Focaccia with cheese and speck

Focaccia with cheese and speck: A delicious delicacy that's easy to prepare, full of flavors

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 18-20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6 servings

Welcome to the delicious world of focaccia! This recipe is not just a simple pastry, but a true culinary experience that combines textures and flavors in a way that will delight even the most discerning tastes. Focaccia with cheese and speck is an ideal choice for a snack, an appetizer, or even a main course. Let's discover together the steps to achieve this marvel!

A brief history

Focaccia is a traditional dish with deep roots in culinary history, with origins dating back to ancient times. It is believed to have been consumed by the Romans, being one of the oldest forms of bread, similar to pizza. Over time, numerous variations of the recipe have emerged, with each region having its own interpretation. In this recipe, we use creamy cheese and speck, which adds an extra layer of flavor and refinement.

Ingredients

- 350 g wheat flour (preferably type 00, for a finer texture)
- 200 ml lukewarm water
- 50 ml olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 250 g Philadelphia cheese (or another creamy cheese)
- 200 g sliced speck (or prosciutto, if you prefer)
- Fine kitchen salt for sprinkling

Necessary utensils

- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Baking tray (ideally about 30x40 cm)
- Plastic wrap or a clean towel
- Rolling pin

Preparation steps

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the water is lukewarm, but not hot, to activate the yeast without destroying it.

2. Activating the yeast
In a small bowl, add the fresh yeast along with a teaspoon of sugar and 50 ml of lukewarm water. Stir gently until combined. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This step is essential for getting a fluffy focaccia.

3. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, the remaining water, and 50 ml of olive oil. Use a wooden spoon to mix the ingredients until a uniform dough forms.

4. Kneading
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If you feel the dough sticking, add a little flour, but don't overdo it to avoid a tough focaccia.

5. Let the dough rise
Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil and cover it with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

6. Preparing the filling
Meanwhile, cut the cheese into small cubes and slice the speck. If desired, you can also use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or goat cheese, to add a different flavor note.

7. Shaping the focaccia
Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Roll each part with a rolling pin into thin sheets. Make sure the sheets are the size of the baking tray.

8. Assembling
Place the first sheet of dough in the greased baking tray. Evenly distribute the cheese cubes and slices of speck on top. Cover with the second sheet of dough, sealing the edges well to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.

9. Seasoning
Brush the surface of the focaccia with olive oil and sprinkle fine kitchen salt to taste. This will add a delicious flavor and help achieve a crispy crust.

10. Baking
Preheat the oven to 220°C and place the focaccia inside. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden and crispy. Check the focaccia in the last minutes to ensure it bakes evenly.

11. Serving
Once you've taken the focaccia out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before cutting it. It can be served warm or at room temperature, alongside a fresh salad, a yogurt dip, or even a glass of white wine.

Practical tips

- Variations: You can replace speck with bacon or prosciutto for a different flavor. Additionally, add olives or aromatic herbs (such as rosemary or oregano) to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: One serving (approximately 1/6 of the recipe) has about 300-350 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Focaccia is a good source of carbohydrates, and cheese provides protein and calcium.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast? Yes, replace fresh yeast with about 8 g of dry yeast. Add it to the flour and follow the same steps.
- How do I store focaccia? Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature, but it is best consumed fresh.
- Can I freeze focaccia? Yes, after it has completely cooled, you can wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze it. When you want to consume it, let it thaw at room temperature and reheat it in the oven.

Now that you know how to prepare a delicious focaccia with cheese and speck, all that's left is to try it! Whether you serve it as an appetizer at a party or as a family snack, it will surely quickly become a favorite. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 350g flour, 200ml water, 50ml oil, 25g yeast, salt, one teaspoon of sugar, one teaspoon, 250g Philadelphia-style cheese, 200g sliced speck, oil for greasing, salt.