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Focaccia with Pesto

Heavenly Focaccia with Pesto: Soft, Flavor-Packed Delight

A delightful focaccia recipe topped with homemade pesto, perfect as an appetizer or side dish. Focaccia with Pesto brings a taste of Italy to your table.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rising Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 4 cups All-Purpose Flour Essential for gluten development and structure; avoid cake flour as a substitute.
  • 2 teaspoons Instant Yeast Quick leavening agent that eliminates the need for proofing.
  • 2 teaspoons Salt Enhances flavor; using coarse sea salt on top adds crunch.
  • 2 cups Warm Water Should be approximately 110°F to activate the yeast.
  • 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil Infuses flavor and moisture.
For the Pesto
  • 2 cups Fresh Basil Key for an aromatic pesto.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Adds richness and umami; can swap with Pecorino Romano.
  • 1/3 cup Pine Nuts Provides texture and nutty flavor.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh cloves are ideal for flavor.
For Topping
  • to taste Coarse Sea Salt Enhances flavor and texture contrast.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • food processor
  • Baking pan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of instant yeast, and 2 teaspoons of salt. Slowly pour in 2 cups of warm water (around 110°F) and 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
  2. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours.
  3. Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a 9x13 inch baking pan. Transfer the risen dough into the pan, stretching it to fit the shape.
  4. Prepare the pesto by blending 2 cups of fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/3 cup of pine nuts, and 2 cloves of garlic in a food processor.
  5. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  6. Once the dough has puffed up, create dimples all over the surface, drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
  7. Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
  8. Once baked, spread the pesto evenly over the warm bread and return to the oven for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
  9. Let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing into squares or wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 6gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Make sure to use fresh yeast, and allow ample rising time for the best results. You can customize toppings for extra flavor variations.

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