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HOMEMADE MEDITERRANEAN FOCACCIA WITH CHERRY TOMATOES, OLIVES & ROSEMARY

By Delicious Recipes!Posted on
HOMEMADE MEDITERRANEAN FOCACCIA WITH CHERRY TOMATOES, OLIVES & ROSEMARY

HOMEMADE MEDITERRANEAN FOCACCIA WITH CHERRY TOMATOES, OLIVES & ROSEMARY

This weekend, I baked a batch of focaccia reminiscent of yesterday’s Arabic bread, but with a twist—the dough includes mashed potato to keep it fresh longer. The topping bursts with Mediterranean flavors: juicy cherry tomatoes, olives, and fragrant rosemary (or oregano).

🕒 Prep Time: 15 min

🍳 Rising Time: 3 hours
🍽️ Bake Time: 25-30 min
🍰 Yields: 3 focaccias, 18 cm diameter each

Ingredients

Dough:

  • 250 ml warm water
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar (level)
  • 1 tsp salt (heaping)
  • 1 medium potato, boiled and mashed
  • 450 g all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (7 g) dry yeast

Topping:

  • 9 cherry tomatoes, halved
  • A handful of olives, sliced
  • Fresh rosemary or oregano (to taste)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the pans and dough)

Instructions

  1. Place all dough ingredients—including mashed potato—into a bread machine and select the kneading and rising program. After the program finishes, leave the dough in the machine for an additional hour.
    If you don’t have a bread machine: dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Combine with remaining ingredients and knead by hand until elastic and no longer sticky. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 2 hours.
  2. Divide the dough into 3 equal portions.
  3. Line the bottom of three 18 cm diameter baking pans with parchment paper.
    For a single large focaccia, use a 30 cm diameter pan.
  4. Brush the bottom of each pan with 1 tbsp olive oil. Coat a dough portion in the pan’s oil, then spread it evenly with your hands. Cover and let rise for about 30 minutes.
  5. Using oiled fingers, press gently all over the dough surface to create small dimples.
  6. Arrange 3 halved cherry tomatoes (cut side up) and 1/3 of the sliced olives on each focaccia. Sprinkle rosemary or oregano generously.
    Tip: Traditionally, lots of rosemary is used, but if unsure about the flavor, use less and finely chop it.
  7. Bake at 200°C (390°F) for 25-30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  8. Repeat for the other dough portions.
  9. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

💡 Tips

  • Mashed potato in the dough keeps the focaccia moist and fresh longer.
  • Pressing dimples with oiled fingers helps create the classic focaccia texture.
  • Rosemary adds a fragrant, piney aroma; substitute with oregano if preferred.
  • Using parchment paper prevents sticking and eases cleanup.

🍽️ Perfect For

  • Mediterranean-inspired meals
  • Appetizers and snacks
  • Bread baskets for brunch or dinner

📝 Final Thoughts

This homemade focaccia combines tender, potato-enriched dough with vibrant Mediterranean toppings for a flavorful, rustic bread. Easy to prepare and full of aroma, it’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.