Name: Gruyère & Thyme Italian Focaccia
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F / 43°C); 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet); 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese; 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp sugar

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Nothing says comfort like a warm, freshly baked loaf of Gruyère & Thyme Italian Focaccia. Imagine sinking your teeth into that golden crust, with the rich aroma of melted cheese and fragrant thyme wafting through your kitchen, igniting taste buds in a symphony of flavor. hearty orzo dish This isn’t just bread; it’s an experience that beckons you to come back for more.

I remember the first time I made this focaccia for a family gathering. My cousin nearly wept tears of joy when he took his first bite—who knew bread could bring out such emotions? Perfect for sharing during cozy dinners or as an impressive appetizer at parties, this focaccia will make any occasion feel special. perfect side for focaccia Get ready to dive into the delightful world of baking and savor every moment! For more inspiration, check out this easy Irish soda bread recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This fluffy focaccia is incredibly easy to prepare, even for novice bakers
A delightful blend of Gruyère cheese and fresh thyme creates a flavor explosion in every bite
Its beautiful golden crust makes it an eye-catching centerpiece on any table
Versatile enough to serve as a side dish, appetizer, or even sandwich bread!

Baking this focaccia has left my friends speechless and begging for the recipe after just one slice.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the focaccia; choose high-quality flour for the best texture.
Warm Water: Use water around 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast properly.
Active Dry Yeast: Ensure it’s fresh for maximum rise; check expiration dates before using.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin is best; it adds richness and depth to both dough and topping.
Gruyère Cheese: Opt for grated Gruyère for a melty, nutty flavor that complements thyme perfectly.
Fresh Thyme: Use fresh thyme leaves instead of dried for vibrant flavor; they brighten up the bread beautifully.
Salt: Essential for flavor; don’t skimp on it or your focaccia will taste bland!
Sugar: Just a pinch helps activate the yeast and enhances browning in the crust.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Activate Your Yeast: Start by mixing warm water with active dry yeast and sugar in a bowl. delicious nourish bowl Let it sit for about five minutes until frothy—a sign that your yeast is alive and ready to party.

Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture along with olive oil. Stir until it forms a shaggy dough; don’t worry about perfection here.

Knead It Out!: Dust your countertop with flour and knead the dough gently for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add flour little by little while kneading—just don’t overdo it!

Let It Rise Like a Champion!: Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—about 1 hour should do the trick.

Add Flavor Town!: Once risen, gently punch down the dough (it’ll feel good!). Fold in grated Gruyère cheese and fresh thyme leaves into the dough until evenly distributed.

Shape & Rest Again: Transfer the dough onto an oiled baking sheet, stretching it out into a rectangle or circle as preferred. Cover again with a damp cloth and let it rest for another 30 minutes while you preheat that oven to 425°F (220°C).

Now you’re ready to bake some magic!

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While waiting, drizzle some olive oil over your shaped focaccia, spreading it evenly. Use your fingers to create dimples all over its surface—this helps trap those fabulous flavors during baking.

Bake in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and irresistible! When finished baking, allow it to cool slightly before slicing.

Enjoy this Gruyère & Thyme Italian Focaccia warm or at room temperature—it pairs beautifully with soups or as an indulgent snack on its own! crispy potato salad option.

You Must Know

This Gruyère & Thyme Italian Focaccia is a delightful twist on classic bread
The gooey, melted cheese and aromatic thyme create a symphony of flavors that will elevate any meal
Plus, it’s simple enough for beginners, yet impressive enough to wow your guests

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing the dough and letting it rise until doubled in size. Shape it in a pan, then add Gruyère and thyme before baking at 425°F until golden brown.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap Gruyère with other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar. Toss in extra herbs or roasted garlic to make it uniquely yours. For more inspiration, check out this lemon herb roasted chicken recipe.

Storing & Reheating

Keep leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For reheating, pop it in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use high-quality flour for better texture and flavor; bread flour works wonders
Ensure your water is warm but not hot to activate yeast without killing it
Don’t rush the rising time; patience results in fluffier focaccia

It’s funny how my first attempt at this recipe turned into a kitchen adventure! My dog thought I was making him a cheese treat when I dropped Gruyère on the floor—oops!

FAQ

Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?

Yes, just use one-third the amount for an equally flavorful result.

How do I know when the focaccia is done baking?

The focaccia should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Can I freeze this focaccia?

Absolutely! Freeze it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to three months.