Gruyère & Thyme Italian Focaccia

If you’re looking for a cozy and heartwarming recipe that fills your kitchen with the scent of fall, then you’ve come to the right place! This Gruyère & Thyme Italian Focaccia is more than just bread; it’s an experience. Every bite is fluffy, cheesy, and infused with fresh thyme, making it perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or alongside your favorite soup, this focaccia will surely impress your loved ones.

Imagine gathering around the table with friends and family, sharing stories while breaking apart pieces of this delicious focaccia. It’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy, making it a beloved staple in my home. Let’s dive into how you can create this delightful bread!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to prepare: With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this focaccia without any fuss.
• Perfect for sharing: This recipe yields 18 pieces, making it ideal for parties or family dinners.
• Flavor-packed goodness: The combination of gruyère and thyme creates a mouthwatering flavor that everyone will love.
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare the dough in advance, giving you more time to relax before serving.
• Versatile side dish: Pair it with soups, salads, or enjoy it on its own as a tasty snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients for this delicious Gruyère & Thyme Italian Focaccia. You’ll find that these items are easy to find at your local grocery store.

For the Dough

• 6 1/4 cups bread flour
• 2 teaspoons instant dry yeast
• 2 cups warm water (105°F – 115°F or 40°C – 46°C)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 teaspoons fine sea salt

For Topping

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more for greasing the sheet pan)
• 1/4 cup room temperature water
• 7 ounces gruyère cheese (sliced into small cubes)
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 2 teaspoons Maldon sea salt flakes

Variations

One of the best things about this focaccia recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to get creative based on what you have at home or your personal preferences!

• Add veggies: Toss in some roasted cherry tomatoes or caramelized onions for added flavor and texture.
• Try different herbs: Swap out thyme for rosemary or oregano to give it a unique twist.
• Cheese lovers’ delight: Mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or fontina along with the gruyère for an extra cheesy focaccia!
• Spicy kick: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top before baking if you enjoy a little heat.

How to Make Gruyère & Thyme Italian Focaccia

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. This step is crucial because it activates the yeast and helps your focaccia rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Next, add in the bread flour and fine sea salt. Stir until everything comes together into a shaggy dough. Don’t worry about perfection here; we will knead it shortly!

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Kneading develops gluten which gives the bread its lovely texture. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.

Step 4: First Rise

Place your kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—about 1-2 hours. This rise allows air bubbles to form inside the dough, creating that airy focaccia structure we all love.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release excess air. Transfer it onto an oiled baking sheet (12 x 18) and stretch it into an even rectangle using your fingertips. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; it’s all part of its charm!

Step 6: Add Toppings

Now comes the fun part! Drizzle some extra virgin olive oil over the top of your stretched dough. Scatter those delicious gruyère cheese cubes evenly across the surface along with fresh thyme leaves. Finally, sprinkle Maldon sea salt flakes on top—it adds such a delightful crunch!

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover again with a cloth and let rise for another hour until puffy. This second rise is essential for achieving that soft yet slightly chewy texture.

Step 8: Bake Your Focaccia

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Once ready, bake your focaccia for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top and fragrant throughout your kitchen. The aroma will be irresistible!

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow your focaccia to cool slightly before cutting into squares. Serve warm as is or dip into olive oil—either way, it’s going to be fantastic!

Creating this Gruyère & Thyme Italian Focaccia will fill your home with warmth and joy—perfect for any occasion! Enjoy each bite and share it generously!

Pro Tips for Making Gruyère & Thyme Italian Focaccia

Baking focaccia can be a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll create a loaf that’s not only beautiful but also bursting with flavor!

• Use high-quality ingredients: Choosing a good brand of olive oil and fresh thyme makes a noticeable difference in taste and aroma, ensuring your focaccia is as flavorful as possible.
• Don’t rush the rising time: Allowing the dough to rise adequately develops its texture and flavor. A slow rise gives it that airy quality we love in focaccia.
• Preheat your oven properly: Ensure your oven reaches the right temperature before baking. This step helps achieve a perfect crust that’s golden and crispy.
• Dimple the dough generously: Pressing your fingers into the dough not only creates those iconic dimples but also allows for better oil absorption, enhancing the flavor of every bite.
• Experiment with toppings: While this recipe features gruyère and thyme, feel free to mix in other herbs or cheeses based on what you have on hand. This flexibility makes each batch unique!

How to Serve Gruyère & Thyme Italian Focaccia

This scrumptious focaccia can shine at any gathering or meal. Whether as an appetizer or a side dish, here are some ideas on how to present it beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh thyme sprigs: Scatter a few sprigs over the top just before serving for an aromatic touch and a pop of color.
• Drizzle of olive oil: A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving enhances richness and adds visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the focaccia beautifully.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables such as squash or Brussels sprouts provide a hearty contrast to the soft bread while remaining health-conscious.
• Chickpea Salad: A zesty chickpea salad with lemon, parsley, and cumin offers protein and earthiness that pairs perfectly with your focaccia.
• Marinated Olives: A bowl of mixed marinated olives brings briny goodness to your table, contrasting nicely with the cheesy bread’s richness.

By implementing these serving suggestions, your Gruyère & Thyme Italian Focaccia will not only taste incredible but will also be a centerpiece worthy of any gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Gruyère & Thyme Italian Focaccia is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Here are some convenient storage tips:

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you have a large batch, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap before placing them in the container to prevent drying out.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the focaccia cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Remember to label it with the date!

Reheating

• For best results, reheat focaccia in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual pieces for about 20-30 seconds, but this may result in a softer texture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Gruyère & Thyme Italian Focaccia.

Can I use a different cheese instead of Gruyère?

Yes! While Gruyère adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with other semi-hard cheeses like Swiss or Monterey Jack if desired.

How do I ensure my Gruyère & Thyme Italian Focaccia rises well?

Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. Additionally, give the dough enough time to rise in a warm environment until it doubles in size. It’s essential for achieving that perfect texture!

Can I add other toppings to this focaccia?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with additional toppings such as roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives for extra flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?

Definitely! This focaccia makes an impressive side dish or appetizer for gatherings and holidays, bringing warmth and flavor to your table.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Gruyère & Thyme Italian Focaccia as much as I do! It’s not just a recipe; it’s a way to bring comfort and joy into your home during those cozy fall days. Whether you’re serving it at dinner or enjoying it as a snack, I’m sure it’ll be a hit! Happy baking!