsius. Place a tray of water at the bottom for a softer bread bottom.
6. Transfer the dough onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper, spreading it gently with your fingers.
7. Allow the dough to rise again for about 30 minutes, covered with plastic wrap or a cloth.
8. With your fingers, distribute the oil over the surface of the dough, creating deep dimples.
9. Sprinkle the dough with salt and herbs, lightly rubbed between your fingers.
10. Press the cherry tomatoes into the dough; you can keep them on the vine for a decorative touch.
11. Bake in the oven at 225 degrees for about 30-40 minutes. Remove the water tray after 10-15 minutes.
12. Once baked, if you prefer a softer crust, cover the focaccia with a damp cloth, but if you want it crunchier, you can skip this step.
13. Allow the focaccia to cool slightly before slicing.
14. Serve warm for the best experience or store it in an airtight container.
15. You can make this recipe in advance and freeze it for later use.
16. If needed, reheat the bread in the oven to refresh its crispiness.
17. Experiment with different toppings such as olives, onions, or cheese.
18. Use high-quality, fresh herbs for the most authentic flavor.
19. For a richer taste, you can drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the top before serving.
20. Enjoy your homemade focaccia with friends and family—it's a guaranteed hit!

Tips

• Substitute fresh yeast with dry yeast if that's what's available.
• For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour mix and adjust liquid quantities as needed.
• If you don't have cherry tomatoes, swap them with other small tomatoes or even bell peppers.
• Enhance flavor by adding crushed garlic to the oil used on the surface.

Nutrition

• Approximate values per serving:
  Calories: 150
  Protein: 4g
  Fats: 5g
  Carbs: 25g

Variations

• Replace cherry tomatoes with sliced red onions for a savory alternative.
• Add cheese, like Parmesan or Mozzarella, before baking for a cheesy version.
• Use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, adjusting water as needed.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of balsamic vinegar and olive oil for dipping.
• Pair with a fresh salad or soup for a warm and comforting meal.
• Perfect accompaniment to cheese and antipasti platters.

Best Places

• La Panella - Traditional Italian bread specialists with a variety of focaccia. Location: Via della Vetrina, Rome, Italy.
• Forno Campo de' Fiori - Offers the best crusty focaccia with unique toppings. Location: Campo de' Fiori, Rome, Italy.
• Pasticceria Marchesi - Classic Milanese bakery known for its focaccia. Location: Via Santa Maria alla Porta, Milan, Italy.
• Antico Forno Roscioli - Delivers a perfect blend of crispy and fluffy focaccia. Location: Via dei Chiavari, Rome, Italy.
• Fornarina - Artisan bakery offering fresh-from-the-oven focaccia. Location: Via della Stelletta, Rome, Italy.
• Focaccia e Dintorni - Popular spot for locals craving authentic focaccia. Location: Via del Banco di Santo Spirito, Rome, Italy.
• Forno Roscioli Pietro - Famous for high-quality focaccia and other baked goods. Location: Via Buonarroti, Rome, Italy.
• Panzerotti Lou - Offers unique focaccia varieties with a twist. Location: Via G. D’Annunzio, Bari, Italy.
• Panificio Pagnoncelli - Renowned for their creative focaccia offerings. Location: Viale Monza, Milan, Italy.
• Viola Gelateria-Pizzeria - Combines authentic pizza and focaccia flavors. Location: Poltu Quatu, Sardinia, Italy.