Why this recipe?
The recipe provided combines the flavors of feta cheese, spinach, garlic, and rosemary on a base of focaccia dough. Here’s why this particular combination works well:
- Feta Cheese: Feta cheese adds a creamy and tangy flavor to the focaccia. Its crumbly texture also provides bursts of flavor in every bite.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach not only adds a vibrant green color but also brings a subtle earthy flavor to the focaccia. It pairs well with the other ingredients and adds a nutritional boost.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the focaccia with a robust, aromatic flavor. When roasted in the oven, garlic becomes sweet and mellow, enhancing the overall taste of the bread.
- Rosemary: Fresh rosemary lends a fragrant, piney aroma to the focaccia. Its herbal notes complement the other ingredients and add depth of flavor.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is brushed on the dough before adding toppings and helps to keep the bread moist while baking. It also contributes to the overall richness of the dish.
- Salt and Pepper: These seasonings enhance the flavors of the other ingredients and add balance to the dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cornmeal (for dusting)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper and sprinkle with cornmeal.
- Prepare the Dough: If you’re using store-bought pizza dough, follow the instructions on the package for bringing it to room temperature. If you’re making homemade dough, allow it to rise according to your recipe’s instructions.
- Shape the Focaccia: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle or oval shape, about 1/2 inch thick. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet.
- Prepare Toppings: In a small bowl, mix together chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle olive oil over the surface of the dough. Spread the spinach, feta, garlic, and rosemary mixture evenly over the dough. Press the toppings lightly into the dough.
- Season: Season the top of the focaccia with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a little extra drizzle of olive oil on top if desired.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm as an appetizer, snack, or alongside your favorite soup or salad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Certainly! Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about making feta and spinach garlic rosemary focaccia:
- Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh rosemary?
- Yes, you can substitute dried rosemary for fresh. However, the flavor may be slightly different, so adjust the amount to your taste. Typically, you’d use about 1/3 of the amount of fresh rosemary when using dried.
- Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
- Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before using. Excess moisture can make the focaccia soggy.
- How do I store leftover focaccia?
- Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days. Alternatively, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven to refresh before serving.
- Can I freeze focaccia?
- Yes, you can freeze focaccia. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I add other toppings to the focaccia?
- Absolutely! Focaccia is versatile, and you can customize it with your favorite toppings. Some popular additions include cherry tomatoes, olives, caramelized onions, or different types of cheese.
- Can I make the dough from scratch?
- Yes, you can make focaccia dough from scratch using a simple combination of flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil. There are many recipes available online, or you can use your favorite pizza dough recipe as a base.
- Is focaccia served hot or cold?
- Focaccia is typically served warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious straight from the oven but also makes a tasty snack when cooled.
- Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
- Yes, you can substitute other cheeses like mozzarella, goat cheese, or parmesan if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary.
Feta and Spinach Garlic Rosemary Focaccia
Servings
8
servingsPrep time
15
minutesCooking time
20
minutesIngredients
1 pound (450g) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup (about 30g) fresh spinach leaves, chopped
1/2 cup (about 75g) crumbled feta cheese
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Salt and pepper to taste
Cornmeal (for dusting)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper and sprinkle with cornmeal.
- Prepare the Dough: If using store-bought pizza dough, bring it to room temperature according to package instructions. If making homemade dough, allow it to rise as per your recipe.
- Shape the Focaccia: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle or oval shape, about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet.
- Prepare Toppings: In a small bowl, mix together chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle olive oil over the surface of the dough. Spread the spinach, feta, garlic, and rosemary mixture evenly over the dough. Press the toppings lightly into the dough.
- Season: Season the top of the focaccia with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, drizzle a little extra olive oil on top.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm as an appetizer, snack, or alongside your favorite soup or salad.
Notes
- Feel free to customize this focaccia with additional toppings such as cherry tomatoes, olives, or caramelized onions.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.
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