Short Description
If you’re craving a warm, flavorful bread that’s easy to make and full of fresh, aromatic flavors, this Tomato Basil Focaccia is for you. With juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a soft, slightly crispy crust, it’s the perfect addition to any meal or a satisfying snack all on its own. You’ll love how simple it is to make, and the results are always impressive!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This Tomato Basil Focaccia is the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. The dough is incredibly easy to work with and doesn’t require any fancy kneading techniques. The combination of fresh tomatoes, basil, and olive oil creates a mouthwatering aroma as it bakes, and the result is a golden, soft loaf that’s perfect for dipping in olive oil, serving alongside pasta, or just enjoying with a bit of butter. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a cozy weeknight, this focaccia will never disappoint.
Ingredients
(You’ll find the full list of ingredients below, but here’s a quick preview of what you’ll need)
- Active dry yeast
- Warm water
- Olive oil
- All-purpose flour
- Sugar
- Salt
- Fresh basil
- Cherry tomatoes (or Roma tomatoes)
- Garlic
- Coarse sea salt (for topping)
- Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
1. Activate the Yeast
Start by dissolving the active dry yeast and sugar in the warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This means your yeast is activated and ready to go!
2. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Slowly pour in the activated yeast mixture along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir with a spoon or spatula until the dough begins to come together. You may need to add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky, but be careful not to add too much—it should be slightly tacky.
3. Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook if you prefer. Once kneaded, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, covering it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
4. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil, then set aside. This will give your focaccia a lovely golden crust when it bakes.
5. Shape the Focaccia
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto the prepared baking dish and press it out to fit the pan. Use your fingers to dimple the dough all over, creating the signature focaccia texture. Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the dough and spread it out evenly.
6. Add the Toppings
Top the dough with halved cherry tomatoes, sliced garlic, and fresh basil leaves. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. For an extra burst of flavor, you can drizzle a little more olive oil over the top.
7. Bake and Enjoy
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and crispy on the edges. Once done, remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing. If you’d like, you can brush a little more olive oil over the top before serving to give it a beautiful sheen.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- For extra flavor, try adding some finely chopped rosemary or thyme to the dough before kneading.
- Make sure your water is warm (not hot) when activating the yeast. If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising.
- If you’re short on time, you can use a pizza stone instead of a baking dish for a slightly crispier bottom.
- For a more intense basil flavor, you can mix some fresh basil into the dough before letting it rise.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- You can swap the cherry tomatoes for roasted or sun-dried tomatoes if you prefer a more intense flavor.
- Instead of basil, you could try using other fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary to change up the flavor profile.
- If you want to make this focaccia vegan, simply omit any cheese or dairy-based toppings and use a vegan-friendly olive oil.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Tomato Basil Focaccia is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of dishes. Serve it alongside pasta, a fresh salad, or as part of an antipasto platter. It also makes a great addition to a sandwich—try it with some fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, or roasted vegetables. For a simple treat, enjoy a warm slice with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This focaccia is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. To reheat, simply warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until the edges are crispy again.
4 FAQs
- Can I make this focaccia ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the day before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking. - How do I get the focaccia to be extra crispy?
For a crispier bottom, you can bake the focaccia on a preheated pizza stone or use a well-oiled cast iron pan. - Can I freeze Tomato Basil Focaccia?
Yes, you can freeze the focaccia. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To reheat, bake it straight from the freezer at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. - Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil works best for this recipe, but if you need to use dried basil, reduce the amount by about half. Sprinkle it over the dough before baking for a more intense flavor.
Conclusion
This Tomato Basil Focaccia is the perfect homemade bread to enjoy with any meal or on its own as a snack. With its soft, pillowy texture and the fresh burst of tomatoes and basil, it’s an incredibly satisfying treat that’s simple to make and full of flavor. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, sharing it at a gathering, or enjoying it as a special treat, this focaccia will quickly become one of your favorites. Happy baking!
Tomato Basil Focaccia: A Flavorful, Herby Bread That’s Perfect for Any Occasion
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including rise time)
- Yield: 12 slices (Approx. 4 servings) 1x
- Category: Bread, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Tomato Basil Focaccia is a simple, yet flavorful bread that combines fresh tomatoes, basil, and a slightly crispy crust. Perfect as an accompaniment to meals or enjoyed as a snack, this easy-to-make loaf will elevate any dining experience with its aromatic ingredients and soft texture.
Ingredients
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (or Roma tomatoes), halved
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- Coarse sea salt (for topping)
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast:
Dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. -
Prepare the Dough:
Combine flour and salt in a bowl. Gradually add the activated yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Stir until the dough begins to come together. Add more flour if needed, but avoid overworking the dough. -
Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape it into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size. -
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. -
Shape the Focaccia:
Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto the prepared pan. Press it out to fit the pan, and use your fingers to dimple the dough. -
Add the Toppings:
Drizzle olive oil over the dough, then top with halved cherry tomatoes, sliced garlic, basil leaves, coarse sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. -
Bake:
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden and crispy on the edges. Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Flavor: Add finely chopped rosemary or thyme to the dough for a more herby flavor.
- Crispier Focaccia: Use a preheated pizza stone or cast-iron pan for a crispier crust.
- Make-Ahead: The dough can be refrigerated overnight. Bring to room temperature before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg