When the sun starts to warm the kitchen in the late morning, I can’t help but dream of fresh, homemade bread. It’s during these moments that my mind drifts to Tomato Focaccia, a recipe that feels like a warm hug and a dash of summer all in one. The delightful aroma of garlic mingles with herbs, coaxing everyone to gather around the oven in eager anticipation.
One rainy Saturday, I found myself exploring my pantry, searching for any remnants of ingredients. What I uncovered was a treasure trove of fresh tomatoes and a bit of cheese that led me to create this savory masterpiece. With just a few simple steps, this focaccia transforms into a beautiful centerpiece, perfect for dipping, sharing, or simply enjoying on its own.
So whether it’s a casual dinner or a gathering with friends, this Tomato Focaccia not only satisfies those cravings for comforting, homemade food but also impresses with its vibrant flavors and rustic appeal. Let’s dive into this delicious journey together!
Why is Tomato Focaccia a Must-Try?
Homemade goodness: Experience the satisfaction of making your own bread in under 90 minutes.
Bursting with flavor: Fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs create a delightful taste that transports you straight to the Mediterranean.
Perfect for sharing: This focaccia is a great centerpiece for gatherings, inviting everyone to tear and enjoy together.
Versatile: Serve it as a side, a sandwich base, or a flavorful snack—your options are endless!
Impressive yet easy: It looks and tastes gourmet, but with simple ingredients and steps, it’s accessible for home cooks of all levels.
Tomato Focaccia Ingredients
For the Dough
• Active dry yeast – This is the key ingredient that gives your focaccia its lovely rise.
• Warm water (110° to 115°) – Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast effectively.
• Olive oil – A touch of good olive oil enriches the dough and adds flavor.
• Salt – Essential for enhancing all the wonderful flavors in your focaccia.
• Sugar – Helps feed the yeast for a better rise and slightly sweetens the dough.
• Garlic powder – A fragrant addition that infuses the dough with savory depth.
• Dried oregano, crushed – This herb brings a classic Italian flavor that pairs beautifully with tomatoes.
• Dried thyme, crushed – Adds a warm, earthy note that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Dried rosemary, crushed – This aromatic herb complements the focaccia, making it irresistible.
• Dried basil – A lovely hint of freshness that rounds out the herb mixture.
• Dash pepper – A little spice to elevate the taste.
• All-purpose flour – The backbone of your focaccia; you might need up to 2-1/2 cups for the right consistency.
For the Topping
• Plum tomatoes, thinly sliced – These juicy beauties are the star of your Tomato Focaccia.
• Shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese – Adds gooey, melty goodness that pairs perfectly with tomatoes.
• Grated Parmesan cheese – A sprinkle of this cheese brings a salty, nutty finish to your focaccia.
This Tomato Focaccia recipe is the perfect canvas for creativity, and with these approachable ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to impressing everyone at your dinner table!
How to Make Tomato Focaccia
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Dissolve the yeast: In a bowl, combine the yeast with warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it bubbles. This activates the yeast, giving your focaccia that lovely rise.
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Mix in the goodness: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, sugar, garlic powder, and crushed herbs to the yeast mixture. Stir well until combined for a flavor-packed start.
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Form the dough: Gradually add flour to the mixture while stirring until a dough starts to form. Knead on a floured surface until the dough is smooth and elastic—about 5-7 minutes.
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Let it rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
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Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s hot and ready for your focaccia. This ensures a lovely crust when baking.
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Shape the dough: Once risen, punch down the dough gently. Spread it onto a greased baking sheet, using your fingers to press dimples into the surface for that classic focaccia texture.
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Add delicious toppings: Layer on sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese evenly across the surface, letting them shine in this beautiful assembly.
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Drizzle and season: Add your remaining olive oil over the toppings, then sprinkle with a dash of pepper to enhance the flavors further.
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Bake to perfection: Place your baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the focaccia is golden brown and fragrant, filling your kitchen with a delightful aroma.
Optional: Serve with a side of olive oil for dipping.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Tomato Focaccia
• Yeast Activation: Ensure your water is at the right temperature (110° to 115°F) for optimal yeast activation—too hot can kill the yeast!
• Dough Consistency: Add flour gradually and only to the point where the dough is smooth and slightly sticky—over-kneading can lead to a dense texture.
• Flavor Boost: For an extra flavor hit, consider incorporating finely chopped fresh herbs alongside the dried ones for your Tomato Focaccia.
• Dimple Technique: When pressing dimples in the dough, use your fingertips but don’t press all the way through—this helps create pockets for the toppings!
• Watch the Bake: Keep an eye on your focaccia in the oven. Bake until golden but remember that every oven is different, so check a couple of minutes early.
• Serve Warm: Enjoy your Tomato Focaccia fresh and warm from the oven. It’s truly at its best straight out of the oven, ready to delight!
What to Serve with Tomato Focaccia?
As you pull your warm Tomato Focaccia from the oven, what could possibly make this delightful bread even better?
- Savory Olive Oil Dip: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil infused with herbs perfectly enhances the flavors of the focaccia.
- Fresh Garden Salad: Pair it with a crisp salad featuring ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, and a zesty vinaigrette to add brightness to your meal.
- Marinated Olives: The briny, tangy flavor of marinated olives creates a delightful contrast that’s a perfect complement to the focaccia’s herbs.
- Cheese Platter: Serve alongside a variety of cheeses for a luxurious snack, introducing rich, creamy elements that marry beautifully with the focaccia’s texture.
- Roasted Vegetables: Savory roasted veggies, like bell peppers and zucchini, add a sweet warmth and a wholesome touch to your meal.
- Herbed Grilled Chicken: A simple herb-grilled chicken breast can turn your focaccia into a satisfying main dish for a lovely dinner experience.
- Tomato Basil Soup: Dive into a cozy bowl of warm tomato basil soup; the combination of flavors will have you savoring every bite.
- Sparkling White Wine: A chilled glass of sparkling white wine creates a refreshing pairing, enhancing the homemade goodness of your meal with its effervescence.
- Lemon Sorbet: End your meal on a light note with a scoop of lemon sorbet; its refreshing citrus notes provide a delightful contrast to the focaccia’s warmth.
- Chocolate Fondue: For dessert, a rich chocolate fondue offers a sweet, indulgent finish to what started with a savory beginning, making your meal perfectly balanced.
How to Store and Freeze Tomato Focaccia
Room Temperature: Allow your Tomato Focaccia to cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
Fridge: For longer freshness, store the focaccia in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven for crispiness.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap slices of Tomato Focaccia tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a resealable freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.
Reheating: To enjoy, simply reheat the frozen focaccia directly from the freezer in a preheated oven (350°F/175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and crusty again.
Make Ahead Options
These Tomato Focaccia are perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the initial steps and allowing it to rise. After shaping the dough, cover it tightly and refrigerate. This helps develop the flavors while keeping it fresh. When you’re ready to bake, simply take the dough out, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then dimple the surface, add the toppings, and bake as directed. With this method, you’ll enjoy a homemade focaccia that’s just as delightful—saving you valuable time while making meal planning effortless!
Tomato Focaccia Variations
Embrace the opportunity to personalize your Tomato Focaccia with these delightful twists!
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Herb-Infused: Add a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh herbs like basil or rosemary into the dough for a fragrant upgrade. Fresh herbs elevate the flavor profile to new heights!
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Garlic Lover: For those who adore garlic, increase the garlic powder to 1-1/2 teaspoons or add freshly minced garlic. Your kitchen will smell heavenly, and every bite will deliver an extra punch!
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Cheesy Delight: Mix in shredded cheese like cheddar or feta into the dough itself before shaping. This adds an extra layer of gooey goodness throughout every slice.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes into the dough or sprinkle on top before baking for a zesty heat that will tantalize your taste buds.
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Olive Topping: Scatter pitted kalamata or green olives over the top for a briny contrast to the sweet tomatoes. This Mediterranean twist brings a burst of savory flavor!
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Caramelized Onions: Sauté sliced onions until golden and spread them on top alongside the tomatoes. The sweetness of the caramelized onions pairs beautifully with the bread, enriching each bite.
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Vegan Version: Substitute the mozzarella and Parmesan with dairy-free cheese alternatives. You can still enjoy a delicious, cheesy focaccia without the dairy.
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Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Replace fresh tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes for a concentrated burst of flavor. These little gems add a rich, tangy sweetness that complements the herbs beautifully!
Have fun experimenting and savoring the delicious results of your Tomato Focaccia adventures!
Tomato Focaccia Recipe FAQs
What type of tomatoes should I use for Tomato Focaccia?
Absolutely! I recommend using plum tomatoes for their rich flavor and low moisture content. If you can’t find them, Roma tomatoes work wonderfully too. For a twist, you can use heirloom tomatoes for added color and taste.
How should I store leftover Tomato Focaccia?
For room temperature storage, allow your focaccia to cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. It will keep fresh for up to 2 days. If you’d like to refrigerate it, simply store it in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheating in the oven helps restore its texture!
Can I freeze Tomato Focaccia?
Very! To freeze your Tomato Focaccia, start by allowing it to cool completely. Slice the focaccia and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped slices into a resealable freezer bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the frozen slices for 10-15 minutes.
What if my dough doesn’t rise properly?
No worries! If your dough hasn’t risen after an hour, it might be due to inactive yeast. Make sure the water is warm (110° to 115°F) during activation, as too hot water can kill the yeast. If you find your dough is too dense, try kneading it for a little longer or adding a touch more warm water.
Is Tomato Focaccia safe for pets?
While Tomato Focaccia contains ingredients that are generally safe for pets, it’s best to avoid sharing it with them. Garlic and onions (in any form) can be harmful to pets, so it’s better to stick to pet-approved treats. Always consult your vet if you’re unsure about specific ingredients.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Definitely! You can swap in whole wheat flour for a healthier option. However, keep in mind that whole wheat may alter the texture slightly, making it denser. I recommend using half whole wheat and half all-purpose for the best results while still getting that lovely, airy focaccia feel!
Irresistible Tomato Focaccia You'll Want to Make Today
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, combine the yeast with warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it bubbles.
- Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, sugar, garlic powder, and crushed herbs to the yeast mixture. Stir well until combined.
- Gradually add flour to the mixture while stirring until a dough starts to form. Knead on a floured surface until the dough is smooth and elastic—about 5-7 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Set the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Once risen, punch down the dough gently. Spread it onto a greased baking sheet, using your fingers to press dimples into the surface.
- Layer on sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese evenly across the surface.
- Add your remaining olive oil over the toppings, then sprinkle with a dash of pepper.
- Place your baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the focaccia is golden brown and fragrant.