Go Back

Pesto Focaccia Bread (No-Knead)

A simple, no-knead focaccia bread infused with rich pesto that brings flavor and ease to home baking, making it a perfect addition to any meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Bread, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 ⅔ cups bread flour Adds chewiness and structure.
  • 2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour Balances texture and softness.
  • ½ tablespoon kosher salt Essential for flavor.
  • 2 ½ teaspoons instant yeast Ensures rising without the wait.
Wet Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon honey Provides sweetness and balanced fermentation.
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Enhances flavor and texture.
  • 2 ½ cups lukewarm water Activates yeast effectively.
Flavor Enhancers
  • ½ cup pesto Infuses rich flavor.
  • flaky sea salt Essential for topping, adds a crunch and taste.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a very large bowl, mix together the bread flour, all-purpose flour, salt, and yeast until well combined.
  2. In another bowl, combine the honey, olive oil, and lukewarm water, then pour this mixture into the flour.
  3. Use a dough whisk or wooden spoon to mix the dough until no dry bits remain.
  4. Cover the bowl with a dish towel and let the dough relax for 5 minutes to hydrate.
Folding and Resting
  1. Wet your hands, go halfway under the dough, lift it up, and fold it over itself. Rotate the bowl a quarter turn and repeat. Do this for a total of 4 folds, resting for 5 minutes in between.
  2. Complete two more series of folds and rests for a total of three folding sessions.
  3. Drizzle the dough with olive oil, ensuring it is fully coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 12 hours or up to 3 days.
Baking
  1. Generously oil a 9×13” metal pan. Turn the chilled dough out into the pan and gently fold the edges under to form a rectangle.
  2. Use your fingers to gently spread the dough into the corners of the pan. Drizzle more olive oil on top to prevent any drying.
  3. Allow the dough to sit in a warm place for about 2-3 hours until it is airy and fills the pan completely.
  4. Once the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 450℉.
  5. Spoon dollops of pesto across the surface of the dough, then use your fingers to press it down into the dough, allowing for dimples and bubbles to form.
  6. Finish by sprinkling flaky sea salt across the top.
  7. Bake the focaccia for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
  8. Use a spatula to remove the bread from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool for a few minutes.
  9. Slice with a serrated knife and enjoy!

Notes

Serve warm with extra olive oil or toasted with garlic butter. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap to store for 2-3 days at room temperature or freeze for up to 3 months.