How to Create Buttery Herb and Cheese Focaccia Bread in Simple English
Focaccia bread is a wonderful treat—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with flavor. When you add buttery herbs and cheese to the mix, it becomes absolutely irresistible. The great news? It’s easy to make at home! With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a delicious loaf that will wow your family and friends. Let’s dive into how you can make buttery herb and cheese focaccia bread step by step.
What Is Focaccia Bread?
Focaccia is an Italian flatbread that’s similar to pizza dough but thicker and fluffier. It’s typically flavored with olive oil, salt, and herbs, and baked in a shallow pan. Focaccia is incredibly versatile—you can serve it as a side dish, snack, sandwich bread, or even as a meal centerpiece.
In this recipe, we’ll take the classic focaccia and elevate it by adding butter, herbs, and cheese. The result is a soft, flavorful bread that’s hard to resist!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make buttery herb and cheese focaccia bread:
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 ⅓ cups (315ml) warm water (not too hot—it should feel like warm bath water)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Topping:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried or fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried or fresh thyme
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or any cheese you like)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Mix with a spoon to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Add the warm water and olive oil to the bowl. Stir everything together until it forms a slightly sticky dough.
- Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes by hand on a floured surface (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook). You’ll know the dough is ready when it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise for 1-2 hours in a warm place until it doubles in size. (Tip: If your kitchen is cold, you can place the dough near a sunny window or inside a turned-off oven with the light on.)
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
- After the dough has risen, grease a large baking pan (9×13 inches or similar) with olive oil or butter.
- Gently punch down the risen dough to release some air, then transfer it to the prepared pan.
- Spread the dough out with your hands to fit the size of the pan. Don’t worry if it looks uneven—it will rise again.
Step 3: Add Flavorful Dimples
- Using your fingers, press into the dough to make shallow dimples across the surface. This is a classic feature of focaccia bread!
- Brush melted butter and olive oil all over the dough, making sure it gets into the dimples. If you’re using garlic powder, mix it with the butter before brushing.
- Sprinkle the herbs (rosemary and thyme) evenly across the top.
Step 4: Add Cheese
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the dough. The cheese adds a rich, gooey texture that complements the buttery herbs.
- Optional: Add flaky sea salt for extra crunch and flavor.
Step 5: Final Rise
- Let the topped dough sit for 20-30 minutes to puff up again. This second rise will make the bread airy and tender once baked.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan—this helps the flavors settle.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Slice the bread into pieces and serve warm. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with soup, salad, or pasta.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat in the oven or microwave to freshen it up.
Why This Recipe Works
The melted butter in this recipe gives the focaccia a rich, buttery flavor, while the herbs add an earthy aroma that brings everything together. The cheese melts over the bread, creating gooey pockets of joy in every bite. It’s the perfect combination of soft, chewy bread and crispy, golden topping.
Final Thoughts
Making buttery herb and cheese focaccia bread at home is easier than it sounds. With basic ingredients, simple steps, and a little patience, you’ll create a bread that’s better than store-bought. Whether for a cozy dinner or a special gathering, this focaccia will steal the show. Give it a try, and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread!
Enjoy baking your masterpiece—and don’t forget to share it with loved ones!
