Imagine biting into a slice of warm, fluffy bread topped with zesty pepperoni and a crispy, golden cheese crust that pulls apart with every mouthwatering bite. Welcome to the world of Focaccia Pepperoni Pizza Bread, where Italian comfort food meets the irresistible allure of pizza! This delightful loaf is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s a showstopper that will have your friends and family begging for seconds. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of love, you can create this culinary masterpiece in under an hour. Ready to impress? Let’s dive into the recipe that will elevate your baking game!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 500g bread flour
- 7g dried yeast
- 350ml warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 100g pepperoni slices
- 150g mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour, dried yeast, and salt. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
- Gradually pour warm water and olive oil into the well, then mix using a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should become soft and slightly tacky but not sticky.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and transfer to a rectangular baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently stretch the dough to cover the entire surface.
- Drizzle additional olive oil over the dough and use your fingertips to create dimples across the surface.
- Evenly distribute pepperoni slices across the dough, pressing them slightly into the surface.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the pepperoni, ensuring complete coverage.
- Dust the top with dried oregano and a pinch of salt.
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) and let the prepared dough rest for an additional 15 minutes before baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and crispy and the bread's edges are deep golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips
- Perfect Dough Consistency: When kneading the dough, aim for a smooth and elastic texture. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as you want it to remain soft.
- Warm Rising Spot: For the best rise, place your dough in a warm, draft-free area. An oven with the light on or a sunny kitchen counter works wonders.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Add vegetables like bell peppers or olives, or experiment with different cheeses for a unique twist.
- Dimple Technique: Creating dimples in the dough not only gives it that classic focaccia look but also helps the olive oil soak in, enhancing the flavor and texture.
- Watch the Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your bread as it bakes. You want the cheese to be golden and bubbly, and the edges of the bread to be a deep golden brown.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing. This helps maintain its texture and prevents it from becoming soggy.
- Serve Fresh: This focaccia is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and reheat for a few minutes in the oven for that fresh-baked taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
