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Homemade Focaccia with Pesto

Mouthwatering Homemade Focaccia with Pesto That Will Delight

This Homemade Focaccia with Pesto is an easy, no-knead bread with a crispy crust and airy interior, perfect for impressing guests.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 4 cups All-Purpose Flour Substitute with bread flour for extra chewiness.
  • 2 teaspoons Instant Yeast No proofing needed; can use active dry yeast.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Use coarse sea salt for topping.
  • 1.5 cups Warm Water Around 110°F for optimal results.
  • 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil Choose a robust oil for best taste.
For the Pesto
  • 2 cups Fresh Basil Leaves Spinach or arugula are good substitutes.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Can swap for Pecorino Romano.
  • 1/3 cup Pine Nuts Walnuts are a substitute, or omit for allergies.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Using fresh cloves yields the best result.
  • 1 teaspoon Coarse Sea Salt Consider additional toppings like rosemary or cherry tomatoes.

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • wooden spoon
  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Food Processor

Method
 

Dough Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and salt, mixing well with a wooden spoon. Gradually add warm water and extra virgin olive oil, stirring until a sticky dough forms. Cover and set aside in a warm spot for 2-3 hours.
  2. Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by generously greasing it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Gently transfer the risen dough into the oiled baking pan, stretching it to fit. Cover and let it rest for 30-60 minutes.
  4. In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic cloves. Pulse until finely chopped, then drizzle in olive oil while mixing until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  6. Dimple the surface of the dough with your fingertips, drizzle more olive oil over the dimples, and sprinkle coarse sea salt on top.
  7. Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  8. Remove from oven and cool slightly, then spread pesto over the top and return to oven for another 2-3 minutes.
  9. Let it cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 6gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Experiment with toppings for unique variations of this focaccia.

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