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To make a perfect focaccia sandwich, you need these key ingredients: - 2 cups warm water (105°F to 110°F) - 2 teaspoons active dry yeast - 1 tablespoon sugar - 5 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup olive oil (plus more for drizzling) - 2 teaspoons sea salt - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, sliced - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients work together to create a soft, flavorful focaccia. The warm water wakes up the yeast. The sugar feeds the yeast, helping it grow. Flour gives the bread its structure. Olive oil adds moisture and flavor. You can add some optional ingredients to make your focaccia even better: - Fresh rosemary for an earthy taste - Sliced olives for a briny kick - Sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy touch - A sprinkle of chili flakes for heat These optional ingredients allow you to customize your sandwich to your liking. You can mix and match to find your perfect flavor. For this recipe, you will need some basic equipment: - Mixing bowls for combining ingredients - A whisk or spoon for mixing the dough - A floured surface for kneading - A baking sheet lined with parchment paper - A damp cloth to cover the dough while it rises Having the right tools makes the process easier and more enjoyable. With these ingredients and tools, you will create a delicious Italian focaccia sandwich that everyone will love! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. You need warm water, yeast, sugar, flour, olive oil, salt, oregano, garlic powder, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, salt, and pepper. 1. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of warm water, 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Give it a stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Watch for bubbles; this shows the yeast is alive. 2. Next, take a large bowl and mix 5 cups of all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons of sea salt. Pour in the yeast mixture along with 1/4 cup of olive oil. Mix until a dough forms. 3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes. The dough should feel smooth and elastic. 4. Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. Look for it to double in size. After the dough has risen, it’s time to bake. 1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). 2. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to remove air. Transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Stretch the dough to fit the sheet size, using your fingers to make dimples all over the top. 3. Drizzle more olive oil over the dough. Sprinkle it with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and the halved cherry tomatoes. 4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown. The smell will be amazing! Take it out and let it cool slightly before slicing. Now comes the fun part: assembling your sandwich. 1. Cut the baked focaccia in half horizontally. 2. On the bottom half, layer 1 cup of sliced mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves. 3. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper for flavor. 4. Place the top half back on and press down gently. 5. Cut into individual sandwiches and serve. Enjoy the deliciousness of your Italian focaccia sandwich! To make the best focaccia, start with warm water. It should be between 105°F and 110°F. This warmth helps the yeast grow. Let the yeast and sugar sit for about five minutes until it foams. This means your yeast is active and ready to go. When mixing, use all-purpose flour and sea salt. Knead your dough for about ten minutes. You want it smooth and elastic. Let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size. This can take about one hour. The more you let it rise, the fluffier your focaccia will be. When your focaccia is ready, cut it in half. Layer it with fresh mozzarella and basil. You can also add other toppings like roasted peppers or prosciutto. For a fun twist, try adding some pesto or sun-dried tomatoes. Serve the sandwiches on a wooden board. This makes them look inviting. Garnish with extra basil leaves for color. Offer a small bowl of olive oil for dipping. Everyone loves a good dip! Focaccia sandwiches pair well with many drinks. A light white wine works great. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with lemon. For sides, a simple salad adds freshness. A mix of greens with olive oil and vinegar is perfect. You can also serve chips or olives for a crunch. These pairings enhance the flavors of your meal. Enjoy exploring different combinations! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh basil and high-quality mozzarella for the best flavor in your focaccia sandwiches. Perfecting the Dough: Kneading the dough until it's smooth and elastic is crucial; this helps develop the gluten for a chewier texture. Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to customize the toppings on your focaccia with olives, roasted peppers, or even different cheeses for a unique twist. Serving Suggestions: Serve alongside a selection of dips, such as balsamic vinegar and olive oil, for an extra burst of flavor. {{image_2}} Italian focaccia sandwiches differ by region. In Liguria, they use rosemary and sea salt. In Apulia, you might find toppings like olives and tomatoes. Each area brings its own twist. You can explore these flavors by changing your toppings. Try adding local cheeses or meats to your sandwich. You can easily adjust ingredients for dietary needs. If you're gluten-free, use gluten-free flour. For dairy-free options, swap mozzarella for a plant-based cheese. If you prefer a low-carb version, try using cauliflower bread instead. These swaps keep the essence of the focaccia while meeting your needs. Mix it up with fun flavor combos! Add roasted red peppers and goat cheese for a tangy bite. Or try pesto and sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor. For a spicy kick, layer in some jalapeños or hot salami. Each new combo can change your sandwich game! To keep your focaccia sandwiches fresh, wrap them well. Use plastic wrap or foil. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This method keeps the bread soft and tasty. If you plan to eat them within a day or two, this works great. For longer storage, consider refrigeration. When you're ready to enjoy your focaccia sandwich again, reheat it for the best taste. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the sandwich in foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. If you like a crispier crust, unwrap the sandwich for the last 5 minutes. This way, you'll get that fresh-baked taste again. Freezing is a smart way to save focaccia sandwiches for later. First, wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the oven for the best results. Enjoy your tasty meal anytime! To make focaccia from scratch, you need simple ingredients. Start with warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit to foam. Mix flour and salt in another bowl. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead the dough until smooth. Let it rise for an hour. Shape, season, and bake it. You’ll get a lovely focaccia. Focaccia has roots in ancient Italy. It dates back to the Romans. They baked flatbreads with toppings. Over time, people added different ingredients. Focaccia became a popular base for sandwiches. It’s soft, flavorful, and perfect for layering. Today, we enjoy it with fresh fillings and toppings. Yes, you can use gluten-free flour. However, the texture may change. Focaccia might not rise as much. Choose a good blend for best results. Follow the same steps, but watch the baking time. The taste will still be delicious, and you can enjoy it too! You learned about the key ingredients for Italian focaccia sandwiches and how to prepare them. We explored tips for perfecting the dough and ways to enhance flavors. Different variations and storage methods showed how to enjoy focaccia sandwiches over time. Overall, making Italian focaccia sandwiches is fun and rewarding. With practice, you can create tasty meals that suit your taste. Take what you’ve learned and start your focaccia adventure today!

Italian Focaccia Sandwich

A delicious Italian sandwich made with homemade focaccia bread, fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups warm water (105°F to 110°F)
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.25 cup olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1 to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it starts to foam.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and 1/4 cup olive oil, and mix until a dough forms.
  • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Stretch it out to fit the sheet, creating dimples with your fingers.
  • Drizzle olive oil over the surface of the dough and sprinkle with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and the halved cherry tomatoes.
  • Bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
  • Cut the focaccia in half horizontally and layer mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves on the bottom half. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Place the top half back on and press gently. Cut into individual sandwiches.

Notes

Serve the focaccia sandwiches on a wooden board, sliced into portions, garnished with extra basil leaves and a small bowl of olive oil for dipping.
Keyword focaccia, Italian, sandwich