Description
This vibrant Focaccia Charcuterie Board combines a soft, golden homemade focaccia topped with melted brie cheese and an assortment of delightful charcuterie items such as sliced cheeses, candied nuts, fresh fruits, and savory beef salami. Perfect for entertaining, this recipe brings a beautiful and delicious centerpiece full of flavor and texture to your table.
Ingredients
Focaccia Dough
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons avocado oil
Charcuterie Toppings
- 1 (4.5-ounce) wheel brie cheese
- Sliced cheeses (variety as desired)
- Candied walnuts
- Candied pecans
- Red & green grapes
- Strawberries
- Beef salami
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine warm water, instant yeast, salt, flour, and ¼ cup of avocado oil. Beat at high speed until the dough is well combined and sticky, about 1 minute. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides as needed for even mixing.
- First Rising: Use the spatula to gently shape the dough into a neat ball. Cover the bowl with a clean, slightly damp kitchen towel or oiled plastic wrap. Let the dough rest at room temperature until it doubles in size and is puffed, which will take at least 1 hour and up to 12 hours for best flavor.
- Shape the Dough: Coat a 10 x 15-inch or 9 x 13-inch sheet pan with 1 tablespoon of avocado oil. Transfer the risen dough onto the pan, spreading it with your fingers evenly to reach each edge. Cover again with the towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for an additional 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the focaccia.
- Prepare for Baking: Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of avocado oil over the dough. Using your fingers, gently press dimples all over the surface of the dough to create the signature focaccia texture. Place the wheel of brie cheese right in the center of the dough.
- Bake the Focaccia: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the focaccia turns golden brown and emits a fragrant aroma. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes until comfortably warm to touch.
- Add Charcuterie Toppings: Arrange the sliced cheeses, candied walnuts and pecans, red and green grapes, strawberries, and beef salami around the baked brie on top of the focaccia. Cut into the brie and focaccia to serve and enjoy this beautiful and flavorful charcuterie board.
Notes
- Allowing the dough to rest longer (up to 12 hours) can improve flavor and texture.
- Use room temperature water to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- You can customize the charcuterie toppings based on preference or seasonal availability.
- If you don't have a stand mixer, you can mix and knead the dough by hand.
- Make sure the oven is fully preheated before baking to ensure even cooking and golden crust.
