Jalapeño Cheddar Focaccia

 Jalapeño Cheddar Focaccia is a delightful twist on the classic Italian flatbread, adding a kick of spice and the rich flavor of cheddar. Here's a recipe for making Jalapeño Cheddar Focaccia:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

For the Topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2-3 jalapeños, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt, to taste

For Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
• Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.

2. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.

3. Shape the Focaccia:

• Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.
• Press the dough into a rectangular shape, about 1/2 inch thick. If needed, you can use your fingers to create dimples in the dough.

4. Add Toppings:

• Drizzle the olive oil over the surface of the dough.
• Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the dough.
• Place jalapeño slices on top of the cheese.
• Sprinkle with dried oregano and a pinch of salt.

5. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the focaccia is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Garnish:

• Optional: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the hot focaccia for added flavor and freshness.

7. Serve:

• Allow the focaccia to cool slightly before slicing. Serve it warm as an appetizer, snack, or alongside your favorite soup.

Enjoy your homemade Jalapeño Cheddar Focaccia with its delightful combination of spiciness and cheesy goodness!