Cherry focaccia recipe
Sweet and tart, juicy cherries are the perfect ingredient in a light and fluffy Italian focaccia. As it bakes, the cherries reduce down to jammy bite-sized chunks that make this the perfect sweet and savoury bake. Serve with a generous spread of creamy goat's cheese for an added tang.
See method- Serves 10
- Takes 45 mins plus rising
- 258 calories / serving
- Freezable
- Dairy-free
- Vegan
- Vegetarian
- Healthy
Ingredients
- 500g strong white bread flour, plus extra for dusting
- 2 tsp fine salt
- 7g fast-action dried yeast
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for greasing
- 20 fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 2 thyme sprigs (about 5g), torn
- 2 tbsp demerara sugar
- Goat’s cheese, to serve (optional)
Each serving contains
- Energy
- 1090kJ 258.0kcal
- Fat
- 8g
- Saturates
- 1g
- Salt
- 0.6g
- Sugars
- 4g
of the Reference intake
Carbohydrate 44.3gProtein 5.9gFibre 1.9g
Method
- Put the flour, salt and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Stir to combine, then make a well in the centre and add 1 tbsp oil and 350ml lukewarm water. Mix to make a shaggy dough, adding another 50ml water if needed. Bring together with your hands and knead on a lightly floured surface for 15 mins until smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball and transfer to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with clingfilm and leave in a warm place to rise for 1 hr or until doubled in size.
- Grease the base and sides of a 30 x 20cm baking tin. Tip the dough into the tin and use your fingertips to stretch and press it into an even layer. Cover with clingfilm and leave for 45 mins-1 hr until almost doubled again. Preheat the oven to gas 9, 240°C, fan 220°C.
- Using oiled fingers, press into the dough all over to dimple it. Scatter over the cherries, thyme sprigs and sugar, then drizzle with 1 tbsp oil. Bake for 15-20 mins until golden. Remove from the oven, drizzle with another 1 tbsp oil and leave to cool in the tin before slicing. Serve with goat’s cheese, if you like.
- See more Bread recipes
Freezing and defrosting guidelines
In order to enjoy optimum flavour and quality, frozen items are best used within 3 months of their freezing date. For more tips on freezing and defrosting food, read our article Love Your Freezer.
