Focaccia with Roasted Vegetables & Taleggio
- felichiccuisine
- Feb 2, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: May 6
A Rustic, Bakery-Worthy Delight
There’s something undeniably satisfying about baking bread at home. The aroma that fills your kitchen, the golden crust fresh from the oven, and the comforting warmth of a freshly baked slice — it's one of the purest joys in cooking.
This Focaccia with Roasted Vegetables & Taleggio is a shining example of how simple ingredients can transform into something extraordinary.
Perfect as a main course with a salad or soup, or as a show-stopping side dish at your next gathering, this focaccia strikes a beautiful balance between rustic charm and gourmet flair.
But what makes this Puglian-style focaccia even better is its versatility. It’s the perfect way to give leftover roasted vegetables a delicious second life, all while reducing food waste and creating something utterly mouthwatering.
Why You’ll Love This Focaccia
This recipe brings together soft, pillowy bread, sweet caramelized vegetables, and the rich, creamy tang of Taleggio cheese.
It's a celebration of textures and flavors — crispy edges, creamy cheese, aromatic herbs, and garlicky roasted veggies — all baked into one impressive pan of goodness.
Simple, Foolproof Dough
Focaccia dough is one of the easiest breads to make. It requires minimal kneading, and most of the magic happens while it rises. The result? A beautifully soft and airy texture with a crisp, golden crust.
As it bakes, the kitchen fills with the irresistible scent of herbs and warm bread, making it nearly impossible to wait before taking that first bite. Particularly in the colder months, this cozy, herb-infused bake brings a sense of warmth to the whole home.
Cheese Topping
For this recipe, I chose Taleggio cheese, a semi-soft, washed-rind cheese originating from Italy. It has a robust aroma but offers a gentle, buttery taste accented by fruity undertones.
If you're looking for a substitute for Taleggio cheese, consider the following options: Brie, Fontina, Brie and Gorgonzola Blend, Brick Cheese, Havarti.
How to Prepare Focaccia with Roasted Vegetables & Taleggio
Prepare the Dough
✔ In a small bowl, activate the yeast by mixing it with the warm water and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
✔ Mix together flour and salt.
✔ Create a well in the center and add the bubbly activated yeast, lukewarm water, and olive oil
✔ Stir to combine, then knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
✔ Drizzle the bowl with oil, place the dough inside.
✔ Cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Toppings
✔ Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
✔ Roast your vegetables if they aren't already prepared - drizzle them with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 20 minutes until soft and caramelized.
Shape and Top the Focaccia
✔ Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air.
✔ Transfer it to a greased 9x13-inch baking pan or a large sheet pan.
✔ Use your fingers to spread the dough evenly to the edges of the pan.
✔ Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the dough,
✔ Use your fingers to create dimples in the surface, creating small indentations.
✔ Combine roasted vegetables with rosemary, garlic, and a little olive oil.
✔ Evenly distribute the roasted vegetables and cheese over the dough, pressing them gently into the surface.
✔ Sprinkle with chopped rosemary, a pinch of sea salt, and some freshly ground black pepper.
Bake the Focaccia
✔ Let the dough rise again for 20-30 minutes, covered with a cloth.
✔ Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Tips for Success
Use good olive oil – This is a star ingredient, so pick something flavorful and fruity.
Don’t over-top – Less is more when it comes to toppings. Too much moisture can make the dough soggy.
Let it rest – Cooling for a few minutes helps the focaccia set, and the flavors meld beautifully.
Make It Your Own
This focaccia is a blank canvas. Swap Taleggio for mozzarella, fontina, or even blue cheese if you’re feeling bold. Not a fan of rosemary? Try thyme or oregano. Want to make it heartier? Add thin slices of prosciutto or roasted mushrooms.
You can serve vegetable focaccia with soups, salads, or on its own. It also makes a great main dish for a gathering, where guests can tear off pieces to enjoy as is or with dips like olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Enjoy!
Have you tried making this Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins? I'd love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts and any creative twists you added to the recipe in the comments below. Or, tag me on Instagram (@FeliChic'Cuisine) when you post your recipe creations. Let's inspire each other. Thank You!
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