Cheese Focaccine

Delicious Cheese Focaccine: An Italian Experience in Every Bite

Focaccine are an Italian delight, a type of soft and fragrant bread, perfect for appetizers or snacks. In search of that perfect recipe, I discovered a bakery café that impressed me with its welcoming atmosphere and authentic products. Now, I invite you to recreate this experience at home with a simple cheese focaccine recipe, adapted and reinterpreted.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 focaccine

Ingredients

For the Dough:
- 400 g fresh cow cheese (ideally homemade)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 70-80 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 400-450 g white flour (the amount may vary depending on the moisture of the cheese)
- Small cube of fresh yeast

For the Topping:
- Gorgonzola (or any other preferred cheese)
- Sliced cherry tomatoes
- Pitted Kalamata olives

A Bit of History

Focaccine have a long tradition in Italian cuisine, often associated with informal meals, served alongside wine or as appetizers at parties. They are very versatile and can be adapted with different fillings or toppings, depending on individual preferences.

Ingredient Details

- Fresh Cow Cheese: This is the key ingredient that gives the dough a soft and moist texture. High-quality cheese will significantly enhance the flavor of the focaccine.
- Olive Oil: Using extra virgin oil gives a refined taste and authentic aroma to the dish.
- Gorgonzola: It is a cheese with a distinct flavor, but you can also experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or ricotta.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Dough:
Start by adding the fresh cow cheese to the bread machine bowl. Then, add the salt, sugar, olive oil, flour, and finally, the crumbled yeast. Set the machine to the kneading program for 15 minutes. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

2. Rising the Dough:
Grease a bowl with a little oil and place the dough in it. Lightly spray oil on top of the dough, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 20 minutes. Although it won't double in size, it will rise enough to get fluffy focaccine.

3. Shaping the Focaccine:
On a lightly floured work surface, divide the dough in half. Using a rolling pin, roll out a sheet about 0.5 cm thick. Use a glass or a cutter to cut circles from the dough. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

4. Adding the Toppings:
In the center of each dough circle, place a cube of gorgonzola or a few pieces of cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives. These ingredients will add a delicious taste and an appetizing look to the focaccine.

5. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius. Place the tray with the focaccine in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, until they become golden and fluffy.

6. Serving:
Let the focaccine cool for a few minutes, but you won't resist and will enjoy them warm, straight from the oven. They are perfect to be served alongside a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade.

Practical Tips

- Adjusting the Flour: The amount of flour may vary depending on the moisture of the cheese. If the dough is too wet, add a little more flour. If it is too dry, add a little warm water or milk until you achieve the right consistency.
- Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese or add herbs to the dough to give it an even more intense flavor.
- Caring for the Utensils: Clean the utensils and bread machine thoroughly after use, especially if using fresh cheese, to avoid unpleasant odors.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought cottage cheese?
Yes, but homemade fresh cheese will provide a superior taste and texture to the focaccine.

2. How can I store the focaccine?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can be consumed within the next two days or frozen for later use.

3. Can I make them without yeast?
It is recommended to use yeast for a fluffy texture, but you can try a version with baking powder, keeping in mind that the result will be different.

Conclusion

Cheese focaccine are an excellent choice for any occasion, whether it's a gathering with friends or a family dinner. With a simple and versatile dough, the combination of cheese and toppings can be customized to suit your tastes. So, let's be inspired by Italian tradition and savor every bite! Bon Appétit!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 400 g fresh cow cheese 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon sugar 70-80 ml extra virgin olive oil 400-450 g white flour small cube of fresh yeast For the topping: Gorgonzola Tomatoes Pitted Kalamata olives

 Tags:  cheese puffs