A light and chewy loaf of focaccia bread topped with roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh thyme.
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutesmins
Cook Time 20 minutesmins
Rise Time 1 hourhr
Total Time 1 hourhr40 minutesmins
Servings 8servings
Calories 282
Author Annalise Sandberg
Ingredients
1cupwater(250 ml)
1tablespoonolive oil
2 - 2 ½cupsbread flour(240-300 grams)
1teaspooncoarse salt
1tablespoongranulated sugar
1packetRed Star Active-Dry Yeast(2 ¼ teaspoons)
1tablespoonfresh thyme, divided
1cupcherry or grape tomatoes, halved (150 grams)
Additional olive oil, for brushing
Coarse salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
Heat the water and olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat until it starts to steam. Remove from heat and let cool for about 5 minutes, or until temperature is 120-130°F.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, combine 1 cup of the bread flour with the salt, sugar, yeast and half of the fresh thyme. Add the water mixture and mix until it forms a wet dough, scraping down the bowl as necessary.
Add the remaining bread flour 1/4 cup at a time while mixing until dough clears the bowl and is tacky but doesn't stick to your fingers when touched. You may not need all 2 ½ cups flour.
Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place bowl in a greased bowl and turn to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch down dough and knead a few times to remove air bubbles. Shape dough into a rough 14-inch circle on a sheet pan, cover, and let rise for an additional 15 minutes. Use your fingers to dimple the dough, pressing your fingers all the way down.
Brush with olive oil and gently press the tomatoes into the top of the dough. Sprinkle with remaining thyme and a heavy pinch of salt.
Bake at 375°F until golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Focaccia is best consumed the day it is made, but will keep well wrapped at room temperature for a few days.