Wood-Fired Focaccia with Fresh Mozzarella and Herb Drizzle

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

An aromatic focaccia topped with melted fresh mozzarella and a bright herb oil drizzle, perfect as a starter or accompaniment to meals. This Italian-inspired pizza recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs All-purpose flour, Warm water, Active dry yeast for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast in 1 1/4 cups warm water (105°F to 110°F). Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 cup olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. Step 4: Preheat oven to 475°F with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
  5. Step 5: Gently press the risen dough onto a 12x16-inch baking sheet lined with parchment paper, dimpling the surface with fingertips. Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over dough, sprinkle 1 tsp coarse sea salt, and bake for 12 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven, arrange 8 oz sliced fresh mozzarella evenly on top, and return to oven for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts and edges are golden.
  7. Step 7: Meanwhile, mix 2 tbsp chopped rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped thyme, and 2 minced garlic cloves with 2 tbsp olive oil.
  8. Step 8: Remove focaccia from oven and immediately drizzle herb oil over the hot cheese. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Wood-Fired Focaccia with Fresh Mozzarella and Herb Drizzle take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Wood-Fired Focaccia with Fresh Mozzarella and Herb Drizzle?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Wood-Fired Focaccia with Fresh Mozzarella and Herb Drizzle?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Wood-Fired Focaccia with Fresh Mozzarella and Herb Drizzle for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Wood-Fired Focaccia with Fresh Mozzarella and Herb Drizzle?

Italian pizza like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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