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Crispy Garlic and Herb Focaccia Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes

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A quick and easy focaccia bread with a crispy golden crust, soft interior, infused with garlic and fresh herbs, topped with juicy cherry tomatoes. Perfect for sharing and versatile for many meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (440g), sifted
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (360ml), about 110°F (43°C)
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (60ml) plus more for brushing
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced or pressed
  • 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes (about 250g), halved
  • Coarse sea salt or flaky Maldon salt for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms. Add flour tablespoon by tablespoon if too sticky.
  3. Knead: Turn dough onto floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer on low for 5-6 minutes.
  4. First rise: Lightly oil a bowl, place dough inside, cover with damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the pan: Generously oil a 9×13 inch baking sheet or pan. Transfer dough and press gently to fit the pan about 1-inch thick. Rest 10 minutes if resistant and stretch again.
  6. Second rise: Cover dough and let rise for 30-40 minutes until puffy.
  7. Add toppings: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Dimple dough with fingertips. Mix minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Brush mixture over dough. Scatter halved cherry tomatoes and sprinkle with coarse salt.
  8. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy on edges. Watch last 5 minutes to avoid burning.
  9. Cool and serve: Let cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Use warm water at about 110°F to activate yeast properly. Be patient with rising times for best texture. Brush olive oil generously for crispy crust. Pat cherry tomatoes dry before baking to avoid sogginess. Tent with foil if edges brown too fast. Use serrated knife to slice focaccia gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: focaccia, garlic focaccia, herb focaccia, cherry tomatoes, homemade bread, crispy bread, easy focaccia, Italian bread

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/crispy-garlic-and-herb-focaccia-recipe-with-cherry-tomatoes-easy-and-perfect/