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Tomato Basil Focaccia Bread: A Flavorful, Rustic Delight

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  • Author: Lily Carter
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including rise time)
  • Yield: 9 servings (increased by 2 servings) 1x
  • Category: Bread, Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Tomato Basil Focaccia Bread is a golden, fluffy, and herb-infused delight that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Topped with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil, this easy homemade bread is perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a sandwich base. With just 15 minutes of prep and simple ingredients, this recipe brings bakery-style focaccia to your kitchen.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Dough:

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp instant or active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp honey or sugar

For the Toppings:

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough:

    • In a bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and honey. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
    • Stir in flour, salt, and olive oil, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
    • Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
    • Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  2. Shape & Add Toppings:

    • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
    • Grease a baking sheet or cast iron skillet with olive oil.
    • Stretch and press the dough into the pan, creating dimples with your fingertips.
    • Drizzle with olive oil and scatter cherry tomatoes, garlic, and basil on top.
    • Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
  • Bake to Perfection:

    • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
    • Let cool slightly before slicing.

Notes

  • Use a cast iron skillet for an ultra-crispy bottom.
  • Let the dough rest overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.
  • Generously oil the pan—this ensures the perfect crust.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg