FROM SCRATCH CHEESY GARLIC FOCACCIA BREAD

From Scratch Cheesy Garlic Focaccia Bread image

Time 1h45m

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

2 packages (5 teaspoons) of active dry yeast
1 3/4 cups warm water
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup + 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
5 cups of all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons fine sea salt
2 Tablespoons of Garlic Paste (found in the produce section of grocery store) or 2 Tablespoons of finely diced garlic.
1 stick butter, room temperature
Colby Jack Cheese, shredded
Marinara, spaghetti or favorite dipping sauce

Steps:

In a stand mixer, with a dough hook, add warm water and yeast and mix slightly. Cover with a towel and let sit for 5 minutes. Once yeast has poofed, add sugar, 1/2 cup of olive oil, flour and the fine sea salt. Mix for 5 - 7 minutes on low until dough is smooth and elastic. Spray a large bowl with cooking spray (bottom and up the sides) and place dough in bowl. Cover with a towel or saran wrap and place in a draft free spot for 1 - 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size. When dough is ready, pour remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil into a large cookie sheet and smooth around the entire sheet. Preheat oven to 450* Plop dough onto cookie sheet and push around until dough covers entire sheet. Mix up garlic and butter. Spread over dough. If dough is thick and puffy then dimple dough with fingers and bake for 20 - 30 minutes (depending on oven). 5 minutes before you remove bread from oven, top with cheese and continue baking until cheese is melted and gooey! If dough is thin and not puffy, cover and allow to rest for 1 additional hour. Then dimple dough with your fingers, bake for 20 - 30 minutes. 5 minutes before you remove bread from oven, top with cheese and continue baking until cheese is melted and gooey! Serve with your favorite dipping sauce! Use within 24 hours, warm or cold and wrap leftovers in tinfoil. ---------------------------------------------- If you already have leftover focaccia bread, then mix butter and garlic together to create a paste. Spread over pre-made focaccia bread, top with cheese and bake for 10 minutes at 350*F or until cheese is melted and gooey!