Dried Tomato Focaccia
Dried Tomato Focaccia offers a savory, herb-infused flavor with chewy bread texture, perfect for snacking or as a side. The addition of dried tomatoes and herbs makes it a vibrant, aromatic bread suited for gatherings, picnics, or everyday enjoyment with a spread of butter or olive oil.
Ingredients
- 10 dried tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 cup boiling water ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups bread flour ⓘ
- 2 packages active dry yeast ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sugar ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 large egg ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dried chopped chives ⓘ
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary ⓘ
Instructions
- Soak dried tomatoes in boiling water for 10 minutes, then drain and chop.
- In a saucepan, heat milk and butter until warm, then combine with chopped dried tomatoes and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of bread flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add the milk mixture and egg to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the dough and transfer to a greased baking sheet.
- Press the dough into an even layer, then brush with olive oil.
- Sprinkle dried chopped chives, oregano, and rosemary evenly over the top.
- Using your fingers, create dimples in the dough to mimic traditional focaccia style.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then cut and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers. If you want a more herbaceous touch, feel free to add fresh herbs like basil or thyme to the dough. Make sure to knead the dough thoroughly for the best texture. Using bread flour is key for the perfect rise and chewiness in your focaccia.
Serving Suggestions
This Dried Tomato Focaccia pairs beautifully with Greek Pasta Salad or a simple side of sautéed zucchini for a light meal. Serve it warm, drizzled with olive oil or balsamic vinegar for dipping. It also makes a great appetizer when cut into small squares or served alongside Mediterranean recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore its freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dried Tomato Focaccia contains roughly 798 calories, with 24g protein, 155g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (152% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (107% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 953mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of dried?
While fresh tomatoes can be used, they will add extra moisture to the dough. If you choose to use fresh tomatoes, be sure to deseed and drain them well before adding to the mixture to maintain the right dough consistency.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this focaccia vegan, substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or soy milk, and replace the butter with a non-dairy spread. You can also use a flax egg instead of the large egg for binding.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, check the freshness of your yeast. If it's expired, it won't activate properly. Also, ensure that the rising environment is warm enough; try placing the dough in an oven turned off but with the light on to create a warm spot.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).