Maine Blueberry and Cheddar Focaccia
Maine Blueberry and Cheddar Focaccia
This unique bread from the East Coast of the United States combines the sweetness of fresh Maine blueberries with the tanginess of cheddar cheese. The combination of the soft, fluffy focaccia and the crunch of toasted pecans will leave you craving for more.
š Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon Active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups Warm water
- 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 2 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Fresh Maine blueberries
- 1/4 cup Toasted pecans, chopped
- 1 large Egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon Honey
šØāš³ Instructions
- 1
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until the yeast is activated.
- 2
Step 2: Add salt, butter, and 1 cup of flour to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- 3
Step 3: Gradually add the remaining 1 1/2 cups of flour, one cup at a time, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- 4
Step 4: Knead the dough for 10-12 minutes until it becomes soft and pliable.
- 5
Step 5: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- 6
Step 6: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 7
Step 7: Punch down the dough, then roll it out into a 1/4-inch thick rectangle.
- 8
Step 8: Sprinkle the cheddar cheese, blueberries, and toasted pecans evenly over the dough.
- 9
Step 9: Fold the dough in half lengthwise, and then cut it into 6 equal pieces.
- 10
Step 10: Place the bread pieces onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each bread.
š” Pro Tips
To ensure the blueberries don't sink to the bottom, gently fold them into the dough before cutting it into pieces. For an extra crispy crust, bake the bread for an additional 5-7 minutes.