Creamy Tomato and Herb Focaccia

Light, airy, and golden-crusted, this focaccia is elevated with dollops of cream cheese, juicy tomatoes, and a touch of rosemary. A stunning centerpiece for your table, delicious served warm with a drizzle of olive oil.

Creamy Tomato and Herb Focaccia

Light, airy, and golden-crusted, this focaccia is elevated with dollops of cream cheese, juicy tomatoes, and a touch of rosemary. A stunning centerpiece for your table, delicious served warm with a drizzle of olive oil.

Info

Prep Time:

10m

Cook Time:

20m

Difficulty Level:

Ingredients

Serves 12

For the Starter (Yeast Mix)

  • 100 g warm water
  • 1 sachet dry yeast (8 g)
  • 2 pinches sugar
  • 70 g strong flour

For the Dough

  • 460 g strong flour
  • 350 g warm water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Extra olive oil, for greasing the pan and topping
  • Fresh rosemary, to taste
  • 150 g cream cheese
  • Tomato slices, as needed
  • Sea salt flakes
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Equipment
  • Large mixing bowl
  • 20 x 30 cm (or similar) baking tray
  • Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap

Directions

  1. Activate the Yeast
    In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently to dissolve. Add the 70 g of flour and mix well. Cover and let it sit for 10 minutes until bubbly and foamy.

  2. Prepare the Dough
    In a large bowl, mix the remaining flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and warm water. Stir with a spoon until the dough fully absorbs the flour—it will be very wet and sticky.
    Drizzle in the olive oil and gently fold it into the dough using the spoon until incorporated. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.

  3. Stretch & Fold Technique
    Wet your fingertips and gently stretch and fold the dough from all four sides toward the center. Cover and rest for 20 minutes.
    Repeat this stretch-fold-rest cycle three more times.
    By the fourth fold, the dough will have visible air bubbles, a silky texture, and increased elasticity.

  4. Shape the Focaccia
    Generously oil your baking tray and its sides. Give the dough one final fold, then transfer it to the center of the tray.
    Drizzle a little olive oil over the top and gently spread the dough to the edges with your hands. Cover and let it rise for 45–60 minutes, until doubled in size.

  5. Topping & Baking
    Preheat your oven to 200–220°C (fan).
    Drizzle more olive oil over the risen dough. Oil your fingers and dimple the surface by pressing down gently.
    Spoon dollops of cream cheese into the dimples, arrange tomato slices, and scatter rosemary on top.
    Sprinkle with sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper.

  6. Bake for 20 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
    Transfer to a wire rack and let cool slightly to keep the crust crisp and the interior fluffy.

Recipe Tips

Slice into generous squares and enjoy warm. For extra indulgence, spread with more cream cheese while still hot.

A traditional Greek-style beef roast served with thick spaghetti, tender beef slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce, and plenty of finely grated kefalotyri cheese. This comforting, old-fashioned dish is perfect for a family gathering or a festive table

Argiro Barbarigou

From powdered milk to the cheese pies of the 1980s and the colorful snacks of the ’90s, the story of school food offers a glimpse into Greece’s changing relationship with eating, childhood and everyday life

By Dora Mastora

Tender calamari baked until golden and crisp, tossed with cherry tomatoes, Parmesan, olives, and aromatic herbs. This easy and flavorful dish comes together quickly and is finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon

Argiro Barbarigou

A rich and hearty Greek pie made with eggplant, ground beef, cheese, and aromatic herbs, all wrapped in layers of crisp phyllo pastry. The filling is wonderfully juicy and flavorful, while the golden, crunchy phyllo adds the perfect contrast

Argiro Barbarigou
ALTER EGO MEDIA brand © 2026 TOVIMA.COM • All rights reserved.
Cookies