Herbed Cherry Tomato Focaccia

This fluffy, flavorful focaccia is studded with vibrant cherry tomatoes and fragrant herbs. It’s perfect as a side dish, a snack, or a base for delicious bruschetta!

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 ½ cups warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Fresh herbs (like rosemary, thyme, or basil), chopped
• Sea salt, for sprinkling

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix the Ingredients: Add the flour, salt, and ¼ cup olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough begins to form.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Prepare the Focaccia: After rising, punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Use your fingers to stretch and poke the dough into a rectangular or square shape.
6. Add Toppings: Nestle the halved cherry tomatoes into the dough, pushing them slightly in. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with chopped herbs and sea salt.
7. Second Rise: Cover the dough again and let it rise for another 30-60 minutes.
8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
9. Cool and Serve: Let it cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy it warm with a drizzle of olive oil!

Flavor Profile

This focaccia offers a fantastic balance of fluffy texture, savory herbs, and sweet cherry tomatoes. The olive oil brings a richness that complements the crunchy edges while the fresh herbs elevate the overall aroma and taste, making it irresistible.

Enjoy your lovely herbed focaccia! If you have any requests or need adjustments, I'm here to help! 😊🍞🌿🍅