The Art of Perfect Decorated Focaccia Bread

Perfect Dough Foundation

Begin by creating a well-hydrated dough that develops into the signature airy, hole-filled focaccia texture.

Rise Development

Proper fermentation time allows flavors to develop while creating the light, fluffy interior characteristic of great focaccia.

Shaping Technique

Gentle stretching and dimpling creates the classic focaccia surface that holds toppings and olive oil perfectly.

Artistic Decoration

Strategic placement of colorful vegetables and herbs creates stunning edible art that's both beautiful and delicious.

Baking Perfection

High heat baking creates golden crust while caramelizing vegetables for maximum flavor and visual appeal.

Expert Tips for Perfect Decorated Focaccia

Dough Hydration: High hydration dough creates the signature airy, hole-filled texture of authentic focaccia bread.

Dimpling Technique: Create deep dimples with fingertips to hold olive oil and create characteristic focaccia texture.

Vegetable Prep: Cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking and beautiful presentation in your bread art design.

Oil Quality: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for best flavor and golden color development during baking.

Rising Environment: Warm, draft-free location ensures proper dough rise and develops complex flavors in the bread.

Make-Ahead Tip: Dough can be prepared day ahead and refrigerated - brings to room temperature before shaping.

Decorated Focaccia Bread: An Artisan Garden Masterpiece

Name: Decorated Focaccia Bread: An Artisan Garden Masterpiece
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups bread flour; 2 teaspoons active dry yeast; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 3/4 cups warm water; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided; 1 tablespoon honey; For decoration: cherry tomatoes, halved; red bell pepper strips; yellow bell pepper strips; red onion slices; fresh rosemary sprigs; fresh thyme sprigs; kalamata olives, pitted; fresh basil leaves; thinly sliced zucchini rounds; coarse sea salt for sprinkling; black pepper for seasoning; additional olive oil for drizzling

The most incredible decorated focaccia bread you'll ever make - perfectly fluffy and golden with beautiful vegetable art, herb toppings, and rustic artisan texture for the ultimate show-stopping bread creation.

Prep Time

30 Minutes

Cook Time

25 Minutes

Total Time

55 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

4 cups bread flour

2 teaspoons active dry yeast

2 teaspoons salt

1 3/4 cups warm water

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided

1 tablespoon honey

For decoration: cherry tomatoes, halved

red bell pepper strips

yellow bell pepper strips

red onion slices

fresh rosemary sprigs

fresh thyme sprigs

kalamata olives, pitted

fresh basil leaves

thinly sliced zucchini rounds

coarse sea salt for sprinkling

black pepper for seasoning

additional olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

In large bowl, dissolve yeast and honey in warm water, let stand 5 minutes until foamy.

Add flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons olive oil to yeast mixture, mix until shaggy dough forms.

Knead dough on floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place dough in oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in warm place for 1 hour until doubled.

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and oil a 9x13 inch baking pan generously.

Transfer risen dough to prepared pan and gently stretch to fit, creating dimples with fingertips.

Let dough rest 20 minutes, then create deeper dimples all over surface with fingers.

Arrange vegetables and herbs artistically on surface, pressing gently into dough to secure.

Create patterns like flowers with tomatoes and peppers, herb sprigs as stems and leaves.

Drizzle remaining olive oil over top and sprinkle with coarse sea salt and black pepper.

Bake 20-25 minutes until golden brown and vegetables are slightly caramelized. Cool before slicing!

Decorated Focaccia Bread: An Artisan Garden Masterpiece

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Perfect Decorated Focaccia Bread

Decorated Focaccia Bread: An Artisan Garden Masterpiece

Ingredients

Instructions