Italian-Style Focaccia with Tomato Sauce, Basil, Rosemary, and Black Olives Recipe

Italian-Style Focaccia with Tomato Sauce, Basil, Rosemary, and Black Olives Recipe
This flavorful focaccia combines a soft, airy dough with a rich tomato sauce, aromatic basil and rosemary, and briny black olives. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, it’s a perfect fusion of traditional Italian flavors and a satisfying modern twist. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

For the Dough:
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp instant yeast
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 2 cups warm water

For the Tomato Sauce:
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 medium tomatoes (grated or finely chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tsp dried rosemary or 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Topping:
• 1/2 cup olive oil (to coat the dough)
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Sliced black olives
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
2. Make a well in the center and add olive oil, warm milk, and warm water.
3. Mix and knead the dough until soft, elastic, and slightly sticky (about 10 minutes).
4. Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it rise for 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.

2. Make the Tomato Sauce
1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, and rosemary.
2. Cook on low heat until the tomatoes soften and reduce into a thick sauce.
3. Season with salt and black pepper. Blend or mash the mixture until smooth. Let it cool.

3. Shape the Dough
1. Once the dough has risen, grease a baking tray generously with olive oil.
2. Add 1/2 cup olive oil to the dough and knead lightly to absorb the oil.
3. Transfer the dough to the prepared tray and spread it evenly using your hands to fill the tray completely.

4. Add the Toppings
1. Sprinkle dried basil and rosemary over the flattened dough.
2. Arrange the sliced black olives on top.
3. Spread the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the surface of the dough.

5. Bake the Focaccia
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake the focaccia for 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
3. Remove from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
4. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve
• Allow the focaccia to cool slightly before slicing.
• Serve warm as a standalone dish or with a side of olive oil for dipping.

Enjoy your delicious focaccia with tomato sauce, basil, rosemary, and black olives!