Cheesy Pesto Focaccia Bread

Updated at: Sun, 01 Oct 2023 00:46:46 GMT

Step 1

In a small bowl, add the warm water, honey, yeast, and a drizzle of the olive oil. Mix, and set aside for (10) minutes.

Step 2

In a large bowl, whisk the salt and flour together.

Step 3

After the yeast mixture has rested for the allotted amount of time, add the wet ingredients to the dry. Mix together until you get a doughy consistency. Feel free to use your hands, too.

Step 4

Once you have mixed the dough, wrap the top of the bowl with plastic wrap, and let it rest for 3 1/2 hours in a warm area.

Step 5

After the allotted resting time has passed, oil your hands with the olive oil, and fold the dough over itself. Spin the bowl with each fold in a clockwise rotation, until you have folded the dough over itself about 6-7 times. (This creates structure)

Step 6

Wrap the dough with the same plastic wrap for another 20 minutes, and leave it to rest in a warm area.

Step 7

While the dough rests, add 3-4 tbsp to a 9 x 13-inch baking dish (or a parchment-covered baking sheet), making sure to cover the sides.

Step 8

Once the dough has completed resting, add it to the baking dish/sheet, and cover the pan with the plastic wrap. Let it rest a third, and final time for an hour.

Step 9

After the the hour has passed, pre-heat the oven to 425 °F (218 °C) and uncover the dough. Drizzle 1-2 tbsp over the dough, and spread it out evenly in the pan. Make sure to press your fingers into the dough as you spread it out.

Step 10

Add your pesto to the top of the dough, followed by 1/3 of the cheese. Fold one end of the dough to the center, followed by the other end of the dough, making sure it overlaps, and no pesto is showing.

Step 11

Add another 1-2 Tbsp of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and press and wiggle your fingers into the dough, making sure that it's spread evenly in the pan.

Step 12

Place the dough in the oven for 20 minutes, or until the dough is slightly golden and cooked through.

Step 13

Remove from the oven, and add the remaining cheese on top. Return it to the oven for another 2-5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.

Step 14

Remove the pan from the oven and transfer the bread to a cooling rack. Make sure to let it cool for 10 minutes before cutting and serving. Enjoy :)

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