Cheddar and Jalapeño Focaccia

Here’s a delicious recipe for Cheddar and Jalapeño Focaccia that you can easily make at home!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
• ¼ cup olive oil (plus more for drizzling)

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2-3 jalapeños, sliced (adjust to your heat preference)
• Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
• Fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme, optional)

Instructions

1. Make the Dough:
   • In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar.
   • Add warm water and ¼ cup olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
   • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
2. First Rise:
   • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
3. Prepare the Pan:
   • Grease a baking sheet (about 18×13 inches) with olive oil.
4. Shape the Dough:
   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to the greased baking sheet.
   • Gently stretch and press the dough to fit the pan. If it resists, let it rest for a few minutes before continuing.
5. Add Toppings:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Use your fingers to dimple the surface of the dough.
   • Evenly distribute the shredded cheddar cheese and sliced jalapeños over the dough.
   • Sprinkle with coarse sea salt and any fresh herbs you like.
6. Second Rise:
   • Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 20-30 minutes.
7. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
8. Cool and Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan. Drizzle with more olive oil if desired.
   • Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Tips

• For extra flavor, you can sauté the jalapeños in a little olive oil before adding them to the focaccia.
• This focaccia is great on its own or served alongside soups and salads.

Enjoy your Cheddar and Jalapeño Focaccia!