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Pesto Focaccia – Country Living

PESTO FOCACCIA - Country Living recipe image
This Pesto Focaccia is a delightful twist on traditional Italian bread, combining the airy, chewy texture of homemade focaccia with the vibrant, garlicky flavor of fresh basil pesto. The dough is brushed generously with pesto before baking, infusing every bite with aromatic herbs and toasted pine nuts. Topped with creamy goat cheese and crunchy walnuts, this bread offers a perfect balance of rich, tangy, and nutty flavors. It is an excellent choice for a casual dinner party, a festive appetizer spread, or simply as a hearty side to complement soups and salads. Fresh from the oven, the warm bread invites dipping into any remaining pesto, making it a shared experience that brings warmth and rustic charm to any table.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 1
Calories: 6.9
Dietary: Gluten-free
Description
This Pesto Focaccia is a delightful twist on traditional Italian bread, combining the airy, chewy texture of homemade focaccia with the vibrant, garlicky flavor of fresh basil pesto. The dough is brushed generously with pesto before baking, infusing every bite with aromatic herbs and toasted pine nuts. Topped with creamy goat cheese and crunchy walnuts, this bread offers a perfect balance of rich, tangy, and nutty flavors. It is an excellent choice for a casual dinner party, a festive appetizer spread, or simply as a hearty side to complement soups and salads. Fresh from the oven, the warm bread invites dipping into any remaining pesto, making it a shared experience that brings warmth and rustic charm to any table.
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cups Tightly packed fresh basil
  • 2 teaspoons Cornmeal
Directions
  1. 1
    Prepare Basic Pizza Dough according to package or recipe instructions.
  2. 2
    Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
  3. 3
    Meanwhile, place basil, walnuts, garlic, and salt in a food processor fitted with a chopping blade.
  4. 4
    Process the mixture until finely chopped.
  5. 5
    With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the pesto is well combined and smooth.
  6. 6
    Preheat the oven to 450&# 194;°F (230ðC).
  7. 7
    Lightly dust a baking sheet with cornmeal.
  8. 8
    Shape the risen dough into a 10-inch round and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
  9. 9
    Brush the top of the dough generously with the prepared pesto.
  10. 10
    Sprinkle the goat cheese and pine nuts evenly over the pesto.
  11. 11
    Bake on the middle oven rack for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown.
  12. 12
    Remove from the oven and serve immediately, dipping into any remaining pesto if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 1

Amount Per Serving
Calories 6.9kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.2g1%
Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 1.2mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 0.8g1%
Dietary Fiber 0.5g2%
Sugars 0.1g
Protein 1.0g2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Ensure the dough is properly risen for the best texture. If using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature before shaping.

For a vegan version, omit the goat cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.

Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage. Reheat in a toaster oven to restore crispiness.

You can add other toppings such as sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or roasted red peppers for variation.

Keywords: pesto, focaccia, italian bread, basil pesto, goat cheese, pine nuts, walnuts, garlic, cornmeal, homemade bread, appetizer, side dish, baking, herb bread, rustic, vegetarian, party food, fresh basil
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/pesto-focaccia-country-living/