Gruyère & Thyme Italian Focaccia
A deliciously soft, herb-infused flatbread featuring rich Gruyère cheese and fragrant thyme, perfect as a side dish or a standalone snack.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 6 1/4 cups bread flour
- 2 teaspoons instant dry yeast
- 2 cups warm water (105°F–115°F or 40°C–46°C) Make sure it’s not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar Helps activate the yeast.
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil Plus 2 tablespoons for the dough.
- 4 teaspoons fine sea salt
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil Plus more for greasing the sheet pan.
- 1/4 cup room temperature water
Toppings
- 7 ounces Gruyère cheese (sliced into small cubes) Can substitute with other cheeses if desired.
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 2 teaspoons Maldon sea salt flakes For sprinkling on top before baking.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it’s frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour and fine sea salt.
- Pour the activated yeast mixture into the dry ingredients and begin to mix. Add the olive oil and combine until a sticky dough forms.
- On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1-1.5 hours.
Shaping and Baking
- Once risen, punch the dough down and transfer it to a greased sheet pan. Use your fingertips to spread it out gently to fill the pan.
- Poke holes in the dough with your fingertips, then sprinkle the Gruyère cubes and fresh thyme over it. Drizzle with additional olive oil.
- Allow the shaped focaccia to rise for another 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Just before baking, sprinkle the Maldon sea salt flakes over the top for added texture and flavor.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, let it cool a few minutes, then slice and serve warm.
Notes
Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Experiment with toppings like sun-dried tomatoes or olives for variety. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze for future enjoyment.