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Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 138 reviews

This Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread is a savory, tangy twist on traditional focaccia, featuring a flavorful garlic sauce, slices of dill pickles, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, this bread combines the richness of sour cream and mayonnaise in the dough with a crisp, golden crust topped with fresh dill.

Ingredients

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Dough Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm water (105°F to 115°F)
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup (72 g) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (172.5 g) sour cream
  • ¼ cup (58 g) mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Garlic Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon dill weed
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Toppings

  • 25–30 dill pickle slices
  • 2 cups (226 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Fresh dill, roughly chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let the mixture rest for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Prepare oil mixture: In a small bowl, mix the extra virgin olive oil, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and kosher salt. This will add aromatic flavor and moisture to the dough.
  3. Combine oil and yeast mixtures: Pour half of the oil mixture into the yeast mixture and stir gently to combine. Set the remaining oil mixture aside for later.
  4. Add dry ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough begins to form.
  5. Incorporate dairy: Add sour cream, mayonnaise, whole milk, and lemon juice into the dough mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients into a smooth, elastic dough.
  6. Let dough rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
  7. Prepare garlic sauce: While the dough rises, mix the minced garlic, dill weed, kosher salt, and ground black pepper in a medium bowl until well combined to form a flavorful garlic sauce.
  8. Preheat oven: When the dough is ready, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
  9. Prepare skillet: Pour the reserved half of the oil mixture into a 12-inch cast-iron skillet. Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the bottom and sides of the skillet to prevent sticking and add flavor.
  10. Shape and dimple dough: Transfer the risen dough into the prepared skillet. Press it out towards the edges with your fingers and create characteristic focaccia dimples by pressing your fingertips into the dough surface.
  11. Add toppings: Spread the prepared garlic sauce evenly across the surface of the dough. Arrange dill pickle slices evenly on top of the sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pickles for a delicious, melted finish.
  12. Bake the focaccia: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  13. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped dill over the focaccia for a burst of herbal freshness. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Ensure water temperature is between 105°F to 115°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet for the best crust texture and even baking.
  • Adjust the number of dill pickle slices based on preference for tanginess.
  • Fresh dill garnish adds both color and a fresh herbal aroma to the finished focaccia.
  • Let the bread cool for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set slightly for easier slicing.

Keywords: focaccia, dill pickle bread, garlic focaccia, savory bread, Italian bread, homemade focaccia, cheese bread, appetizer bread

Find it online: https://dinewithlily.com/dill-pickle-focaccia-bread-recipe/