This focaccia bread sandwich is a delightful and versatile option for lunch or a light dinner. Made with soft, flavorful focaccia bread, it can be filled with a variety of ingredients to suit your taste.
The recipe is simple and allows for creativity in choosing fillings such as meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables. You can easily customize it to create your perfect sandwich.
Creating the Perfect Focaccia Bread
Focaccia bread serves as the ideal foundation for a sandwich, offering a soft and slightly chewy texture that complements a variety of fillings.
To create this delightful bread, start by combining warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Allow the mixture to sit until it becomes frothy, which indicates that the yeast is active.
In another bowl, mix all-purpose flour and salt, then gradually add the yeast mixture along with olive oil. Stir until a dough forms, and then knead it on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm area until it doubles in size, usually around one hour.
Shaping and Baking the Focaccia
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape it into focaccia. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and punch down the risen dough.
Transfer it to a greased baking sheet and press it out into a rectangle about one inch thick. Use your fingers to create dimples across the surface, which will hold the olive oil and toppings beautifully.
Drizzle olive oil over the dough and sprinkle with sea salt and your choice of herbs, such as rosemary. Allow it to rise for an additional 20 minutes before baking.
After baking for 20-25 minutes, the focaccia should be golden brown and fragrant. Let it cool slightly before slicing it in half horizontally.
Choosing Your Fillings
The beauty of a focaccia sandwich lies in its versatility. You can layer it with a variety of fillings to suit your taste.
For a classic combination, consider using sliced turkey, melted cheese, and crisp lettuce. These ingredients not only provide a satisfying crunch but also a burst of flavor with every bite.
Feel free to get creative with your fillings. Options like pesto, fresh vegetables, or different deli meats can transform your sandwich into a unique culinary experience.
Assembling the Sandwich
Once the focaccia has cooled, it’s time to assemble your sandwich. Start by placing your choice of fillings on the bottom half of the focaccia.
Layer the turkey, cheese, and lettuce generously, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
Finally, place the top half of the focaccia back on and cut the sandwich into individual portions.
Serving Suggestions
To enhance the dining experience, serve your focaccia sandwich with a small bowl of olive oil and herbs for dipping.
This not only adds a delicious element but also invites guests to customize their meal further.
Pair the sandwich with a side salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal that is both satisfying and visually appealing.
Enjoying Your Creation
Once assembled, your focaccia sandwich is ready to be enjoyed.
The combination of fresh ingredients and the warm, golden-brown focaccia creates an inviting dish that is perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Gather around the table with friends or family to share this delightful creation, and savor each bite of your delicious focaccia bread sandwich.
Delicious Focaccia Bread Sandwich
This sandwich features freshly baked focaccia bread, which is soft and slightly chewy, providing a perfect base for your favorite fillings. The recipe takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish and serves 2-4 sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Toppings: sea salt, rosemary, or your choice of herbs
- Fillings: sliced deli meats, cheese, fresh vegetables, pesto, or spreads
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. In a separate bowl, mix flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour, stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Focaccia: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Press it out into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. Use your fingers to create dimples on the surface.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle olive oil over the dough and sprinkle with sea salt and herbs. Let it rise for another 20 minutes.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Slice the focaccia in half horizontally. Layer your choice of fillings on the bottom half, then place the top half back on. Cut into individual sandwiches and serve.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 2-4 sandwiches
- Calories: 300kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 45g