Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure with this exquisite Herbed Focaccia Bread recipe, beautifully complemented by a rich shakshuka topping. This dish combines the soft, airy texture of traditional Italian focaccia with vibrant Mediterranean flavors that will transform your home kitchen into a gourmet restaurant.
Perfectly paired with a rustic Baked Ratatouille, this herbed focaccia becomes a delightful Mediterranean canvas, its crispy edges and herb-infused crumb soaking up the vibrant vegetable stew’s rich, sun-kissed flavors.
Essential Equipment
Before diving into the recipe, ensure you have the following kitchen tools:
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Electric scale
- Baking pan
- Mixing utensils
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Focaccia Dough
- 400ml warm water (105-110°F)
- 10g active dry yeast (2¼ tsp)
- 500g all-purpose flour (4 cups)
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 60ml olive oil (¼ cup), plus extra for drizzling
- 10g salt (2 tsp)
For the Herb Paste
- 60ml olive oil (¼ cup)
- 2 tsp dried chili flakes
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ½ cup green olives, finely chopped
For the Shakshuka Topping
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 medium red peppers, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup fresh basil, torn
- 1 tsp salt
- 4-6 large eggs (one per serving)
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped (for garnish)
Note: This recipe yields a 9×13 inch focaccia, perfect for cutting into 4-6 generous portions, each featuring a baked egg.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Focaccia Dough Preparation
- Activate the Yeast
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast
- Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy
- Create the Dough
- Add additional water and flour
- Mix thoroughly until a cohesive dough forms
- Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic
- First Rise
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours
- The dough should double in size
- Prepare the Herb Paste
- Mix olive oil, dried chili, garlic, rosemary, basil, and chopped green olives
- Set aside for later use
Baking Process
- Prepare the Pan
- Generously oil a baking pan
- Transfer the risen dough to the pan
- Gently stretch the dough to cover the entire pan’s surface
- Add Herbal Touches
- Incorporate fresh dill into the dough
- Drizzle olive oil over the entire surface
- Create signature focaccia dimples using your fingertips
- Herb Paste Application
- Spread the prepared herb paste over the dough
- Use fingers to press the mixture into the dough’s surface
- Create strategic holes for egg placement
Shakshuka Preparation
- Vegetable Roasting
- Combine cherry tomatoes, red pepper, salt, garlic, and basil
- Roast in the oven until vegetables are soft and slightly charred
- Shakshuka Blending
- Use a fork to blend roasted vegetables
- Create a rustic, chunky sauce
Final Baking and Assembly
- Initial Baking
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C)
- Bake focaccia for 15-20 minutes until golden
- Egg and Shakshuka Topping
- Remove bread from oven
- Fill created holes with shakshuka
- Crack a whole egg into each hole
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes
- Finishing Touches
- Garnish with fresh chives
- Cut into quarters, ensuring each section has an egg
- Serve with additional shakshuka and your favorite cheese
Nutritional and Serving Tips
- Best served warm, directly from the oven
- Pairs wonderfully with fresh mozzarella or feta cheese
- Ideal for brunch, lunch, or a hearty breakfast
- Serves 4 people
Storage Recommendations
- Best consumed fresh
- Can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days
- Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes
Conclusion
This Herbed Focaccia Bread with Shakshuka is more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of Mediterranean flavors, textures, and culinary creativity. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a gourmet meal.
Bon Appétit!