This easy focaccia with strawberries and feta is finished with a balsamic glaze and makes a lovely side dish or light lunch. It’s simple to prepare and delicious.
This easy focaccia topped with strawberries, feta and a balsamic glaze surprised everyone at my table — including the kids.
My kids jumped at the chance to try it. Maybe they just have adventurous tastes — they’ve loved black olives since they were toddlers — but they genuinely went crazy for this focaccia. They even asked for extra balsamic glaze, although it’s delicious without it too.
I don’t mind at all. When a recipe becomes a family favorite it gets made often, and this bread holds up well as leftovers. It’s great warm from the oven or cold the next day, which makes it convenient for lunches when everyone is in a hurry.
We enjoyed a warm wedge with dinner and cold slices for lunch the following day — both ways were excellent. If you like sweet-and-salty flavor combinations, this is a simple, satisfying variation on traditional focaccia.
What makes focaccia bread different?
Focaccia is an Italian yeast bread baked in a rimmed sheet pan. The dough is enriched with olive oil and often finished with coarse salt, herbs, or vegetables. Because of that versatility, topping focaccia with fruit — like strawberries — plus salty feta and a drizzle of balsamic glaze works surprisingly well.
What is the difference between focaccia and pizza dough?
The main difference is the amount of leavening. Focaccia uses more yeast or longer rise time, so it rises higher and develops an airy, chewy crumb. Pizza dough is usually made with less leavening so it stays thinner.
How do you store focaccia?
Plain focaccia can be stored at room temperature in a sealed bag for a day or two. Because this version includes feta, I prefer to refrigerate leftovers. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or enjoy cold.
How to make Easy Focaccia with Strawberries and Feta
- This dough requires no kneading. Mix the ingredients with a dough whisk or wooden spoon until all the flour is hydrated — about two minutes of stirring.
- Don’t overbake: the focaccia should have a crisp crust but remain chewy inside.
- If you prefer the feta to stay softer, add it in the last five minutes of baking or sprinkle it on after baking.
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus 2–4 tablespoons for dusting
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 cups very warm water (about 100°F / 37°C)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/8–1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2–4 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast and salt.
- Add the very warm water and stir with a wooden spoon or dough whisk until all the flour is hydrated and there are no dry patches. This takes a few minutes.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Brush a rimmed baking sheet with 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and press it out with lightly oiled hands to form an 11 x 14-inch rectangle.
- Brush the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil over the dough, dimple and gently stretch it, then sprinkle with sea salt.
- Cover with a clean towel and let it rest 45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- Uncover, scatter the chopped strawberries and feta over the dough, and bake on the middle rack for 20–23 minutes, until golden brown.
- Let cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze, slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator; they are tasty reheated or cold.
Easy Focaccia with Strawberries and Feta
This easy focaccia with strawberries and feta is topped with balsamic glaze and makes a perfect side or light lunch. Simple to make and crowd-pleasing.
20 minutes
20 minutes
2 hours 45 minutes
3 hours 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus 2–4 tablespoons for dusting
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 cups very warm water (about 100°F / 37°C)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/8–1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2–4 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together the flour, yeast and salt.
- Add the warm water and stir until the flour is fully hydrated.
- Cover tightly and let rise until doubled, about 2 hours.
- Brush a rimmed baking sheet with 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil.
- Press the dough into an 11×14-inch rectangle on the sheet, using oiled hands.
- Brush remaining oil over the dough, dimple it, and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Cover and rest for 45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- Top the dough with strawberries and feta, then bake 20–23 minutes until golden.
- Cool briefly in the pan, transfer to a rack, and drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8
Serving Size:
1 piece
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 288
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 8mg
Sodium: 719mg
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 7g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and portions.
This Easy Focaccia with Strawberries and Feta recipe was also shared on Food Fanatic.