Super Easy Focaccia Bread

Step 1

Drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoon olive oil in the bottom of a 9X13-inch pan (I use a metal pan; if using a glass pan, you might want to decrease the oven temp to 350 degrees F - also commenters who have used a glass pan are reporting back that the bread sticks so consider also greasing with nonstick cooking spray and lining with parchment).

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine the water, olive oil, salt, yeast, flour and cheese. Stir with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula (or handheld dough hook; see pictures in the post) until thoroughly combined and no dry spots remain. The dough will be very wet and sticky.

Step 3

Scrape the dough into the middle of the prepared pan. Grease your hands and press the dough into an even layer (it doesn't have to be perfect but try to get it mostly even). Gently press your fingertips into the top of the dough to create little dimples (you can do this and add the toppings after it rises if you want the holes to be more pronounced). Drizzle with 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil, sprinkle with herb seasoning and top with 1/2 cup cheese.

Step 4

Cover the pan and let it rise until puffy, about an hour. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and baked through. Let the bread cool for 10-15 minutes before removing from the pan (turn it out onto a rack or platter), break or cut into pieces and serve.