Roasted Cherry Tomato Focaccia

 

 

 

 

Roasted Cherry Tomato Focaccia is a delicious dish that combines the flavors of balsamic roasted tomatoes, shallots, and basil, all baked into a fluffy and flavorful focaccia bread. It’s a wonderful combination of savory and slightly sweet flavors with a hint of tang from the balsamic vinegar.

 

To make Roasted Cherry Tomato Focaccia, you’ll need the following ingredients:

 

For the focaccia dough:

 

– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

– 1 cup warm water

– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast

– 1 teaspoon sugar

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1 teaspoon salt

 

For the topping:

 

– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

– 2 shallots, thinly sliced

– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

– 3-4 tablespoons olive oil

– Fresh basil leaves, chopped

– Salt and pepper to taste

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make Roasted Cherry Tomato Focaccia:

 

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.

 

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together.

 

1. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.

 

1. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.

 

1. While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, toss the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced shallots with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out in a single layer and roast them in the oven for about 15-20 minutes until they’re soft and slightly caramelized.

 

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Gently stretch and press the dough to fit the baking sheet, creating dimples with your fingers.

 

1. Arrange the roasted cherry tomatoes, shallots, and chopped basil on top of the dough. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the toppings.

 

1. Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.

 

1. Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. You can serve it warm or at room temperature.

 

Roasted Cherry Tomato Focaccia is a fantastic appetizer or side dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a salad or soup. The flavors of the roasted tomatoes, shallots, and basil infuse the bread, making it a delightful and flavorful treat.