Dive into the world of Italian cuisine with this authentic Potato and Mixed-Herb Focaccia recipe. This homemade bread is a perfect side dish or appetizer, beautifully marrying the earthy taste of potatoes with the fresh, aromatic blend of rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil. A touch of coarse sea salt and black pepper elevates the flavors, making this focaccia a mouthwatering masterpiece.
Photos of Potato and Mixed-Herb Focaccia Recipe
Most ingredients for this recipe should be readily available in your kitchen, like flour, olive oil, and common herbs. If not, they're easily found in any supermarket. However, pay special attention to the bread dough. Opt for a high-quality artisan bread dough if possible. Your choice of baking potatoes is also critical. Go for the ones that are firm, smooth and free from sprouts or greenish skins.
Ingredients for Potato and Mixed-Herb Focaccia
Flour: Used as a base to roll out the bread dough, preventing it from sticking to the work surface.
Bread dough: Forms the foundation of the focaccia. It's elastic, chewy, and bakes up with a beautiful crust.
Extra virgin olive oil: Used to coat the dough and potatoes, contributing to a crisp finish and rich flavor.
Baking potatoes: Once baked, they become soft and buttery, complementing the chewy dough perfectly.
Coarse sea salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and adds a slight crunch.
Fresh rosemary leaves: These aromatic herbs give the focaccia a fragrant, earthy flavor.
Fresh thyme leaves: Adds a subtle, savory note to the focaccia.
Oregano: Gives the bread a touch of classic Italian herb flavor.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat to balance out the robust flavors.
Fresh basil leaves: Used as a finishing touch, delivering a sweet, peppery kick.
One reader, Ketty Leyva says:
The potato and mixed-herb focaccia recipe is a game-changer! The combination of fluffy bread, savory potatoes, and aromatic herbs is a delight for the senses. The flavors blend perfectly, and the aroma while baking is heavenly. It's a must-try for anyone who loves delicious, homemade bread.
Techniques for Making Potato and Mixed-Herb Focaccia
How to prepare the dough: Combine the flour, bread dough, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a large mixing bowl. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, then cover and let it rise until doubled in size.
How to slice the potatoes: Use a sharp knife to thinly slice the baking potatoes into rounds, about 1/8 inch thick. It's important to slice them evenly to ensure even cooking.
How to infuse the oil: In a small saucepan, gently heat the extra virgin olive oil with the fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano over low heat for a few minutes to infuse the oil with the herb flavors. Let it cool before using.
How to brush the dough with oil: Use a pastry brush to generously coat the rolled-out dough with the infused olive oil, ensuring it's evenly distributed.
How to sprinkle the herb mixture: Evenly sprinkle the coarse sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the infused herb mixture over the potato slices on the dough.
How to check for doneness: To check if the focaccia is ready, insert a toothpick into the dough. If it comes out clean and the potatoes are tender and golden brown, the focaccia is done.
How To Make Potato and Mixed-Herb Focaccia
Enjoy this mixed-herb focaccia baked with potato slices. This Italian bread is seasoned with rosemary, thyme, and oregano, then baked until golden.
Serves:
Ingredients
Instructions
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- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Grease an 18×13-inch baking sheet with oil.
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- On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough to the size of the pan, place the dough into the pan, and press and stretch it to fit all the corners.
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- Brush the dough liberally with oil and arrange the potato slices, overlapping by about ¼-inch, on the dough.
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- Brush the potatoes liberally with oil.
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- Mix the salt, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and pepper in a small bowl and sprinkle over the potatoes.
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- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender, their edges are browned and curled, and the dough is golden brown.
Nutrition
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- Calories: 1625.04kcal
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- Fat: 27.22g
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- Saturated Fat: 5.51g
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- Monounsaturated Fat: 11.67g
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- Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.66g
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- Carbohydrates: 294.74g
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- Fiber: 17.38g
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- Sugar: 5.93g
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- Protein: 48.18g
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- Sodium: 2798.38mg
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- Calcium: 417.79mg
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- Potassium: 1952.96mg
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- Iron: 16.83mg
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- Vitamin A: 9.96µg
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- Vitamin C: 20.66mg
Technique Tip for Perfect Potato and Mixed-Herb Focaccia
When arranging the potato slices on the dough, try to keep them as even as possible. This will ensure that they cook evenly and at the same rate. If some slices are thicker than others, they may not cook through properly, resulting in some slices being undercooked while others are overcooked. Using a mandoline slicer can help achieve uniform thickness.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Focaccia
Prep ahead: Prepare the dough and herb mixture the night before to save time on the day of baking.
Thinly slice: Use a mandoline slicer to quickly and evenly slice the potatoes for the focaccia.
Multi-task: While the focaccia is baking, use that time to prepare a side salad or other dishes to accompany the meal.
Parchment paper: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Substitute Ingredients For Potato and Mixed-Herb Focaccia Recipe
flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can add a nuttier flavor and slightly denser texture to the focaccia, while also providing additional fiber and nutrients.
1 lb bread dough - Substitute with pizza dough: Pizza dough can be used as a substitute for bread dough in this recipe, providing a similar texture and flavor to the focaccia.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for extra virgin olive oil in this recipe.
12 oz baking potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes can be used as a substitute for baking potatoes, adding a slightly sweeter flavor and vibrant color to the focaccia.
¾ tsp coarse sea salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt can be used as a substitute for coarse sea salt, providing a similar level of salinity to the focaccia dough.
½ tsp fresh rosemary leaves - Substitute with fresh thyme leaves: Fresh thyme leaves can be used as a substitute for rosemary, adding a slightly different herbaceous flavor to the focaccia.
½ tsp fresh thyme leaves - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano can be used as a substitute for fresh thyme leaves, providing a similar herbaceous flavor to the focaccia.
½ tsp oregano - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil can be used as a substitute for oregano, adding a slightly different herbaceous note to the focaccia.
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a substitute for black pepper, providing a milder flavor and seamless appearance in the focaccia.
6 fresh basil leaves - Substitute with fresh parsley leaves: Fresh parsley leaves can be used as a substitute for basil, adding a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the focaccia.
Presentation Ideas for Focaccia
Artful arrangement of potato slices: Carefully layer the potato slices in an overlapping pattern, ensuring each slice is placed with precision and attention to detail.
Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil: Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil to drizzle over the focaccia, adding a touch of richness and enhancing the flavors of the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped rosemary, thyme, and oregano over the focaccia to add a burst of color and a fragrant aroma that will impress the judges.
Finish with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt: A final touch of coarse sea salt will not only enhance the flavors but also add a subtle crunch to the focaccia, elevating the overall texture of the dish.
Serve on a rustic wooden board: Present the focaccia on a beautifully crafted wooden board to create a visually appealing and inviting presentation that complements the rustic nature of the dish.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves: Place fresh basil leaves strategically on top of the focaccia, adding a pop of vibrant green color and a hint of freshness to the final presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Focaccia
- Flour: Used as the base ingredient for the focaccia dough.
- Bread dough: Provides the structure and texture for the focaccia.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Used for greasing the baking sheet and brushing the dough and potatoes.
- Baking potatoes: Sliced and arranged on the focaccia to add flavor and texture.
- Coarse sea salt: Adds a savory flavor and enhances the taste of the potatoes and dough.
- Fresh rosemary leaves: Infuses the focaccia with a fragrant, earthy flavor.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Adds a subtle, herby flavor to the focaccia.
- Oregano: Contributes a warm, aromatic flavor to the focaccia.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a hint of heat and depth to the focaccia.
- Fresh basil leaves: Used to garnish the finished focaccia, adding a fresh, aromatic touch.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Focaccia
- Let the focaccia cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store, wrap the focaccia tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, place the wrapped focaccia in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- To freeze, wrap the focaccia tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat refrigerated focaccia, unwrap it and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.
- To reheat frozen focaccia, let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then unwrap and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
- For a quick reheat, you can also microwave individual slices of focaccia for 15-20 seconds or until warm.
- To maintain the best texture, avoid refrigerating the focaccia unless necessary, as it can cause the bread to become stale more quickly.
How To Reheat Leftover Focaccia
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover focaccia on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. This will help prevent the top from browning too quickly while allowing the inside to warm up. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
For a crispier crust, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating. This will allow the surface to crisp up nicely, giving you a texture similar to freshly baked focaccia.
Alternatively, you can use a toaster oven to reheat smaller portions. Cut the focaccia into individual slices and place them directly on the toaster oven rack. Toast for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
If you prefer a softer texture, wrap the focaccia in foil and place it in a preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. The foil will trap the moisture, preventing the bread from drying out and ensuring a soft, tender crumb.
For a quick and convenient method, microwave individual slices of focaccia for 15-20 seconds on high power. Place the slice on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Keep in mind that microwaving may result in a slightly softer texture compared to oven reheating.
To add a fresh burst of flavor, brush the reheated focaccia with a mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil. This will enhance the aroma and taste of the bread, making it feel like it's freshly baked.
Random Fact About Potato and Mixed-Herb Focaccia
Potatoes are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. They are also naturally fat-free and cholesterol-free, making them a healthy addition to any recipe.
Is Making Focaccia at Home Economical?
The cost-effectiveness of this potato and mixed-herb focaccia recipe is quite high. The main ingredients, such as flour and potatoes, are affordable and readily available. The addition of fresh herbs and olive oil may slightly increase the cost, but they are versatile ingredients that can be used in various other dishes. Overall, this recipe is budget-friendly and provides a delicious homemade bread option for the family. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and flavor. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12.
Is Potato and Mixed-Herb Focaccia Healthy or Unhealthy?
This potato and mixed-herb focaccia recipe is a delicious combination of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and herbs. However, it may not be the healthiest option for those watching their calorie or carb intake. The recipe uses bread dough and potatoes, both of which are high in carbohydrates. Additionally, the liberal use of olive oil adds significant calories and fat to the dish.
On the positive side, the recipe incorporates several herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil, which offer various health benefits. These herbs contain antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and essential vitamins and minerals. The use of fresh herbs instead of dried ones enhances the nutritional value of the focaccia.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use whole wheat or multigrain bread dough instead of regular bread dough to increase the fiber content and nutritional value
- Reduce the amount of olive oil used in the recipe, or opt for a lighter brushing of oil on the dough and potatoes
- Experiment with using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes, as they have a lower glycemic index and are rich in vitamins A and C
- Add more vegetables to the topping, such as sliced onions, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes, to increase the nutrient density of the focaccia
- Serve the focaccia with a side salad or vegetable soup to create a more balanced meal
Editor's Opinion on This Focaccia Recipe
This potato and mixed-herb focaccia recipe is a delightful twist on the classic focaccia. The combination of tender baking potatoes and fragrant herbs creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The use of fresh basil adds a pop of freshness to the dish. The recipe's simplicity makes it accessible for home cooks, and the result is a beautiful and delicious focaccia that is perfect for sharing with friends and family.
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Why trust this Potato and Mixed-Herb Focaccia Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful experience with its combination of potatoes, fresh herbs, and bread dough. The use of extra virgin olive oil ensures a rich and flavorful taste, while the inclusion of fresh basil leaves adds a fragrant touch. The careful arrangement and seasoning of the potato slices promise a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. With a focus on quality ingredients and precise instructions, this recipe is a testament to the trustworthiness of its creator.
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