Ingredients
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
Garlic Sauce
- ¾ cup (172.5 g) sour cream
- ¼ cup (58 g) mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dill weed
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Topping
- 25-30 dill pickle slices
- 2 cups (226 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Fresh dill, roughly chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup warm water (105°F to 115°F), 1 teaspoon active dry yeast, and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it rest for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Prepare oil mixture: In a small bowl, mix ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
- Combine oil mixture with yeast: Pour half of the oil mixture into the yeast mixture and stir to combine. Set the remaining half aside for later use.
- Add flour: Gradually add 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour into the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Let dough rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare garlic sauce: While the dough rises, combine ¾ cup sour cream, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons whole milk, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, ½ teaspoon dill weed, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper in a medium bowl. Stir well to blend.
- Preheat the oven: When the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Prepare the skillet: Pour the remaining oil mixture into a 12-inch cast-iron skillet. Use a pastry brush to coat the bottom and sides evenly.
- Shape the dough: Place the risen dough into the skillet and press it out evenly to the edges. Use your fingers to create dimples all over the dough surface.
- Add toppings: Spread the prepared garlic sauce evenly over the dough. Arrange 25-30 dill pickle slices over the sauce, then sprinkle 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake the focaccia: Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the focaccia from the oven and garnish with roughly chopped fresh dill before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the water is between 105°F and 115°F to activate the yeast properly.
- Using a cast-iron skillet gives the focaccia a nice crispy crust, but a baking pan can be used if unavailable.
- For extra flavor, use garlic powder in the dough in addition to fresh garlic.
- Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
- Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American