Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia Bread

Step 1

Mix the warm water, salt, yeast, and tablespoon of olive oil in a bowl with a spoon until dissolved.

Step 2

Add flour to the mixture until a shaggy dough forms. The dough should be wet and jiggly. You may need to adjust warm water tablespoon by tablespoon.

Step 3

Cover mixture with plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes.

Step 4

Set up a bowl of warm water for your hands, then execute four stretch and folds from North, South, East, and West over each side of the dough with wet hands for each fold. Then lift the dough and coil the dough under itself. Cover in plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes. Repeat 3 more times.

Step 5

Gently add the dough to a greased 9x13 pan then sprinkle half the broccoli and cheddar cheese all over. Fold the dough into thirds and flip lengthwise in the pan and lightly press it into the pan without degassing the dough. Drizzle with olive oil and top with remaining toppings.

Step 6

Cover with plastic, and let rest for 1 hour.

Step 7

Preheat the oven to 400° F.

Step 8

Dimple the focaccia dough lightly from top to bottom, then top with whatever toppings you’d like. Bake for 30 - 32 minutes or until lightly golden and the internal temp registers 190°F.

Step 9

Let rest for 5 minutes, then remove bread from pan, and let cool completely on a wire rack.