Focaccia w/ Pesto Rosso

I know this feels annoying, but please read through the entire recipe before getting started!

This was my first foray into making focaccia – I’ve eaten many, but hadn’t made it myself. I do not have a sourdough starter, and didn’t want to assume you do, so I tinkered with a yeast recipe from King Arthur. Because my family can’t have bread without a dip, a delicious Pesto Rosso recipe is included here. It makes more than you’ll need so use it as a sandwich spread or with pasta (I included it in a sheet pan bake with of some roasted cauliflower, Italian sausage and kale).

If the weather is cold, the written rise times may increase, or even double. See the Make Ahead tip below for an overnight cold rise!

Focaccia is best the day it is made. My family ate it with a soup dinner on day one, and used the other pieces for sandwiches the next day.

Focaccia recipe adapted from King Arthur.