Focaccia bread with ricotta and spinach is a soft and delicious savory sourdough product , ideal as a bread substitute for a tasty lunch; you can also serve it as an aperitif .
To make it, we prepare the dough with flour, milk, water, dry brewer’s yeast, sugar, seed oil and salt; after the fermentation phase , we spread the dough in the pan and make holes in the dough with the ice cube tray.
To complete the preparation, simply fill the holes made in the dough with the ricotta and spinach mixture and then sprinkle some grated cheese on top. The ricotta and spinach bread must then bake in the oven for about 40 minutes and will then be very soft and ready to eat: it tastes excellent both hot and cold.
What makes focaccia bread different from other types of bread?
Focaccia bread stands out among the many types of bread for its distinct characteristics and rich culinary heritage. Originating in Italy, focaccia is known for its moist, yet airy texture. It is typically thicker than many other flatbreads.
The key to its unique texture lies in its high olive oil content , which not only enriches the flavor but also creates a soft, yet slightly chewy crumb with a crispy crust. Unlike many other types of bread, focaccia is often seasoned with aromatic herbs such as rosemary, salt, and sometimes garlic , which are incorporated directly into the dough or sprinkled on top before baking.
This gives it a savory depth that makes it versatile to pair with a variety of dishes or simply enjoy it plain. Additionally, the dough is dimpled before baking, which helps retain moisture and allows toppings such as herbs, onions, or olives to embed themselves into the bread, enhancing its flavor and texture. These unique characteristics make focaccia a delicious culinary experience that is different from more traditional loaves of bread.
What can you combine with focaccia bread with ricotta and spinach?
Focaccia with Ricotta and Spinach is a flavorful and versatile dish that pairs beautifully with numerous side dishes and will elevate any meal. Thanks to the rich, creamy ricotta and bright spinach topping, it’s ideal with a bold tomato soup or a fresh mixed green salad , adding a pleasantly light yet hearty touch to your lunch or dinner. For a more sumptuous combination, try it with slices of prosciutto or a selection of Italian cured meats and cheeses to create a delicious antipasto platter.
Focaccia also pairs well with pasta dishes , particularly those with lighter sauces like Alfredo or pesto , where its fluffy texture and hearty flavor help soak up excess sauce. For a quick snack or appetizer, simply cut the focaccia into bite-sized pieces and serve with a bowl of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. These combinations bring out the subtle yet distinctive flavors of ricotta and spinach, making focaccia a versatile addition to any dining occasion.
Tips and variations
– Make sure the milk and water are slightly warm (not hot) so the yeast will activate more effectively. If it is too hot, the yeast may die, if it is too cold, it will not activate properly.
– Make sure the dough is in a warm, draft-free place to rise. Sometimes an oven with the lights on (but the heat off) is an ideal place.
– Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic . This may take about 10 minutes by hand. Proper kneading improves the consistency of the dough.
– Instead of ricotta, you can try other cheeses such as feta for a spicier taste or a mix of mozzarella and parmesan for a more elastic consistency and richer flavor.
– Add diced cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or even some diced bacon or sausage to add extra flavor and heartiness to the stuffing.
– In addition to or instead of spinach, you can use kale, chard or a mix of leafy greens . Sautéed onions, garlic or leeks also work well.
– Fresh herbs such as basil, thyme or dill can complement the flavours wonderfully. A pinch of nutmeg goes well with spinach and ricotta.Baking
– Before adding the filling, pre-bake the dough for about 10 minutes. This will prevent the base from becoming soggy.
– Brush not only the top but also the edges of the dough with egg to get a nice golden brown crust all around.
– After baking, garnish with fresh herbs or a light drizzle of olive oil for extra freshness and flavor.
– Serve with some marinara sauce or a creamy garlic sauce for dipping.
– Instead of baking one large piece, make individual pockets by dividing the dough into smaller pieces, filling them, folding them and closing them like dumplings.
How to Store Ricotta Spinach Focaccia Bread
You can store the ricotta spinach focaccia bread in a plastic bag or food-safe paper bag for 1-2 days .
Find out how to make focaccia bread with ricotta and spinach by following our recipe and tips step by step.
Ingredients
For the dough
milk
210 ml
Water
110 ml
Dry yeast
7 grams
Zucker
12 grams
Vegetable oil
110 ml
Flour
520 grams
Salt
10 grams
For the filling
Ricotta cheese
220 grams
Spinach
160 grams
olive oil
sea-salt
Pfeffer
protein
1
You also need
Egg wash
grated cheese
How to bake focaccia bread with ricotta and spinach
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