Mmm, Italian . . . Peppered Focaccia

Last week, I shard a Baked Spaghetti recipe. Well, this Peppered Focaccia would be perfect paired with it. I love Italian food and this bread is really good. I found it in one of my old Betty Crocker cookbooks and had to give it a try. The dough is somewhat sweet and the addition of some good mozzarella and peppers helps to balance that sweetness out. 

Peppered Focaccia 

1 package active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (105-115 degrees)
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 3/4 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 of a medium green bell pepper, cut into thin slices
1/2 of a medium red bell pepper, cut into thin slices
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon each of dried basil, oregano, garlic powder and salt

Dissolve yeast in warm water in large bowl.  Beat in sugar, 2 tablespoons oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 1/2 cups of flour on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping bowl constantly. Beat on medium speed about five minutes, scraping bowl occasionally, until batter is elastic and pulls away from side of bowl. Stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough. Cover and let rise in warm place about 1 hour or until double.

Grease 2 cookie sheets. Stir down dough; divide in half. Place each half on cookie sheet; press into 12 inch circle (I made one a circle and the other an odd looking rectangle shape). Brush each circle with about 1 tablespoon oil. Top with half each of cheese, peppers, herbs, and salt. Let stand 10-12 minutes. Heat oven to 425 degrees. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Cut into wedges and serve hot.

*If you want, you can sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top after you finish cooking the focaccia.
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There you have it. Your own Peppered Focaccia italian flatbread recipe. You don't have to stick with the ingredients above. You can make this your own. I think a nice dessert focaccia would be really good. A little cinnamon and sugar! Yum!!

Definitely give this a try on your next spaghetti night. I'd love to hear about your favorite Italian food. Mine is definitely ziti or lasagna. Share yours in the comments below, or send me your favorite Italian recipe.

Thanks for reading!
NB