Gruyère & Thyme Italian Focaccia

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting bread to elevate your meals, then look no further than this Gruyère & Thyme Italian Focaccia! This recipe is one of my absolute favorites. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings where the aroma of freshly baked bread will fill your home with warmth and cheer. The combination of soft, fluffy focaccia topped with rich gruyère cheese and fragrant thyme makes it a delightful addition to your table, especially during the fall season.

This focaccia isn’t just a treat for the taste buds; it’s also incredibly versatile and easy to make. You’ll find it’s an excellent side dish for hearty soups or salads, and it even shines as a stand-alone appetizer. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to share it with everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you can whip up this focaccia even on busy days.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves warm bread! This recipe is sure to please kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare the dough ahead of time and bake when you’re ready. Perfect for holiday feasts!
• Delicious flavor: The combination of gruyère cheese and fresh thyme creates a savory experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Great for sharing: Cut into pieces to share at gatherings or keep it all to yourself—no judgment here!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create our Gruyère & Thyme Italian Focaccia. You’ll find everything you need right in your pantry!

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 wonderful things about focaccia is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Herb infusion: Add other herbs like rosemary or oregano for a different flavor profile.
• Cheese swap: Try using mozzarella or feta cheese instead of gruyère for a unique twist.
• Veggie toppings: Top your focaccia with cherry tomatoes or olives before baking for added color and taste.
• Seasonal spices: Incorporate spices like crushed red pepper or garlic powder into the dough for an extra kick.

How to Make Gruyère & Thyme Italian Focaccia

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine your warm water, sugar, and instant dry yeast. Let it sit until bubbly—this helps activate the yeast. Then add in the bread flour, fine sea salt, and olive oil. Mixing these ingredients creates a beautiful dough that will rise beautifully.

Step 2: Knead and Rise

Turn your dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it gently until smooth, then place it in a greased bowl covered with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—about an hour. This step is crucial as it gives your focaccia that delightful airy texture.

Step 3: Shape Your Focaccia

Once risen, gently punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased sheet pan. Stretch it out using your fingers until it fills the pan evenly. Dimpling the surface creates those lovely pockets that hold onto olive oil and flavors.

Step 4: Add Toppings

Drizzle more olive oil over the top and gently press in the cubed gruyère cheese and fresh thyme leaves. Finish by sprinkling Maldon sea salt flakes on top. This not only enhances flavor but gives that gorgeous finish we all love!

Step 5: Bake

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake your focaccia for about 50 minutes or until golden brown on top. The aroma will be irresistible! Allow it to cool slightly before slicing into pieces.

Now you have a delicious Gruyère & Thyme Italian Focaccia ready to impress at any occasion! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Gruyère & Thyme Italian Focaccia

Making focaccia can be a delightful experience, and with just a few tips, you can elevate your baking game to new heights!

• Use high-quality ingredients: Choosing premium bread flour and extra virgin olive oil can enhance the flavor and texture of your focaccia, making it irresistibly delicious.
• Allow for proper rising: Give your dough ample time to rise. A longer rise allows the yeast to develop more flavor, resulting in a light and airy bread that is bursting with taste.
• Experiment with hydration: If you want an even softer crumb, feel free to add a bit more water. Just remember that wetter doughs can be trickier to handle but yield wonderfully soft results.
• Preheat your oven properly: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing the focaccia inside. This helps create that perfect crust while keeping the inside tender.
• Add toppings before baking: To ensure that the gruyère cheese has time to melt perfectly and the thyme infuses its flavor throughout the bread, sprinkle them on top just before baking.

How to Serve Gruyère & Thyme Italian Focaccia

Serving focaccia is all about making it look as appetizing as it tastes! Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation and enjoyment of this delightful Italian bread.

Garnishes

• Fresh thyme sprigs: Adding a few fresh sprigs of thyme on top right before serving not only enhances the visual appeal but also boosts the aromatic herbal notes.
• Drizzle of olive oil: A light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil over the warm focaccia adds richness and an inviting sheen that makes it look irresistible.

Side Dishes

• Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the focaccia beautifully.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini add a colorful contrast and bring in earthy flavors that pair well with gruyère.
• Marinated Olives: A small bowl of marinated olives adds a savory touch that goes wonderfully with the herbal notes of thyme in your focaccia.
• Soup: Serve alongside a hearty soup like butternut squash or tomato basil for a comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly days.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll have a delightful spread that’s sure to impress your family and friends during any gathering! Enjoy every bite of this Gruyère & Thyme Italian Focaccia!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Gruyère & Thyme Italian Focaccia is perfect for meal prep! Not only can you enjoy it fresh out of the oven, but it also stores beautifully, making it a great addition to your weeknight meals or holiday gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the focaccia to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Slice the focaccia into individual pieces for easy portions.
• Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag.
• Label the bag with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• To prevent freezer burn, ensure as much air as possible is removed from the bag.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Unwrap the focaccia and place it directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• For an extra crispy crust, you can lightly brush it with olive oil before reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious recipe!

Can I use other cheeses in Gruyère & Thyme Italian Focaccia?

Absolutely! While Gruyère adds a unique flavor, feel free to experiment with cheeses like mozzarella or fontina for different tastes.

How do I store leftover Gruyère & Thyme Italian Focaccia?

To store leftovers, wrap them tightly and keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Can I make Gruyère & Thyme Italian Focaccia ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just allow it to come to room temperature before baking.

What makes this Gruyère & Thyme Italian Focaccia special?

The combination of rich Gruyère cheese and fragrant thyme creates an aromatic loaf that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to festive gatherings.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes! You can freeze slices of this focaccia for up to 3 months. Just wrap tightly and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking this Gruyère & Thyme Italian Focaccia! It’s not just a recipe; it’s a delightful experience that brings warmth and flavor into your kitchen. Perfect as a side dish or enjoyed on its own, I encourage you to give it a try. Happy baking!