Focaccia Pizza

Thick airy crusty bread and pizza together… what could be better?

I am absolutely obsessed with focaccia bread and focaccia pizza- NEXT LEVEL! You can add any toppings you would like and cook on a baking sheet OR in a large cast-iron pan.

Okay let’s get started!

Instructions:

• One packet Rapid rise yeast
• 1 1/3 cup hot water at 110°
• 2 tsp sugar
• 1/4 cup olive oil plus lots more for drizzling
• 2 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 cup pizza flour (I use King Arthur baking company- Neapolitan-style 00) pizza flour)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced.
• 1 tsp coarse cut or flaky kosher or sea salt
• Pizza sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Favorite pizza toppings

Directions:

1.  Measure out the water. 1 1/3 cups at 110° You can boil or simply pop into the microwave. Use a thermometer to measure the temp. If it is too hot, no biggie, just let it sit and cool. In the meantime let’s get ready to make the dough.
2. If you will be using a kitchen aid attach the dough hook. If you are working by hand, take out a large mixing bowl, and spoon.
3. Pour the sugar in the bowl or mixer. Add the water, then the yeast packet. Stir to combine.

4. THIS NEXT STEP IS FOR KITCHEN AID USERS- if you are mixing by hand skip to the step below.

5. Now that the yeast is ready to go, turn the mixer on with the dough hook attachment in place on low speed. Slowly start pouring in the flour and oil. After it is all incorporated bump the speed to med-low. Let it mix for 5 minutes. If you see the dough is sticking to the bowls sides add a tablespoon or 2 of olive oil to get it to stop from sticking.

6. HAND MIXING INSTRUCTIONS If you are mixing by hand the next step after the yeast is ready will be to add the oil into the bowl and mix. Slowly start adding in the flour and mixing as you go. It will get harder and harder. After all the flour is incorporated turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes or until it is completely smooth.
7. EVERYONE’S NEXT STEP from here out all instructions will be the same.
8. After you have mixed the dough and achieved a smooth texture, form into a ball. It doesn’t have to be perfect.
9. Sprinkle a small amount of all-purpose flour on a work surface and place the dough ball down on top.
10. On the top of the dough we are now going to add the flavor! On top of the dough sprinkle the garlic and 1 tsp of salt.
11. Fold the dough onto itself and knead until the salt and garlic are mixed in well. About 2 minutes of kneading and the dough is smooth.
12. Pick up the dough ball and pinch the bottom until it forms a smooth ball. Place on a floured surface.
13. Now cover with a kitchen towel and let is rest for 15- 30 minutes.
14. While the dough is resting on a baking sheet or cast-iron pan we are going to drizzle 2 teaspoons of olive oil and a pinch of salt.
15. After the 15-30 minutes is up. Turn the dough onto the baking sheet or pan. With your fingers start to press out onto the pan. Flip over and continue pressing into the pan getting all the delicious oil and salt on the dough.
16. You can leave the dough exposed or cover with a tea towel.
17. Set a timer for 40 minutes and let the dough do its thing.
18. When time is up, set the oven to 400°
19. Spread pizza sauce on the dough- leaving a small edge.
20. This part is where we create those beautiful pockets.
21. Using all 10 fingers, from one end of the dough start to press up and into the dough. Don’t be shy get in there and make good divets.
22. Wash hands then sprinkle on cheese and the toppings.
23. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until there is a golden crust.
24. Cut and enjoy!