Turkish Herb and Cheese Focaccia: A Mediterranean-Inspired Delight
This Turkish Herb and Cheese Focaccia is a Mediterranean-inspired treat that’s savory, soft, and full of aromatic herbs. The crispy, cheesy top is complemented by the herbed dough, making it a perfect side dish or snack. Here’s how you can make it at home:
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 10g (1 tablespoon) active dry yeast
- 5g (1 teaspoon) sugar
- 300ml (1½ cups) warm water
- 480g (4 cups) all-purpose flour, divided
- 8g (1½ teaspoons) salt
- 20ml (2 tablespoons) olive oil
For the Topping:
- 5-6 sprigs fresh dill, finely chopped
- 5-6 sprigs fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 4 green onions, finely sliced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3g (½ teaspoon) salt
- 90ml (⅓ cup) olive oil
- 200g (2 cups) grated cheddar cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar.
- Stir until the yeast dissolves completely.
- Add 60g (½ cup) flour and mix until smooth.
- Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 10 minutes until the mixture is foamy and bubbly.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- Add olive oil to the activated yeast mixture and stir to combine.
- Gradually incorporate the remaining flour and salt into the mixture.
- Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until soft, elastic, and smooth.
- Once the dough is ready, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Prepare the Topping
- In a small bowl, combine the chopped dill, parsley, green onions, and minced garlic.
- Add salt and olive oil to the herb mixture and stir to combine, ensuring all the herbs are coated with the oil.
Step 4: Shape and Top the Focaccia
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Roll the dough out to fit the size of the baking sheet (roughly 9×13 inches or 23×33 cm).
- Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, create a diamond pattern on the surface of the dough to create little pockets for the herb mixture.
- Spread the prepared herb mixture evenly across the surface of the dough.
- Generously sprinkle the top with grated cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Focaccia
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories (per serving, 1/12 of focaccia): 285
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Sodium: 380mg
Total Time:
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Bake Time: 35 minutes
- Rising Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Tips and Tricks:
- Ensure the water temperature is around 110°F (43°C) for optimal yeast activation (not too hot or cold).
- Test the freshness of the yeast before starting if unsure.
- Don’t skip the diamond pattern – it creates perfect pockets for the herb mixture to settle and infuses the flavors into the dough.
- Use room temperature ingredients for the best rise and dough consistency.
Variations:
- Mediterranean Version: Add sun-dried tomatoes and olives to the herb mixture for a richer, tangy flavor.
- Spicy Variation: Include red pepper flakes or a diced chili in the herb mixture for a spicy kick.
- Vegetable-loaded: Add thin-sliced zucchini and cherry tomatoes for an extra veggie boost.
- Different Cheese: Substitute mozzarella or Turkish kashar cheese for a different flavor profile.
Common FAQs:
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours after the first rise. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before shaping and topping.
Q: Can I freeze this focaccia?
A: Yes, you can freeze it. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before reheating in the oven.
Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can substitute dried herbs, but reduce the quantity by half, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Q: Why didn’t my dough rise?
A: Check that your yeast is fresh and the water temperature was just right. Too hot or too cold water can affect yeast activation.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips:
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes to refresh the focaccia before serving.
- Prepare the herb mixture up to 24 hours in advance for easy assembly on the day you bake.
Enjoy your delicious, Mediterranean-inspired Turkish Herb and Cheese Focaccia – perfect for a savory snack, side dish, or appetizer! 🌿🧀