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Gruyère & Thyme Italian Focaccia

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Warm, airy, and delightful Italian focaccia infused with Gruyère cheese and fresh thyme, perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 1/4 cups bread flour
  • 2 teaspoons instant dry yeast
  • 2 cups warm water (105°F–115°F or 40°C–46°C)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 teaspoons fine sea salt
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (for greasing)
  • 1/4 cup room temperature water
  • 7 ounces Gruyère cheese (sliced into small cubes)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 teaspoons Maldon sea salt flakes

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and instant dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it froths.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the bread flour and fine sea salt.
  3. Combine mixtures: Once your yeast mixture is bubbly, add the flour mixture followed by olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough: Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. First rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
  6. Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough and spread it out on a greased baking sheet to form a rectangle.
  7. Add the cheese and thyme: Fold in Gruyère cheese cubes and thyme leaves, distributing them evenly.
  8. Second rise: Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  9. Dimple and drizzle: Press fingertips into the dough, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with Maldon sea salt flakes.
  10. Bake the focaccia: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
  11. Cool and slice: Allow to cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Notes

Focaccia is versatile; try substituting herbs or adding toppings like cherry tomatoes or olives for variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: focaccia, bread, Italian, cheese, thyme, baking, vegetarian

Find it online: https://platefulkitchen.com/gruyere-thyme-italian-focaccia/