Pesto Focaccia Bread Recipes

Steps:

• Select 1 1/2 pound loaf size.
• Add ingredients except pesto to machine according to manufacturer's directions.
• Select the dough cycle, when the cycle is complete, remove dough, punch down.
• Cover and allow to rest 10 minutes.
• Place dough on greased 11-12" pizza pan.
• Using the palms of your hands, pat dough into an even round just smaller than pan; using your fingertips, poke dough all over to dimple surface.
• Spread pesto over the dough.
• Cover loosely and let rise in a warm place 30 minutes; bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes.
• Serve warm or cool, cut into wedges. Leftovers can be store in the freezer.

Steps:

• Cut bread in half horizontally, using a serrated knife.
• Spread pesto evenly over cut sides of bread.
• Layer ham and next 3 ingredients evenly over bottom half. Top with remaining bread half.
• Wrap in aluminum foil.
• Bake at 450 for 10 minutes. Cut into six wedges.

Steps:

• Put the flour into a bowl and mix in the salt. Mix the yeast into 325ml tepid water. Add the water and oil to the flour, then mix well with a plastic scraper or your hands. When most of the liquid is incorporated, use your hands to bring all the ingredients together into a ball of dough.
• Tip the dough out onto a worktop lightly dusted with flour and work it by pulling and stretching for at least 10 mins. Try to get as much air into it as possible. Put the ball of worked dough into a well-oiled bowl, cover with a little more oil and a tea towel or cling film. Leave to rest for 1 hr or so in a non-draughty warm spot, until doubled in size.
• Now stretch the dough out onto a baking sheet until it's about 20 x 30cm. Leave the dough to rise again to about half as high again, about 30-40 mins in a warm draught-free place, loosely covered with a tea towel.
• Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. When the dough has risen, press your fingers into it gently to make some holes. Bake for about 15 mins, then remove from the oven. Tear over the mozzarella, then bake for another 5-10 mins until golden and cooked through. Drizzle over the pesto and scatter with sea salt, if you like. Serve straight away.