If you love fresh, homemade bread with a delicious twist, Easy Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia Bread is the perfect recipe for you. This fluffy, golden focaccia is infused with the rich flavor of cheddar cheese and topped with tender, sautéed broccoli. The combination of the savory, cheesy goodness with the earthy taste of broccoli makes this bread an irresistible addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, a snack, or as part of a hearty sandwich, this focaccia will become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

The first time I baked this focaccia, I was craving something cheesy but also wanted to incorporate some veggies. After experimenting with a few flavors, I decided to try broccoli and cheddar. As the bread baked, the smell filled the house, and when I pulled it out of the oven, it looked even better than I’d imagined—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with flavor. The first bite was pure perfection: the cheese melted into the dough, and the broccoli added a savory crunch that complemented the bread perfectly. It quickly became a go-to recipe, and now I make it regularly for family dinners and gatherings.

Whether you’re new to making focaccia or an experienced baker, this recipe is simple, quick, and guaranteed to impress your friends and family with its savory, cheesy flavors.

Why This Easy Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia Bread?

Selling Points:
Simple and Quick: The dough requires minimal effort and rises quickly, making this recipe a breeze.
Cheesy and Savory: The combination of cheddar cheese and broccoli brings out a delightful balance of flavors.
Versatile: This focaccia pairs well with soups, stews, salads, or can be enjoyed on its own as a snack.
Perfect for Beginners: The recipe doesn’t require special equipment or advanced techniques, making it ideal for those new to baking.

What You Need for Easy Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia Bread

• Ingredients:
  For the Dough:
  2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  1 tsp sugar
  1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
  3 cups all-purpose flour
  1 tsp salt
  1/4 cup olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
  1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
  1/4 cup milk
• For the Topping:
  1 cup fresh broccoli florets, chopped
  1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  1 tbsp olive oil
  Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Easy Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia Bread

• Prepare the Dough:
  In a small bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, olive oil, and milk. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together.
• Knead the Dough:
  Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
• Let the Dough Rise:
  Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
• Prepare the Broccoli:
  While the dough is rising, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the chopped broccoli and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until it becomes tender. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat and set aside.
• Assemble the Focaccia:
  Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Use your hands to spread the dough evenly across the pan.
• Using your fingers, dimple the dough by pressing it gently all over. Drizzle a little olive oil on top, then sprinkle the sautéed broccoli and shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the dough.
• Let the Dough Rise Again:
  Cover the pan with a cloth and let the dough rise for an additional 30 minutes, allowing it to puff up slightly.
• Bake the Focaccia:
  Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The edges should be crispy, and the cheese on top should be melted and bubbly.
• Serve and Enjoy:
  Once the focaccia is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy warm with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of sea salt on top!

Tips for the Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia Bread
Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli will give the bread a better texture and flavor compared to frozen.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can lead to a tough texture, so be gentle when combining the ingredients.
Add Extra Cheese: If you love cheese, feel free to add more shredded cheddar on top or mix some into the dough for extra flavor.
Experiment with Herbs: Add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough or sprinkle on top for added flavor.

Substitutions and Variations
Vegan Version: Use non-dairy milk and vegan cheddar cheese for a plant-based version of this focaccia.
Herb Infusion: Add dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the dough for an herbal twist.
Other Veggies: You can swap broccoli with other vegetables like spinach, roasted peppers, or even caramelized onions for a different flavor.

Make a Healthier Version
Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrition.
Reduce the Cheese: Use less cheese or a lighter cheese, like reduced-fat cheddar, to make the bread less indulgent.
Lower Oil: You can reduce the amount of olive oil used in the dough and topping to make the recipe lighter.

Closing for Easy Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia Bread

Easy Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia Bread is a delicious, cheesy, and veggie-packed twist on the classic focaccia recipe. It’s perfect for anyone who loves fresh, homemade bread with a savory topping that’s both satisfying and versatile. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, a snack, or even as a light meal on its own, this focaccia is sure to impress. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this bread is bound to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia Bread

1. Can I make this focaccia ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise before baking.

2. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Fresh broccoli is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but if using frozen broccoli, be sure to thaw and drain it well before sautéing.

3. Can I add other toppings?
Yes, feel free to add other toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted garlic to customize your focaccia to your liking.

4. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month. Just reheat before serving.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture might differ slightly from traditional focaccia.

Enjoy making this Easy Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia Bread! It’s an incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make bread that’s perfect for any occasion. Happy baking!

Easy Broccoli Cheddar Focaccia Bread

Recipe by Alexandra SaricolCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Dough:

• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/4 cup olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)

• 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese

• 1/4 cup milk

• For the Topping:

• 1 cup fresh broccoli florets, chopped

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

• Prepare the Dough:
• In a small bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, olive oil, and milk. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together.
• Knead the Dough:
• Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
• Let the Dough Rise:
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
• Prepare the Broccoli:
• While the dough is rising, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the chopped broccoli and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until it becomes tender. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat and set aside.
• Assemble the Focaccia:
• Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Use your hands to spread the dough evenly across the pan.
• Using your fingers, dimple the dough by pressing it gently all over. Drizzle a little olive oil on top, then sprinkle the sautéed broccoli and shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the dough.
• Let the Dough Rise Again:
• Cover the pan with a cloth and let the dough rise for an additional 30 minutes, allowing it to puff up slightly.
• Bake the Focaccia:
• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The edges should be crispy, and the cheese on top should be melted and bubbly.
• Serve and Enjoy:
• Once the focaccia is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy warm with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of sea salt on top!