GARDEN FOCACCIA
The perfect way to celebrate spring and the garden lover in your life. Both beautiful and delicious, it’s a stunner for any gathering.
Servings Prep Time
1sheet 45mins
Cook Time Passive Time
15 mins 1-2hrs
Servings Prep Time
1sheet 45mins
Cook Time Passive Time
15 mins 1-2hrs
Ingredients
Pre-Ferment
Dough
Toppings
Instructions
  1. In the bottom of your mixing bowl of your stand mixer add yeast, water and honey. Allow one minute for the yeast to begin hydrating. Add 4 oz of flour and whisk together until a thin paste forms.
  2. Sprinkle second portion of flour on top of the paste. Follow with the remainder of the dry ingredients. Do not disturb the layers and do not add the salt before the flour as this will kill the yeast. This is called the autolayse, an essential part of the early gluten development. Reserve oil and water until ready to mix.
  3. Wait between 15-30 mins for the yeast to activate. Once the flour has “cracked” and the yeast paste begins to creep up, it is ready.
  4. Place the bowl on the mixer and add the oil and water. Mix using the hook attachment, on low, for 6-7 mins until the dough is smooth and thoroughly combined. If mixing by hand, knead dough until gluten feels developed but still smooth and elastic.
  5. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the top of the dough, cover and allow to rest for 10-20 mins.
  6. Drizzle a 1/2 sheet tray with plenty of oil, spreading to the sides and leaving plenty on the bottom. Transfer the dough to the pan and begin pulling, stretching and shaping the dough into the corners and sides. Add additional olive oil to the top and using your fingertips, push the dough deep until you reach the bottom of the pan, creating a dimpling effect. Give it a proper massage.
  7. Cover only the top of the pan gently with cling wrap, making sure not to not wrap the sides. The cling wrap should rise with the dough allowing enough room for the dough to “crawl” up the wrap. This process takes about 1 hr. During this time, begin cutting the vegetables and herbs for your bread.
  8. Preheat the oven to 375f degrees. Remove the plastic cling wrap. Arrange the vegetables gently on top of the dough canvas. Use items such as parsley, thinly sliced red onions, peppers and radishes for flowers. Work quickly as the dough is time sensitive. Sprinkle pepper, dry herbs, and salt to season. Drizzle additional olive oil or butter if you desire a glossy look.
  9. Transfer pan to the oven and bake until golden brown about 15-20 minutes. If the vegetables begin to brown too quickly, reduce the temperature and add an additional 5 minutes to the bake. The bread should register above 200f degrees before removing from the oven.
  10. Drizzle with more olive oil before serving.