Artistic focaccia topped with vegetables and herbs to resemble a blooming garden. Soft, chewy bread that’s almost too pretty to eat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Visually Stunning: Transform your focaccia into an edible masterpiece with vibrant vegetables and fresh herbs.Better Homes & Gardens+1Sugar Geek Show+1
- Customizable: Use your favorite seasonal produce to create unique designs each time.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of olive oil, herbs, and fresh toppings enhances the classic focaccia taste.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Impress guests with this show-stopping bread at brunches, parties, or holiday meals.
- Fun Activity: Engage in a creative and enjoyable cooking experience, suitable for all ages.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Focaccia dough
- Cherry tomatoes (variety of colors)
- Fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary)
- Olive oil
- Salt flakes
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: If using homemade focaccia dough, follow your preferred recipe to prepare the dough. Allow it to rise until doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough: Transfer the risen dough to a well-oiled baking sheet. Gently stretch it to fit the pan, then cover and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Decorate: Use halved cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs to create floral designs on the surface of the dough. Lightly press the toppings into the dough to ensure they adhere during baking.
- Drizzle and Season: Drizzle olive oil over the decorated dough and sprinkle with salt flakes.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the focaccia to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 20 minutesFood & Wine+9Food Network+9The Guardian+9
- Cook Time: 25 minutesSugar Geek Show
- Total Time: 45 minutes (excluding dough rising time)
Variations
- Cheese Addition: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or crumbled feta over the dough before baking for added flavor.
- Different Herbs: Experiment with basil, thyme, or oregano for varied aromatic profiles.
- Vegetable Variety: Incorporate sliced bell peppers, red onions, or olives to diversify the garden design.ellafrances.com
- Sweet Version: For a dessert twist, top with thinly sliced fruits, a sprinkle of sugar, and a drizzle of honey before baking.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
How can I prevent the toppings from burning?
Lightly brush the vegetables and herbs with olive oil before baking to help prevent burning.
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, store-bought focaccia or pizza dough can be used as a convenient alternative.
What other vegetables work well for decoration?
Sliced bell peppers, red onions, olives, and thinly sliced zucchini are excellent choices for creating colorful designs.
Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?
Allowing the dough to rise twice helps develop better texture and flavor in the final bread.
Can I freeze the baked focaccia?
Yes, wrap the cooled focaccia tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before serving.
How do I achieve a crispier crust?
Baking the focaccia on a preheated baking stone or in a cast-iron skillet can help achieve a crispier crust.
Can I make mini versions of this bread?
Yes, divide the dough into smaller portions and shape individually before decorating and baking.
What dipping sauces pair well with this bread?
Serve with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, or a herbed yogurt dip for added flavor.
How thick should I roll out the dough?
Aim for about 1/2-inch thickness to ensure a soft, chewy texture after baking.The Guardian
Can I add garlic to the dough?
Yes, minced garlic can be incorporated into the dough or sprinkled on top for added flavor.
Conclusion
Focaccia Garden Bread is a delightful fusion of art and baking, offering both visual appeal and delicious taste. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply want to indulge in a creative culinary project, this bread is sure to impress. Enjoy the process of designing your edible garden and savor the flavorful results.
PrintFocaccia Garden Bread
This Focaccia Garden Bread (also known as Focaccia Flowers) transforms soft, chewy focaccia into edible art! Topped with colorful cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs arranged like a blooming garden, this beautiful bread is perfect for holidays, brunches, or gifting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: ~45 minutes active
- Yield: 1 sheet pan (serves 6–8)
- Category: Bread, Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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Focaccia dough (homemade or store-bought, enough for a sheet pan)
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Cherry tomatoes (mixed colors, halved)
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Fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, chives, thyme, etc.)
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Olive oil (for drizzling)
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Flaky sea salt (for garnish)
Instructions
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Prepare focaccia dough according to recipe or package directions. Press into a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Let dough rise a second time, covered, for 20–30 minutes until puffy.
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Use halved cherry tomatoes to create flower “petals” and stems. Arrange herbs like parsley or rosemary to resemble leaves and vines.
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Drizzle the top generously with olive oil and sprinkle with flaky salt.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.
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Let cool slightly, slice, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
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Use a variety of vegetables (sliced bell peppers, red onions, olives) to add color and detail.
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Great as a centerpiece or edible gift during spring, Easter, or holidays.
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For extra flavor, infuse olive oil with garlic or herbs before drizzling.