Ultimate Loaded Focaccia Bread
This Ultimate Loaded Focaccia Bread is the answer to any bread lover's dreams! With its delightful blend of fresh herbs, succulent tomatoes, rich cheeses, and fragrant garlic, this focaccia is more than just a side dish; it's the perfect centerpiece for any meal. Whether paired with a hearty soup or served alongside a fresh salad, this bread brings a burst of flavor to your table. Light and airy with a satisfying crust, it's no wonder my kids affectionately call it 'pizza bread'. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, it’s a fantastic way to explore your baking skills, and the entire family will love helping to load up this beautiful bread with toppings!
N/A
Servings
175
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons (Active dry yeast)
flour
3 cups (All-purpose flour)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (Kosher salt)
sugar
1 tablespoon
instant mashed potatoes
3 tablespoons
warm water
5 ounces
butter
1 tablespoon (Melted)
buttermilk
1/2 cup (2 tablespoons vinegar mixed with milk to fill)
olive oil
1 tablespoon
kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon
garlic
1 large clove (Crushed)
fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon (Chopped)
roma tomatoes
2 (Thinly sliced)
red onion
8 rings (Thinly sliced)
basil leaves
6 (Ripped into large pieces)
shredded mozzarella cheese
2/3 cup
fresh grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water with the sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2
In a larger mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant mashed potatoes.
3
Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients followed by the melted butter and buttermilk. Mix until a rough dough forms.
4
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 20 minutes or until doubled in size.
6
Once risen, punch the dough down and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a circle that is about 1/4 inch thick on two greased baking sheets.
7
Drizzle olive oil over each dough circle and spread crushed garlic evenly across both. Sprinkle with kosher salt and fresh rosemary for a flavorful base.
8
Layer the sliced tomatoes, onion rings, basil leaves, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese evenly over the dough.
9
Let the assembled focaccia rise for another 20 minutes while preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C).
10
Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned around the edges.
11
Serve warm or allow to cool slightly before slicing into squares.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Loaded Focaccia Bread?
It is a light and airy bread topped with fresh herbs, tomatoes, cheeses, and garlic, often described as having a flavor profile similar to 'pizza bread'.
How long does it take for the yeast to proof?
The yeast should dissolve in warm water with sugar and sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
What type of flour is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of all-purpose flour.
Why are instant mashed potatoes included in the dough?
3 tablespoons of instant mashed potatoes are added to the dry ingredients to help create a specific texture and moisture level in the focaccia.
How long should the dough be kneaded?
The dough should be kneaded on a lightly floured surface for approximately 5 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
How long is the first rise for the dough?
The dough should rise in a warm place for 20 minutes or until it has doubled in size.
How many portions should the dough be divided into?
Once risen, the dough should be punched down and divided into two equal portions.
How thick should the dough circles be shaped?
Each portion should be shaped into a circle approximately 1/4 inch thick.
What is used as the base flavor before adding toppings?
The dough is drizzled with olive oil and spread with crushed garlic, kosher salt, and fresh rosemary.
What specific vegetables are used as toppings?
The toppings include thinly sliced roma tomatoes and red onion rings.
What types of cheese are used in this focaccia?
The recipe uses 2/3 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup of fresh grated parmesan cheese.
Is there a second rise required after assembly?
Yes, the assembled focaccia needs to rise for another 20 minutes before baking.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long does the bread bake?
Bake the focaccia for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are lightly browned.
Can I make a buttermilk substitute for this recipe?
Yes, you can mix 2 tablespoons of vinegar with enough milk to fill a 1/2 cup measure.
How much sugar is in the dough?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of sugar to help activate the yeast.
How should the garlic be prepared?
One large clove of garlic should be crushed and spread evenly over the dough.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 175 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 6 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 22.5 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this focaccia provide?
There are 5 grams of protein per serving.
How should the basil be prepared?
Six basil leaves should be ripped into large pieces and layered over the dough.
How many roma tomatoes are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 thinly sliced roma tomatoes.
What kind of yeast is used?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of active dry yeast.
What type of salt is used for the dough and topping?
The recipe specifies kosher salt for both the dough and the flavor base.
Is butter used in the dough?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of melted butter is mixed into the dough.
How should the red onion be prepared?
You should use 8 rings of red onion, thinly sliced.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
It is suggested to serve the bread warm, paired with a hearty soup or a fresh salad.
How much rosemary is required?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 17 total ingredients used to make the Ultimate Loaded Focaccia Bread.