Name: Pizza Focaccia Bread: Italian Comfort
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 5 h 10 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: US
Ingredients: 2 cups lukewarm water; 1 (0.25 ounce) packet active-dry yeast (such as Red Star®); 1/2 teaspoon sugar; 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling; 1 tablespoon Kosher salt; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups bread flour; 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese; 1 cup marinara sauce; 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni (optional); Hot honey, for drizzling (optional)

An incredibly simple and delicious take on deep-dish pizza that swaps authenticity for ease and delightful textures. The secret? Cheese on the bottom for crispy, golden edges and dollops of sauce for maximum flavor.

Follow The Directions

01

Step

In a large bowl, pour the lukewarm water and sprinkle the yeast and sugar on top. Mix briefly with a dough whisk or wooden spoon, then let sit until the yeast has bloomed, about 10 minutes. The surface should look foamy.

02

Step

Stir in the olive oil and salt. Add the all-purpose flour and bread flour and stir until no dry streaks of flour remain.

03

Step

Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for 45 minutes. Wet your hands slightly. Perform a series of stretches and folds: gently pull the top edge of the dough up and over the dough ball, working your way around the bowl. This develops gluten without traditional kneading. Cover and let sit in a warm spot.

04

Step

Repeat the stretch and fold process after 30 minutes. Cover the bowl and perform two more sets of stretches and folds 30 minutes apart. After the 4th stretch and fold, cover the bowl and let rise for 30 minutes.

05

Step

The dough should have doubled in volume and be smooth. It's ready to use or can be chilled overnight.

06

Step

Lightly oil a 9x13-inch metal cake pan. Transfer the focaccia dough to the pan, gently stretching it to fit the corners. Cover and let rise for about 1 hour.

07

Step

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).

08

Step

Lightly drizzle the surface of the risen focaccia with olive oil. Use your fingers to dimple the surface, then scatter the mozzarella cheese in an even layer.

09

Step

Dollop the surface with marinara sauce, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Top with pepperoni, if using.

10

Step

Bake in the preheated oven until the focaccia and cheeses are golden brown and bubbly, about 25 to 30 minutes.

11

Step

Remove from the oven and let sit in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully slide the focaccia onto a cutting board and let cool for an additional 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Drizzle with hot honey, if desired.