Pesto Focaccia for Two 🥖💕
Neena BrostowskiLove is in the Air (and So is the Smell of Fresh Bread!)
There’s something undeniably romantic about baking bread together—the scent of fresh dough rising, the anticipation of that first warm bite, and the joy of sharing something homemade. This Pesto Focaccia for Two is the perfect way to add a touch of coziness to your Valentine’s Day, whether you're cooking with a partner or treating yourself to something special.
This small-batch focaccia isn’t just a treat for the taste buds—it’s an experience. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or a cozy night in, this focaccia pairs beautifully with a side of fresh salad, making it a complete, satisfying meal. Topped with pesto, juicy grape tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, and finished with melted aged cheddar, this recipe is a labour of love worth savouring.
Unlike traditional focaccia, which requires creating those iconic pockets by pressing your fingers into the dough, this version keeps things super simple. No extra steps—just a focus on great flavour and minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- ½ cup warm water (110-115°F)
- ½ tbsp sugar
- ½ tbsp instant yeast
- 1 ½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the topping:
- 3 tbsp pesto
- 1 tbsp cottage cheese
- Handful of sliced grape tomatoes
- Handful of sliced Kalamata olives
- ¼ - ½ cup grated aged cheddar (measure with your heat)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the instant yeast on top. While instant yeast doesn’t require blooming, this method results in a better texture and flavour.
- Stir in the olive oil and salt.
- Gradually mix in the flour until well incorporated. The dough will be wet and sticky—don’t knead it.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot to rise for 3 hours, or until doubled in size. If your kitchen is cool, preheat the oven to 200°F and set the bowl nearby to encourage rising.
2. Shape the Dough
- After the dough has doubled, sprinkle in ¼ cup additional flour and mix by hand until just combined. The dough will still be sticky, but that’s okay.
- Grease a 9”x9” Pyrex glass baking dish with olive oil and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
- Transfer the dough to the dish and gently press and stretch it to evenly distribute it across the pan.
3. Add the Toppings & Final Rise
- Mix pesto with cottage cheese and spread it over the dough.
- Arrange sliced grape tomatoes on top, pressing them slightly into the dough. Fill in the gaps with sliced Kalamata olives.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm spot for 45 minutes to 1 hour. The dough will puff up slightly, and the tomatoes will begin to sink into it.
4. Bake the Focaccia
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Remove the plastic wrap and bake for 20 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to 400°F and bake for another 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle the focaccia with grated aged cheddar and broil on low until the cheese is melted. If you prefer golden, bubbly cheese, broil for an extra minute or two.
5. Serve & Enjoy
Let the focaccia cool for a few minutes before slicing into it. Serve warm, perhaps with a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze for extra indulgence. Pair it with a crisp, fresh salad for the ultimate Valentine’s Day spread.
A Love Letter to Bread
This Pesto Focaccia for Two is more than just a recipe—it’s a moment to slow down, enjoy the process, and share something delicious with someone special. Whether paired with a glass of wine, a side of fresh greens, or simply enjoyed on its own, it’s the perfect way to celebrate love, comfort, and the magic of homemade bread.
Would you try this for Valentine’s Day? Let me know in the comments! ❤️
With love from my kitchen to yours,
—Neena