Fresh Baked Tomato Herb Focaccia Bread

Ingredients

For the Focaccia Dough:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast

  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon sugar

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

For Topping:

  • 2-3 ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced

  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

  • 1/4 cup fresh rosemary leaves

  • 1/4 cup fresh thyme leaves

  • 1/4 cup olive oil

  • Sea salt, to taste

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method:

  1. In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active.

  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil.

  3. Stir the ingredients until a rough dough forms.

  4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can add a little more flour if it's too sticky, but don't overdo it.

  5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

  6. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.

  7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to deflate it. Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.

  8. Use your hands to press and stretch the dough to fill the baking sheet evenly, creating a rustic, dimpled surface.

  9. Drizzle olive oil generously over the top of the dough. Use your fingers to create small wells or dimples all over the surface of the dough.

  10. Evenly distribute the minced garlic, torn basil leaves, rosemary leaves, and thyme leaves over the dough.

  11. Arrange the thinly sliced tomatoes on top, pressing them gently into the dough.

  12. Season the focaccia with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

  13. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the focaccia is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

  14. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack.

  15. Serve the fresh baked tomato herb focaccia bread warm or at room temperature. It's perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or for making sandwiches.

Enjoy your homemade focaccia with the vibrant flavors of tomatoes and fresh herbs!