Chef Mitchell preparing Cheesy Herb Focaccia
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this Cheesy Herb Focaccia recipe while traveling through Italy, where I fell in love with the aroma of freshly baked bread. I spent years perfecting this recipe, experimenting with various herbs and cheese combinations. Each batch reminds me of that charming little bakery in Florence. Now, I am thrilled to share it with you, bringing a taste of Italy to your kitchen."

With over a decade of experience in Italian cuisine, Chef Mitchell specializes in creating traditional and innovative recipes. His passion for cooking began in Italy, where he studied under renowned chefs. Chef Mitchell has since developed a unique style that combines classic techniques with modern twists.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Cheesy Herb Focaccia served on a plate

Why This Cheesy Herb Focaccia Recipe Works

This recipe stands out due to the perfect blend of herbs and cheese, which adds a rich flavor profile to the traditional focaccia. The dough is easy to work with and yields a soft, airy texture. Each bite is a delightful experience, making it a perfect appetizer for gatherings or family dinners.

The technique of allowing the dough to rise twice contributes to the lightness of the focaccia, while the topping of cheese and herbs ensures a crispy, golden crust. This method balances the flavors beautifully, leading to a focaccia that is both flavorful and visually appealing.

💡 Professional Tip

For a truly decadent experience, try adding a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil over the focaccia just before serving. This enhances the herb flavors and adds an extra layer of richness. Remember, the key to a great focaccia is not to rush the rising times; patience will lead to the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature and rise before baking. This is a great way to save time on the day you plan to serve it.

If you don't have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs instead. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. Italian seasoning is a great alternative that combines multiple herbs.

The focaccia is done when it turns golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Additionally, the internal temperature should reach around 200°F (93°C). Allow it to cool slightly before cutting.

Yes, you can freeze Cheesy Herb Focaccia! Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Cheesy Herb Focaccia pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. Serve it with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping or alongside soups and salads. It also complements antipasto platters beautifully.

Cheesy Herb Focaccia can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. To keep it fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Reheat slices in the oven for the best texture.

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then shape it and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, allow it to come to room temperature and rise again before baking. This makes for a convenient way to serve fresh focaccia.

To reheat Cheesy Herb Focaccia, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the focaccia in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help restore its soft texture.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

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Too Dry

Problem: If your focaccia turns out too dry, it may be due to overbaking or not enough moisture in the dough.

Solution: To fix this, ensure that you accurately measure your ingredients and keep an eye on the baking time. Adding a tablespoon of water or oil to the dough can also help retain moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If your focaccia isn't crispy, it could be due to a lack of oil or not enough baking time.

Solution: Make sure to generously oil your baking pan and the surface of the dough before baking. Extending the baking time slightly can also help achieve a better crust.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: An overcooked focaccia can be tough and dry.

Prevention: To prevent this, watch your focaccia closely during the last few minutes of baking. Use a toothpick to check doneness, and remove it from the oven as soon as it turns golden brown.

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Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center of your focaccia is undercooked, the outside may appear done while the inside remains doughy.

Recovery: This can happen if the dough is too thick. To recover, lower the oven temperature and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Cover the top with foil to prevent burning.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: A burnt exterior usually indicates that the oven temperature was too high or the focaccia was left in too long.

Prevention: To prevent this, always preheat your oven and consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy. If necessary, cover the focaccia with foil during baking to protect it from direct heat.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If your focaccia is too sweet, reduce the sugar in the next batch or balance it with more herbs and savory ingredients.

Too Salty: For too salty focaccia, try serving it with a mild dip or salad to balance the flavors.

Bland: If your focaccia lacks flavor, increase the amount of herbs and cheese, or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking.

Fresh ingredients for Cheesy Herb Focaccia

Essential Ingredients for Cheesy Herb Focaccia

The key ingredients for Cheesy Herb Focaccia are simple yet impactful. Flour and water create the base, while olive oil ensures a rich texture. Cheese adds a creamy element, and fresh herbs provide aromatic flavors that elevate the bread.

Using high-quality ingredients, like fresh herbs and good olive oil, can make a significant difference in the final taste. Opt for locally sourced ingredients when possible for the best flavor.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • All-Purpose Flour: Using high-quality all-purpose flour yields a better texture for your focaccia. Look for unbleached flour for a more natural flavor.
  • Olive Oil: Opt for extra virgin olive oil for the best taste. It adds richness and depth to the focaccia and helps achieve a crispy crust.
  • Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme are essential for flavor. Always choose vibrant, aromatic herbs for the best results.
Cooking process for Cheesy Herb Focaccia

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Making Cheesy Herb Focaccia is straightforward and rewarding. The process involves mixing, kneading, and allowing the dough to rise, leading to a soft and airy texture. The aroma of herbs combined with melting cheese fills your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere.

To achieve perfect results, follow the steps carefully, allowing adequate time for rising. Don't skip the resting phases, as they are crucial for developing the texture you desire.

Key Technique for Perfect Cheesy Herb Focaccia

The key to achieving perfect Cheesy Herb Focaccia lies in the rising process. Allowing the dough to rise twice creates a light and fluffy texture. Additionally, using generous amounts of oil in the pan and on the dough enhances the flavor and crust.

Cheesy Herb Focaccia

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic
    Minced
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
    For extra flavor
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
    For garnish
  • 1/2 tsp salt
    To taste

For the Sauce

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
    For the dough
  • 1 cup warm water
    Around 110°F
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    Plus more for greasing
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
    To activate yeast
  • 2 teaspoons salt
    For flavor
  • 1 tablespoon instant yeast
    For leavening
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    For topping
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    For topping
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
    For flavor
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
    For flavor

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, instant yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

  2. Combine Wet Ingredients

    In a separate bowl, combine warm water and olive oil.

  3. Mix Ingredients

    Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until a sticky dough forms.

  4. Knead Dough

    Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth.

  5. First Rise

    Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.

  6. Prepare Baking Pan

    Grease a baking sheet with olive oil and preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

  7. Shape the Dough

    After rising, punch down the dough and spread it out onto the prepared baking sheet.

  8. Add Cheese and Herbs

    Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the dough, then top with chopped herbs and coarse sea salt.

  9. Second Rise

    Let the focaccia rest for another 10-15 minutes.

  10. Bake

    Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

  11. Cool and Serve

    Allow to cool slightly before cutting into squares and serving.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To keep Cheesy Herb Focaccia fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

Cheesy Herb Focaccia is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or as part of an antipasto platter. Cut it into squares for easy sharing.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize this focaccia by adding other toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or different cheese varieties. Experimenting with flavors can lead to delightful new variations!