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Homemade Focaccia with Pesto

Homemade Focaccia with Pesto: Your New Favorite Comfort Bread

Homemade Focaccia with Pesto is a delightful blend of no-knead bread and vibrant flavors, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 4 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 teaspoons Instant Yeast
  • 2 teaspoons Salt coarse sea salt recommended
  • 1.75 cups Warm Water between 100°F and 110°F
  • 0.25 cups Extra Virgin Olive Oil high-quality recommended
For the Pesto
  • 2 cups Basil Leaves fresh
  • 0.5 cups Parmesan Cheese grated
  • 0.25 cups Pine Nuts
  • 2 cloves Garlic fresh
  • 0.25 cups Olive Oil

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Pan
  • food processor

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Focaccia with Pesto
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of instant yeast, and 2 teaspoons of salt. Gradually add 1¾ cups of warm water and ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil. Stir until no dry flour remains; the dough will be sticky and shaggy. Cover and set aside.
  2. Allow the dough to rise in a warm spot for about 2-3 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
  3. Prepare your baking pan by adding 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a 9x13 inch pan, spreading it evenly.
  4. Once the dough has doubled, gently transfer it into the greased pan and stretch it gently to fit the pan. Cover and let it rise for another 30-60 minutes.
  5. In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup of pine nuts, 2 cloves of garlic, and ¼ cup of olive oil. Blend until smooth and season with salt and pepper.
  6. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  7. After the second rise, press your fingertips into the dough to create dimples. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle coarse sea salt over the top.
  8. Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
  9. Remove from the oven and spread the prepared pesto over the top. Optionally, add halved cherry tomatoes. Return for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  10. Allow the focaccia to cool for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a cutting board. Cut and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 5gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 4IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 6mg

Notes

For best results, avoid adding too much flour to keep the dough sticky. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

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