Description
A thin, crisp Ligurian flatbread filled with creamy, melty cheese — Focaccia di Recco is an Italian classic that’s light, flaky, and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water (plus more if needed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
- 10 oz fresh crescenza or stracchino cheese (or substitute with very soft mozzarella or cream cheese)
- Coarse sea salt, for topping
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Slowly add warm water and olive oil, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Divide dough in half, cover both portions with a damp towel, and let rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Preheat oven to 480°F (250°C) and lightly oil a large baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Roll one dough portion out very thin (as thin as possible without tearing) and transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
- Spread small dollops of crescenza cheese evenly over the surface, leaving a slight border.
- Roll out the second dough half and carefully lay it over the cheese. Press edges to seal and trim any excess.
- Gently stretch the top layer to eliminate air pockets, then poke a few small holes on top with a fork or knife to allow steam to escape.
- Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
- Bake for 7–10 minutes, or until golden and crisp with melted cheese bubbling through.
- Slice and serve immediately while hot and melty.
Notes
- For best results, use crescenza or stracchino cheese for authentic flavor and texture.
- Roll the dough as thinly as possible — it should be nearly translucent.
- Work quickly when assembling to prevent the dough from drying out.
- Serve hot for optimal melt and crispness.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
