Growing up, I can still vividly remember the aroma of freshly baked Cherry Rosemary Focaccia wafting through my grandma’s kitchen. It was one of those comforting smells that instantly transported me back to her cozy home, where she spent countless hours perfecting this beloved recipe. Grandma would always greet me with a warm hug and a slice of her irresistible Cherry Rosemary Focaccia, its golden crust glistening and the sweet-savory flavors melting in my mouth. I can’t help but smile thinking about those cherished moments, sharing this special bread with my family and savoring every bite.
Now, as an experienced home baker, I’m thrilled to share Grandma’s famous Cherry Rosemary Focaccia recipe with you. This isn’t just any ordinary focaccia – it’s a true labor of love, infused with the perfect balance of juicy cherries and fragrant rosemary. The secret lies in the carefully curated ingredients and the tender care put into each step of the process. Trust me, once you’ve tried this Cherry Rosemary Focaccia, it’ll become your go-to recipe for any occasion.
Why This Cherry Rosemary Focaccia Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Cherry Rosemary Focaccia
What sets this Cherry Rosemary Focaccia apart is the unique blend of sweet and savory flavors, as well as the perfect texture. The cherries provide a delightful burst of juicy sweetness that perfectly complements the aromatic rosemary. And thanks to a special kneading technique, the dough develops an irresistibly soft and pillowy interior, while the baking process gives it a perfectly crisp and golden crust. It’s the kind of bread that will have your family and friends raving, wondering how you managed to create such a masterpiece.
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Cherry Rosemary Focaccia
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet cherries and fragrant rosemary in this quick and foolproof Cherry Rosemary Focaccia. This easy-to-make bread is perfect for busy weeknights or as a stunning appetizer for any occasion.
Ingredients
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1 1/4 cups warm water
– 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
– 1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries, halved
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
Instructions
1. – In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast. Stir to mix.
2. – Add the warm water and 1/4 cup olive oil, and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. – Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. – Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
5. – Punch down the dough and stretch it into a rectangular shape, about 1/2-inch thick, on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. – Arrange the cherry halves and chopped rosemary evenly over the dough.
7. – Drizzle the top with additional olive oil.
8. – Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, until the focaccia is golden brown.
9. – Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
– For a savory twist, try substituting the cherries with other fruit, such as figs or apples.
– Experiment with different fresh herbs, like thyme or oregano, to complement the cherries.
– The focaccia can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Bread, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this exceptional Cherry Rosemary Focaccia, you’ll need just a few key ingredients:
Flour: A high-quality all-purpose flour is the foundation for the perfect focaccia dough.
Yeast: Active dry yeast is what gives the dough its rise and airy texture.
Water: Warm water helps activate the yeast and brings the dough together.
Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and a lovely, subtle flavor.
Salt: Himalayan pink salt enhances all the other flavors in the recipe.
Fresh rosemary: This fragrant herb is the star of the show, infusing the focaccia with its distinctive aroma.
Fresh cherries: Ripe, juicy cherries are the perfect complement to the rosemary.
Step-by-Step Cherry Rosemary Focaccia Instructions
Preparing Your Cherry Rosemary Focaccia
Get ready to bake up a truly impressive loaf of Cherry Rosemary Focaccia! This recipe takes a bit of time and care, but the end result is well worth it. You’ll need about 2 hours from start to finish, including the crucial rise time. Make sure to have a sturdy baking sheet or rimmed pizza pan on hand, as well as a rolling pin and a few mixing bowls.
1- Start by activating the yeast. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and foamy.
2- Next, add the flour, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until it’s doubled in size.
4- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. On a lightly floured surface, use your hands or a rolling pin to gently stretch and shape the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/2-inch thick.
5- Carefully transfer the dough to a baking sheet or rimmed pizza pan. Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface, then drizzle with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with the fresh rosemary and halved cherries.
6- Bake the Cherry Rosemary Focaccia in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cherries are slightly caramelized. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips for Success
When it comes to making the perfect Cherry Rosemary Focaccia, there are a few pro tips that can help ensure your success:
– Be patient with the dough during the rising process – resist the urge to rush it, as this will result in a dense, heavy focaccia.
– Don’t be afraid to use your hands to shape the dough – the warmth from your palms will help create that irresistible soft and airy texture.
– When arranging the cherries on top, make sure to evenly distribute them for a balanced flavor in every bite.
– Keep a close eye on the focaccia during the baking process, as the cherries can easily burn if left in the oven for too long.
– Allow the focaccia to cool for a few minutes before slicing, as this will help the texture set and prevent the bread from becoming too dense.
Serving and Storing Your Cherry Rosemary Focaccia
Perfect Pairings for Cherry Rosemary Focaccia
This Cherry Rosemary Focaccia is the ultimate versatile bread – it can be enjoyed in so many delicious ways! For a simple yet satisfying snack, try serving it with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. It also makes a fantastic accompaniment to soups, stews, or hearty salads. And don’t forget about the classic pairing of focaccia and a glass of bold red wine – the fruity sweetness of the cherries and the savory rosemary notes will perfectly complement the rich, full-bodied flavors.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this Cherry Rosemary Focaccia is that it keeps remarkably well. Once the focaccia has cooled completely, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it for longer, you can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw it at room temperature and reheat it in the oven for a few minutes to crisp up the crust.
For a make-ahead option, you can prepare the dough up to the point of the first rise, then punch it down, place it in a greased airtight container, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the dough from the fridge, let it come to room temperature, and proceed with the remaining steps.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cherry Rosemary Focaccia
Creative Cherry Rosemary Focaccia Variations
While the classic Cherry Rosemary Focaccia is absolutely divine, there’s always room for a little creativity! Try swapping out the cherries for other seasonal fruits, like figs, peaches, or even sliced apples. You could also experiment with different herbs, such as thyme, oregano, or even a blend of fresh herbs. For a savory twist, try adding crumbled feta or shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Making Cherry Rosemary Focaccia Diet-Friendly
If you’re looking to make this Cherry Rosemary Focaccia a bit more diet-friendly, there are a few simple substitutions you can try. For a gluten-free version, use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. To make it vegan, simply omit the honey (if using) and swap the regular olive oil for a plant-based alternative, like avocado or coconut oil. And for a low-carb spin, you can use a combination of almond flour and coconut flour instead of the all-purpose flour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
A: While fresh cherries are ideal for this recipe, you can certainly use frozen cherries in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before arranging them on the focaccia dough.
Q: How can I ensure the dough rises properly?
A: The key to a successful rise is to let the dough proof in a warm, draft-free environment. You can try placing the covered bowl in the oven with the light turned on, or on top of the fridge. Make sure to give the dough enough time, at least 1 hour, to double in size.
Q: Can I make the Cherry Rosemary Focaccia ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This focaccia is a great make-ahead option. You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. You can also bake the focaccia and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover focaccia?
A: To reheat your Cherry Rosemary Focaccia, simply place it on a baking sheet and pop it in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and the crust is crisp again.
Q: How can I prevent the cherries from burning?
A: To avoid burnt cherries, make sure to arrange them in an even layer on top of the dough, and keep a close eye on the focaccia during the baking process. You can also try covering the focaccia with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking, then removing it for the last 5-10 minutes to allow the crust to brown.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked Cherry Rosemary Focaccia wafting through your kitchen. This recipe is a true labor of love, but I promise you, the end result is worth every minute. The perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors, combined with the irresistibly soft and crisp texture, makes this focaccia an absolute showstopper.
I hope you’ll give this Cherry Rosemary Focaccia a try and experience the same joy and comfort that I do every time I bake it. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings and flavor variations – the possibilities are endless! And be sure to let me know how it turns out. I can’t wait to hear about your experience and see your beautiful creations. Happy baking!
