Description

This easy focaccia recipe combines a soft, olive oil-rich dough with fresh herbs, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese for a comforting and flavorful homemade bread. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or base for sandwiches, this focaccia will fill your kitchen with inviting aromas and delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups warm water
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1/4 cup olive oil (natural), plus extra for greasing
1 tsp sea salt
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped

Toppings

4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
1 cup plant-based cheese, cut into small pieces
Sea salt, for sprinkling
Additional fresh rosemary for garnish

Instructions

Activate the Yeast: Dissolve active dry yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit until frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sea salt, chopped fresh rosemary, and thyme. Slowly add the yeast mixture and olive oil (natural), stirring until a sticky dough forms.
Knead for Perfection: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten which gives focaccia its chewiness.
Let It Rise: Place the dough in a generously oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and leave in a warm place for about one hour or until it doubles in size.
Prepare the Pan and Spread the Dough: Grease a baking tray with olive oil (natural). Transfer the dough onto the tray and gently stretch it out using fingertips to create small dimples all over the surface.
Add Toppings: Scatter the chopped smoked turkey bacon and plant-based cheese pieces evenly over the dough. Sprinkle sea salt and additional fresh rosemary on top.
Final Rise and Bake: Let the dough rest for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.

Notes

A warm, draft-free environment helps the dough to rise perfectly.
Use good quality olive oil (natural) to elevate flavor and texture.
Pressing dimples into the dough helps to hold olive oil and toppings in place.
A final rise after shaping makes the focaccia lighter and airier.
Watch the crust color closely to avoid over-baking; it should be golden but not too dark.

Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of focaccia)
Calories: 220
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: focaccia, homemade bread, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, fresh herbs, rosemary, thyme, comfort food