Golden Fluffy Cheesy Garlic Stuffed Focaccia

Ingredients

• Olive oil (for warming with garlic and herbs)
• Garlic (minced; used in dough base and filling)
• Fresh herbs (basil, chives, and parsley (or dried herbs))
• Yeast
• Water
• Flour
• Butter (for garlic butter filling)
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• Honey
• Crushed red pepper

Steps

1. 1

   Start the base of the focaccia by warming olive oil in a small pan with minced garlic and herbs to infuse the flavor.

2. 2

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast, water, and flour. Add the infused garlic oil mixture and mix until a wet dough forms.

3. 3

   Perform a series of stretches and folds on the dough to help the flour hydrate and build strength.

4. 4

   Cover the dough and place it in the refrigerator to rest and cold-ferment for 8 to 12 hours.

5. 5

   Once the dough has rested and built enough tension to hold its shape, prepare the filling by mixing garlic butter, fresh herbs (basil, chives, and parsley), honey, and crushed red pepper.

6. 6

   Stuff the focaccia dough with the garlic butter herb mixture and a generous amount of mozzarella cheese.

7. 7

   Bake the focaccia until the exterior is perfectly golden and crunchy and the cheese is melted.

8. 8

   Serve warm, optionally dunked in tomato soup.

Notes

The author suggests that fresh herbs like basil, chives, and parsley are best, but dried herbs can be substituted. The addition of honey and crushed red pepper provides an 'elevated sweet heat'. This recipe is adapted from Lace Bakes.

Nutrition per serving

• focaccia
• garlic bread
• cheesy
• baking
• comfort food
• vegetarian
• appetizer
• side dish