Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia: Prepare to be amazed! Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, golden focaccia, its crust yielding to a soft, airy interior studded with tender broccoli florets and rivers of melted, sharp cheddar cheese. This isn’t just bread; it’s an experience, a symphony of flavors and textures that will have you reaching for slice after slice.

Focaccia, with its roots stretching back to ancient Roman times, has always been a canvas for culinary creativity. Traditionally, it was a simple flatbread, seasoned with olive oil and herbs. Over the centuries, regional variations emerged, each reflecting the local ingredients and culinary traditions. Our Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia is a modern twist on this classic, a delightful fusion of Italian heritage and American comfort food.

What makes this focaccia so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of savory and comforting. The slightly bitter broccoli is beautifully complemented by the rich, tangy cheddar, all nestled within the pillowy embrace of the focaccia dough. It’s incredibly versatile too! Enjoy it as a satisfying lunch, a delightful appetizer, or a crowd-pleasing addition to any gathering. The aroma alone, as it bakes, is enough to make mouths water. So, let’s embark on this culinary adventure together and create a Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia that will become a new family favorite!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Focaccia Dough:
• 500g (about 4 cups) bread flour, plus more for dusting
• 10g (about 2 teaspoons) instant dry yeast
• 10g (about 2 teaspoons) granulated sugar
• 15g (about 2 1/2 teaspoons) kosher salt
• 400ml (about 1 3/4 cups) lukewarm water (around 105-115°F or 40-46°C)
• 60ml (about 1/4 cup) olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• For the Broccoli Cheddar Topping:
• 500g (about 1.1 lbs) broccoli florets, cut into small, bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 250g (about 2 1/2 cups) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 50g (about 1/2 cup) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (optional)
• For the Brine:
• 60ml (about 1/4 cup) olive oil
• 30ml (about 2 tablespoons) water
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Preparing the Focaccia Dough:

Alright, let’s get started with the heart of our focaccia – the dough! This is where the magic happens, and trust me, the aroma of freshly baked focaccia is simply divine. Don’t be intimidated; it’s easier than you think!

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour, instant dry yeast, sugar, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This ensures that the yeast activates properly and the flavor is consistent throughout the dough.
2. Add Water and Olive Oil: Gradually add the lukewarm water to the dry ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. Then, pour in the 60ml (1/4 cup) of olive oil. The dough will seem a bit wet at first, but don’t worry, it will come together as you knead it.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Knead on medium speed for about 6-8 minutes. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
4. First Rise: Lightly oil a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat it with the oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is crucial for developing the flavor and texture of the focaccia. I usually put mine in a slightly warm oven (turned off, of course!).

Preparing the Broccoli Cheddar Topping:

While the dough is rising, let’s get the broccoli cheddar topping ready. This is where we infuse the focaccia with that delicious, cheesy, and slightly savory flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese to your liking – I always add a little extra!

1. Prepare the Broccoli: Wash and cut the broccoli florets into small, bite-sized pieces. You want them to be small enough to cook evenly and not be too bulky on the focaccia.
2. Sauté the Broccoli: Heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Cook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp. You want it to retain some of its bite.
4. Cool the Broccoli: Remove the skillet from the heat and let the broccoli cool slightly. This prevents the cheese from melting too quickly when we assemble the focaccia.
5. Prepare the Cheese: Shred the sharp cheddar cheese and grate the Parmesan cheese. Set aside.

Assembling and Baking the Focaccia:

Now for the fun part – putting everything together and baking our masterpiece! This is where all our hard work pays off, and the aroma that fills your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible.

1. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking sheet with olive oil. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup, but the olive oil helps create a crispy bottom.
2. Stretch the Dough: Gently deflate the risen dough and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Using your fingertips, gently stretch and press the dough to fill the entire pan. Don’t worry if it doesn’t reach all the corners at first; it will relax as it rests.
3. Second Rise: Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for another 30-45 minutes. This allows the dough to relax and rise again, resulting in a lighter and airier focaccia.
4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Make sure your oven is properly preheated for even baking.
5. Dimple the Dough: Uncover the dough and use your fingertips to create deep dimples all over the surface. This is what gives focaccia its signature look and texture.
6. Prepare the Brine: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, water, and salt for the brine.
7. Pour the Brine: Drizzle the brine evenly over the dimpled dough. This adds flavor and helps create a crispy crust.
8. Add the Topping: Sprinkle the sautéed broccoli evenly over the dough. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the broccoli. If using, sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves over the cheese.
9. Bake the Focaccia: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
10. Cool and Serve: Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Success:

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the focaccia will taste. Use good quality olive oil and sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor.
• Don’t Overknead: Overkneading can result in a tough focaccia. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, but not overly stiff.
• Proof the Yeast: If you’re not using instant dry yeast, proof the yeast in lukewarm water with a pinch of sugar for about 5-10 minutes before adding it to the flour. This ensures that the yeast is active.
• Adjust Baking Time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the focaccia and adjust the baking time as needed.
• Get Creative with Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings. Other great options include roasted vegetables, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and different types of cheese.
• Storage: Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy making and eating this delicious Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia as much as I do! It’s perfect for a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal. Happy baking!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia is more than just a bread; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect blend of savory, cheesy goodness, with a delightful textural contrast that will have you reaching for slice after slice. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves comfort food with a gourmet twist. The combination of the earthy broccoli, the sharp cheddar, and the airy, olive-oil-soaked focaccia is simply irresistible.

But why is this particular focaccia so special? Well, beyond the incredible flavor profile, it’s surprisingly versatile. It’s fantastic as a standalone snack, perfect for a light lunch alongside a simple salad, or even as a unique and impressive appetizer for your next gathering. Imagine serving warm slices of this Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia at a party – your guests will be raving about it!

And the best part? It’s incredibly adaptable to your own tastes and preferences. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Gruyere or Monterey Jack would be delicious alternatives to cheddar. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some crumbled bacon or diced ham for an extra layer of savory flavor. For a vegetarian option, consider incorporating roasted red peppers or caramelized onions along with the broccoli. You could even sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before baking for a little kick!

Serving suggestions are endless. I personally love it warm, straight from the oven, with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s also fantastic dipped in a creamy tomato soup or served alongside a hearty stew. For a more substantial meal, you could even use it as the base for a gourmet sandwich. Think grilled chicken, pesto, and roasted vegetables – the possibilities are truly limitless!

Don’t be intimidated by the thought of making focaccia from scratch. This recipe is designed to be straightforward and easy to follow, even for beginner bakers. The satisfaction of pulling a perfectly golden, bubbly focaccia from the oven is truly rewarding. And the aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s baking? Absolutely divine!

I’m so confident that you’ll love this Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia that I urge you to give it a try. Take a leap of faith, gather your ingredients, and get baking! I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Once you’ve made it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable and helps inspire other bakers to try this amazing recipe. Let’s create a community of focaccia lovers! So go ahead, bake this Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia, and let the cheesy, broccoli-filled goodness begin! Happy baking!