Chef Mitchell preparing Delicious Cheesy Focaccia
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

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

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this recipe during my culinary journey in Italy, where the aroma of fresh focaccia filled the air. After perfecting it through countless trials, I now share this delicious cheesy version that showcases the best of Italian flavors. Each bite is a memory of my travels and the joy of sharing good food with friends and family."

With over a decade of experience in Italian cuisine, I specialize in creating authentic recipes that capture the essence of traditional dishes. My passion for cooking has led me to explore various regional flavors and techniques. I enjoy bringing my expertise in snack recipes to the table, particularly focaccia, which is a beloved specialty.

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

Why This Delicious Cheesy Focaccia Recipe Works

This focaccia is special because it balances a soft, airy texture with a crispy, golden crust. The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses adds a rich, creamy flavor that melts in your mouth. Fresh herbs like rosemary provide an aromatic touch that enhances the overall taste. It's simple enough for beginners but impressive enough for hosting.

The technique of dimpling the dough before baking allows for pockets of air to form, resulting in a light and fluffy interior. Sprinkling sea salt on top creates a savory contrast that complements the cheesiness. Each step is designed to maximize flavor and texture, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.

💡 Professional Tip

To achieve the best flavor in your focaccia, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and freshly grated cheeses. Don’t skip the dimpling step as it helps create those iconic air pockets. Allow the dough to rise adequately for a light and fluffy bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. After the first rise, cover it and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and complete the second rise before baking. This helps enhance the flavor due to the slow fermentation.

If you want a different flavor profile, you can substitute mozzarella with gouda or fontina for a richer taste. For Parmesan, nutritional yeast can be used for a vegan option. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly with different cheeses, but it will still be delicious.

The focaccia is done when it turns a golden brown color and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. The cheese should be melted and bubbly. If you insert a toothpick, it should come out clean. Let it cool slightly before slicing to ensure the best texture.

Yes, you can freeze the focaccia after it has cooled completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it in the oven.

This focaccia pairs beautifully with a variety of dips, such as marinara sauce, olive oil with balsamic vinegar, or a savory tapenade. You can also serve it alongside soups and salads for a complete meal. It's versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or as part of a charcuterie board.

In the fridge, the focaccia will last up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. To maintain its texture, you can reheat it in the oven or a toaster oven, which will help restore its crispy exterior.

Yes, making it in advance is a great idea! You can prepare the dough and bake it, then store it in the fridge. Reheat it just before serving for a warm, fresh taste. Alternatively, prepare the dough and let it rise, then bake it fresh right before your event.

The best way to reheat focaccia is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), wrap the focaccia in aluminum foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm. This method keeps the bread crusty and the cheese gooey, just like when it was freshly baked.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

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

Solution: Ensure to check the focaccia a few minutes before the suggested baking time. If it feels too dry, you can brush it with olive oil after baking to add moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: A focaccia that isn’t crispy could be due to insufficient oven heat or not enough oil.

Solution: Make sure your oven is well preheated, and don't skimp on the olive oil when preparing the dough and the baking tray.

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Overcooked

Problem: If your focaccia is overcooked, it will be hard and dry.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, always keep an eye on the time and check for doneness a few minutes early. Lowering the oven temperature slightly may help for future bakes.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: An undercooked center indicates that the focaccia was taken out of the oven too soon.

Recovery: To remedy this, if you notice undercooking, return it to the oven for a few more minutes until it reaches a golden color and the center is cooked through.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: A focaccia with a burnt exterior likely indicates too high of an oven temperature or too long in the oven.

Prevention: To prevent burning, ensure your oven is calibrated correctly and consider using an oven thermometer to check the temperature accuracy.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: To fix a focaccia that is too sweet, balance the sweetness with a touch of salt or add a salty topping like olives.

Too Salty: If it's too salty, serve it with a side of unsalted butter or a mild dip to balance the flavors.

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Fresh ingredients for Delicious Cheesy Focaccia

Essential Ingredients for Delicious Cheesy Focaccia

The key ingredients for this focaccia include all-purpose flour, warm water, and a selection of cheeses that provide a creamy texture. The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan not only enhances flavor but also gives that gooey cheese pull everyone loves. Fresh herbs like rosemary add an aromatic touch, making every bite delightful.

Using high-quality ingredients is crucial for the best results. Freshly grated cheeses melt better and provide superior flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents. Opt for extra virgin olive oil for a richer taste and consider using fresh herbs instead of dried to enhance the aroma and flavor profile.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • All-Purpose Flour: Using high-quality all-purpose flour will yield a better texture in your focaccia. Ensure it's fresh and ideally from a reputable brand, as this can significantly affect the final product.
  • Cheese: For a gooey texture, opt for freshly grated mozzarella over pre-shredded. This allows for better melting and flavor infusion throughout the bread.
  • Olive Oil: Using high-quality extra virgin olive oil not only adds flavor but also helps to create a golden and crispy crust on the focaccia. Don’t hesitate to use a generous amount for brushing on top before baking.
Cooking process for Delicious Cheesy Focaccia

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

This focaccia recipe involves a straightforward cooking method that combines mixing, kneading, and allowing the dough to rise. The simplicity of the process makes it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced bakers. By following each step closely, you will achieve a fluffy bread that’s crispy on the outside.

The key to perfect focaccia lies in the dimpling technique before baking. This creates delicious air pockets and maximizes the bread’s rise, giving it a delightful texture and appearance. Baking at the right temperature ensures a beautifully browned crust, while the use of quality ingredients amplifies the overall flavor.

Key Technique for Perfect Delicious Cheesy Focaccia

The most important technique for making perfect focaccia is to ensure you create dimples in the dough before baking. This allows the dough to expand and rise beautifully, creating those iconic air pockets that make focaccia so enjoyable. Additionally, letting the dough rise adequately is crucial for achieving a light and fluffy texture.

Delicious Cheesy Focaccia

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup marinara sauce
    For dipping
  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
    For drizzling
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
    For dipping
  • 1 tablespoon fresh herbs
    For flavor
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    For flavor

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    All-purpose for texture
  • 1 cup warm water
    Activates yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
    Feeds yeast
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
    For leavening
  • 1 teaspoon salt
    Enhances flavor
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
    Adds richness
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    Melts beautifully
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    Adds sharpness
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
    For aroma
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    For flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    For seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt for topping
    Enhances crust

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast

    In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

  2. Mix Ingredients

    In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until combined.

  3. Knead Dough

    Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.

  4. First Rise

    Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.

  5. Prepare Baking Tray

    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking tray.

  6. Shape Dough

    After rising, punch down the dough and press it into the prepared baking tray.

  7. Add Toppings

    Sprinkle mozzarella, Parmesan, rosemary, garlic powder, and black pepper on top. Use your fingers to create dimples in the dough.

  8. Second Rise

    Cover the dough again and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

  9. Bake Focaccia

    Sprinkle coarse sea salt on top and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

  10. Cool and Serve

    Let the focaccia cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with balsamic glaze.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To keep your focaccia fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its life, consider freezing it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn.

Serving Suggestions

Delicious Cheesy Focaccia is best served warm. Pair it with marinara sauce or a herbed olive oil dip for an extra flavor punch. It can also be enjoyed alongside soups or salads.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to get creative with your focaccia! You can add toppings like caramelized onions, roasted garlic, or different cheeses. For a sweet twist, try adding figs or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before baking.