Name: Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia Bread: A Savory, Cheesy Twist on a Classic
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh broccoli, lightly steamed; 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded; 2 tablespoons olive oil (for dough + extra for drizzling); 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast; 1 cup warm water; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt

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If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the soft, fluffy goodness of focaccia bread with the cheesy, comforting flavor of broccoli cheddar, then Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia Bread is about to become your new favorite recipe! This bread has it all: a perfectly golden, crispy crust on the outside, a soft and airy interior, and loads of melty cheddar cheese mixed with tender, flavorful broccoli. It’s perfect as a side dish, a snack, or even as the base for an incredible sandwich. This recipe is as satisfying as it is delicious—trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia Bread is a cheesy twist on a classic Italian bread that’s loaded with savory goodness. The fluffy texture and slight crunch on the outside are perfect for scooping up some extra melted cheese, while the broccoli adds a fresh, earthy flavor that balances out the richness. Plus, it’s not only delicious, but it’s also an easy way to sneak some veggies into your meal! Whether you serve it alongside pasta, soups, or just enjoy it on its own with a dip, this focaccia is guaranteed to wow everyone at the table.

Ingredients

Here’s a preview of the key ingredients for this scrumptious bread. Full list down below!

Fresh broccoli (lightly steamed)
Cheddar cheese (shredded for extra meltiness)
Olive oil (for that perfect golden crust)
All-purpose flour (for the dough)
Yeast (to make the dough rise)
Warm water and sugar (to activate the yeast)
Garlic and onion powder (for flavor)
Salt (for seasoning)

These ingredients combine to make the most amazing focaccia bread that’s not only savory but has the perfect balance of cheesy goodness and fresh broccoli flavor!

Directions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it’s foamy and bubbly. This is how you know the yeast is alive and ready to help your dough rise.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Make a well in the center, and pour in the yeast mixture along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir everything together until a dough begins to form. You’ll want to knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, either by hand or with a stand mixer, until it’s smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning it to coat the dough in oil. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. Don’t rush this step—the longer the dough rises, the fluffier and airier your focaccia will be!

Step 4: Prepare the Toppings

While the dough is rising, steam the broccoli for a few minutes until it’s tender but still bright green. After it’s steamed, chop it into small pieces. Shred the cheddar cheese and set both aside for topping the focaccia later.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Once your dough has risen, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Punch down the dough and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Use your fingers to stretch and press the dough out to fill the sheet, about 9×13 inches in size. It doesn’t have to be perfect—focaccia has a rustic, casual look.

Step 6: Add the Toppings

Drizzle the dough with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and then press the chopped broccoli and shredded cheddar cheese into the dough, making sure it’s evenly distributed. You can also drizzle a little more olive oil on top for an extra crispy finish. You want the cheese to melt into the dough, giving you that gooey, cheesy goodness in every bite.

Step 7: Bake It

Pop the focaccia in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The smell that fills your kitchen will be irresistible!

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once the focaccia is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing it up. Serve it warm, and enjoy it as a side dish, snack, or main event.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Add Extra Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to sprinkle more cheese on top just before the bread finishes baking for an extra layer of meltiness.
Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is key to getting the right texture and flavor in this focaccia. It gives the bread a nice crunch and a burst of freshness.
Herb Variations: For extra flavor, you can mix in some fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley into the dough or sprinkle them on top before baking.
Fluffy Focaccia: If you like your focaccia extra fluffy, you can double the recipe for a thicker bread. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Cheese Options: While cheddar is classic, you could also use mozzarella, Gruyère, or a combination of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Gluten-Free Version: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to add a little extra water as needed to get the right consistency.
Add Meat: For a heartier bread, try adding cooked bacon, sausage, or even pepperoni to the dough for a meaty twist!

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia Bread is perfect alongside a bowl of tomato soup, a fresh salad, or even as part of a charcuterie board. It also makes an amazing base for sandwiches—imagine a hot turkey and cheese sandwich on this bread! For drinks, you could pair it with a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, or for a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a wedge of lemon would complement the savory flavors beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This focaccia bread is best served fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply place slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to crisp up the crust and melt the cheese again.

FAQs

Can I make this bread ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the fridge overnight, and then bake it the next day. Just let the dough come to room temperature before baking.
Can I freeze this bread? Yes, you can freeze it after it’s baked! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Reheat it in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.
Can I use frozen broccoli? While fresh broccoli gives the best texture, you can use frozen broccoli as well. Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the dough.
Can I add more toppings? Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your toppings—olives, sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes can all add extra flavor.

Conclusion

This Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia Bread is the perfect balance of cheesy, savory, and comforting all in one delicious loaf. It’s perfect for any occasion and makes a great addition to your meal rotation. Whether you’re serving it with soup, enjoying it as a snack, or making a sandwich out of it, this bread will definitely steal the show. So grab your ingredients and get ready to bake up a batch that everyone will rave about!

Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia Bread: A Savory, Cheesy Twist on a Classic

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including rise time)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Bread, Side Dish, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A deliciously cheesy and savory focaccia bread topped with fresh broccoli and melted cheddar cheese. It has a golden crispy crust and soft interior, making it perfect for a snack, side dish, or even a sandwich base. An easy, comforting recipe everyone will love!

Instructions

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Make the Dough: In a large bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and 2 tbsp olive oil. Stir to combine, then knead dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Prepare Toppings: Steam broccoli for 3-4 minutes, chop, and shred cheddar cheese.
Shape the Dough: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Punch down dough and transfer to a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Stretch dough to fit 9×13-inch sheet.
Add Toppings: Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, then press chopped broccoli and shredded cheddar into the dough.
Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is bubbly. Let cool slightly before slicing.
Serve and Enjoy! Serve warm and enjoy as a snack, side dish, or sandwich base.

Notes

If you love cheese, sprinkle extra cheese on top just before finishing the bake for a more melty layer.
For a rustic touch, use your fingers to gently press the dough out.
Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra flavor boost.