Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Assorted fillings (e.g. cheese, cured meats, vegetables, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon dried herbs (e.g. rosemary, oregano, thyme, etc.)
- Extra olive oil for drizzling
- Salt flakes for sprinkling
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. In another bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water, and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix everything together until a soft, sticky dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Sprinkle some flour on a clean surface and transfer the dough onto it. Begin kneading the dough by pushing it away from you with the heel of your hand. Fold the dough over itself and give it a quarter turn. Repeat this process for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This will allow the yeast to work its magic and make the dough soft and airy.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Make sure the oven is fully heated before you’re ready to bake the focaccia.
Step 5: Shape the Focaccia
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use your hands to flatten and stretch the dough into a rectangular shape, about ½ inch thick.
Step 6: Add the Fillings
Now comes the fun part! Generously sprinkle your assorted fillings over the flattened dough. You can get creative here and use a combination of cheese, cured meats, vegetables, or any other fillings you fancy.
Step 7: Fold and Seal
Carefully fold one side of the dough over the fillings to the center. Then fold the other side over, slightly overlapping the previous fold. Pinch and seal the edges together to prevent the fillings from leaking out during baking.
Step 8: Add the Finishing Touches
Drizzle some olive oil over the top of the stuffed focaccia and sprinkle with dried herbs and salt flakes. These additional touches will enhance the flavor and aroma of your creation.
Step 9: Bake and Enjoy!
Place the baking sheet with the stuffed focaccia in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the top turns golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and then slice it into individual servings. Serve warm and enjoy the deliciousness of your homemade stuffed focaccia!
Now that you know the step-by-step process of making a stuffed focaccia, it’s time to unleash your culinary skills. Experiment with different fillings and flavors to create your own signature stuffed focaccia recipe. Bon appétit!