Stuffed Focaccia

Stuffed focaccia is a delicious variation of classic focaccia, ideal for an informal meal or as an appetizer during a party. Below you will find a basic recipe, but remember that there are endless possible variations, so feel free to customize your stuffed focaccia with the ingredients you prefer.

Ingredients

• 500 g of 00 flour
• 300 ml of lukewarm water
• 12 g of fresh brewer’s yeast
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 10 g of salt
• 1 teaspoon of sugar

For the filling:

• 200 g of cooked or raw ham in slices
• 200 g of soft cheese (for example mozzarella, stracchino or another cheese of your choice)
• Sun-dried tomatoes in oil to taste
• Oregano to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, dissolve the brewer’s yeast in the lukewarm water with a teaspoon of sugar and let it rest for a few minutes until a foam forms on the surface.
2. Add the sifted flour and extra virgin olive oil and start kneading.
3. When the dough begins to take shape, add the salt and continue kneading for about 10 minutes until you obtain a smooth and elastic dough.
4. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours or until doubled in volume.
5. Meanwhile, prepare the filling ingredients. Slice or cut the cheese and ham into strips, drain the sun-dried tomatoes and chop them if necessary.
6. After rising, take the dough again and divide it into two equal parts.
7. Roll out one part of the dough on a lightly oiled baking tray to form a rectangle.
8. Distribute the filling evenly over the surface, leaving a free border around the edges.
9. Roll out the second part of the dough and cover the filling, sealing the edges well.
10. Let the stuffed focaccia rest covered for another 30 minutes.
11. Preheat the oven to 200 °C.
12. Garnish the surface of the focaccia with a drizzle of oil, coarse salt and oregano, then bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
13. Remove the stuffed focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Curiosities

Stuffed focaccia can be enriched with additional ingredients such as olives, capers or grilled vegetables. In some Italian regions, such as Liguria, there is also a sweet version, with a filling of cream or jam. Focaccia has a long history and each region has developed its own traditional version, giving rise to a varied and tasty gastronomic heritage.