Crispy on the outside and delightfully soft on the inside, Tomato & Herb Focaccia Bread is a savory Italian staple that bursts with flavor from juicy cherry tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and high-quality olive oil. This rustic bread is perfect for sharing, dipping, or serving alongside your favorite soups, cheeses, or charcuterie.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tomato & Herb Focaccia Bread is a feast for both the senses and the palate. Its chewy, airy interior and crisp golden crust make it an irresistible side or snack. The fresh herbs and tomatoes add vibrant flavor, and the recipe is simple enough for beginner bakers. It’s also versatile—enjoy it as an appetizer, a sandwich base, or a flavorful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- active dry yeast
- warm water
- honey
- all-purpose flour
- salt
- extra virgin olive oil
- cherry tomatoes, halved
- flaky sea salt
- fresh thyme leaves
- fresh rosemary leaves
- black pepper
- optional: shredded Parmesan
Directions
- In a bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and honey. Allow the mixture to sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough begins to form.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Press the risen dough into a greased baking sheet or pan, using your fingers to create dimples across the surface.
- Distribute the halved cherry tomatoes evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with fresh thyme, rosemary, flaky sea salt, and black pepper.
- Drizzle the top generously with olive oil and add shredded Parmesan if using.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and crisp on top.
- Let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Servings and timing
Servings: Makes 8–10 slices
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Variations
- Olive Focaccia: Add sliced olives to the topping for extra brininess.
- Cheesy Focaccia: Sprinkle mozzarella or provolone before baking.
- Onion Focaccia: Top with caramelized onions for a deeper, sweeter flavor.
- Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the dough or topping.
- Whole Wheat: Substitute up to half of the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier bread.
storage/reheating
Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–10 minutes to restore its crispness.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough after the first rise for up to 24 hours. Bring it to room temperature before pressing and baking.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
You can substitute with dried herbs—use 1/3 the amount of fresh.
Can I use instant yeast?
Yes, instant yeast can be used in the same quantity. It may reduce rising time slightly.
Do I need a stand mixer?
No, this dough can be kneaded by hand. A stand mixer just makes the process easier.
What kind of pan is best?
A rimmed baking sheet or a cast iron skillet works well for even browning and crisp edges.
Can I add toppings before baking?
Yes, the tomatoes and herbs are added before baking for flavor infusion and presentation.
Why dimple the dough?
Dimpling helps the oil and toppings settle into the dough and promotes even baking.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for yeasted doughs, though texture may vary.
Is this bread vegan?
Yes, simply omit the optional Parmesan to keep it vegan.
What can I serve with focaccia?
It pairs well with soups, salads, cheeses, or as part of a charcuterie board.
Conclusion
Tomato & Herb Focaccia Bread is a versatile, flavorful bread that brings rustic charm and vibrant Mediterranean flavors to your table. Whether served as a starter, side dish, or savory snack, this focaccia is sure to impress with its golden crust, tender crumb, and fragrant toppings. Perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings at home.
Print
Tomato & Herb Focaccia Bread
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 40 mins (including rise time)
- Yield: 1 large focaccia (8–10 servings)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Croustillante à l’extérieur, moelleuse et aérée à l’intérieur, cette focaccia dorée est garnie de tomates cerises juteuses, d’herbes fraîches et d’huile d’olive. Un classique italien savoureux, parfait à partager ou à accompagner de fromages et de vins.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cuillères à café de levure sèche active
- 1 1/4 tasse d’eau tiède
- 1 cuillère à café de miel
- 3 1/4 tasses de farine tout usage
- 1 cuillère à café de sel
- 1/4 tasse d’huile d’olive extra vierge, plus pour arroser
- 1 tasse de tomates cerises, coupées en deux
- 1 cuillère à café de sel de mer en flocons
- 1 cuillère à café de feuilles de thym frais
- 1 cuillère à café de feuilles de romarin frais
- 1/2 cuillère à café de poivre noir
- Facultatif : parmesan râpé pour la garniture
Instructions
- Dans un bol, mélanger l’eau tiède, la levure et le miel. Laisser reposer 5 à 10 minutes jusqu’à ce que le mélange mousse.
- Incorporer la farine, le sel et l’huile d’olive. Mélanger jusqu’à obtenir une pâte.
- Pétrir sur une surface légèrement farinée pendant 10 minutes ou jusqu’à ce que la pâte soit lisse et élastique.
- Placer la pâte dans un bol huilé, couvrir d’un torchon et laisser lever dans un endroit chaud pendant 1 heure ou jusqu’à ce qu’elle double de volume.
- Préchauffer le four à 425°F (220°C).
- Transférez la pâte sur une plaque à pâtisserie ou un moule graissé et appuyez doucement dessus avec vos doigts pour former des alvéoles.
- Garnir uniformément de tomates cerises, de thym, de romarin, de sel de mer, de poivre noir et de parmesan facultatif.
- Arroser généreusement d’huile d’olive.
- Cuire au four pendant 20 à 25 minutes ou jusqu’à ce que le dessus soit doré et croustillant.
- Laisser refroidir légèrement avant de trancher et de servir chaud.
Notes
- Assurez-vous que l’eau est tiède, pas chaude, pour activer correctement la levure.
- Utilisez des herbes fraîches pour une meilleure saveur.
- Le parmesan facultatif ajoute une profondeur savoureuse supplémentaire.
- Idéal comme accompagnement, apéritif ou base de pain à sandwich.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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