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Effortless Delight: No-Knead Focaccia Bread with Pesto Perfection - Featured Image

Effortless Delight: No-Knead Focaccia Bread with Pesto Perfection

Learn how to make delicious No-Knead Focaccia Bread with Pesto. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Let’s gather everything you need to whip up this delightful bread:

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 packet (about 2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt for topping
  • Optional: Cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, or thinly sliced red onions for extra flavor

And just like my mom, feel free to improvise with what you have. No all-purpose flour? Bread flour works just as well. Don’t have pesto? A simple mix of olive oil, garlic, and herbs will also do the trick.

Instructions

Let’s get baking! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious focaccia ready in no time:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Stir in the warm water and 1/4 cup olive oil until a sticky dough forms.
  2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for about 12-18 hours. The dough should double in size and be bubbly.
  3. Preheat your oven to 450°F. Generously oil a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  4. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan, using your fingers to gently stretch and press it to fit the pan. If it resists, let it rest for a few minutes and try again.
  5. Drizzle the top with more olive oil, then use your fingers to dimple the surface of the dough. Spread the pesto evenly over the top, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt and any optional toppings.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through. The edges should be crispy, and the top should be fragrant and inviting.
  7. Let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Remember, the beauty of this bread is in its imperfection. Don’t worry if it’s not a perfect rectangle or if the pesto isn’t evenly spread. It’s meant to be rustic and full of character.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International

Keywords: No-Knead Focaccia Bread with Pesto, recipe, cooking, food