Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my Thanksgiving focaccia! This isn’t just any bread; it’s a beautiful, festive centerpiece that fills your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of the holidays. Imagine pulling a golden-brown focaccia out of the oven, its surface adorned with vibrant toppings of turkey, cranberry sauce, and fresh herbs. Every bite is a delightful mix of savory and sweet that perfectly captures the spirit of Thanksgiving. I remember the first time I made it for my family; their faces lit up as we gathered around the table, and it became a new holiday tradition. Trust me, your guests will rave about this dish, and it’s so easy to make! It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season while using up those Thanksgiving leftovers. Get ready to impress everyone with this delicious, unique bread!

Ingredients List

• 4 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base for your focaccia, providing that lovely, chewy texture.
• 1 packet instant yeast: This will help your dough rise quickly and beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon salt: Essential for flavor; it enhances all the other ingredients.
• 1 tablespoon sugar: Just a touch to balance the flavors and feed the yeast.
• 1 3/4 cups warm water: This helps activate the yeast and create a soft dough.
• 1/4 cup olive oil: Adds richness and flavor, making your focaccia extra delicious.
• 1 cup cooked and chopped turkey: A fantastic way to use up leftovers and add heartiness.
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce: Sweet and tangy, it gives a festive kick to each bite.
• 1/2 cup chopped herbs (rosemary, thyme): Fresh herbs bring a wonderful aroma and flavor.
• 1/2 cup sliced olives: These add a briny depth that complements the other toppings perfectly.

How to Prepare Thanksgiving Focaccia

Making Thanksgiving focaccia is easier than you might think, and I promise it’s worth every minute of effort! Let’s dive into the steps to create this festive bread that your family will adore.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. First, grab a large mixing bowl and combine your 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 packet of instant yeast, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Mix them well; this is your dry mixture.
2. Now, gently add 1 3/4 cups of warm water and 1/4 cup of olive oil. Stir until everything is just combined; the dough will be a bit sticky, and that’s perfectly okay!
3. Next, flour your countertop and knead the dough for about 10 minutes. You want it to become smooth and elastic, so don’t rush this step!
4. Once your dough is ready, place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This is where the magic happens!
5. While your dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). You want it nice and hot for that perfect crust.
6. After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles, then spread it out onto a greased baking sheet. Don’t worry about making it perfect; rustic is the way to go!
7. Now, it’s time to top your focaccia! Spread 1 cup of cooked and chopped turkey, 1/2 cup of cranberry sauce, 1/2 cup of chopped herbs, and 1/2 cup of sliced olives all over the surface.
8. Bake it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly.
9. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool slightly before slicing. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep Time: With just 15 minutes of hands-on work, you’ll have a stunning dish ready for the oven.
• Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to baking, this focaccia is straightforward and forgiving.
• Delicious Flavors: The combination of turkey, cranberry sauce, and fresh herbs creates a mouthwatering profile that embodies Thanksgiving.
• Festive Presentation: This focaccia is not only tasty but also a showstopper at any holiday table!
• Versatile: You can easily customize the toppings to suit your taste or use up leftover ingredients!

Tips for Success

To make your Thanksgiving focaccia truly shine, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, for an extra flavor boost, use fresh herbs instead of dried ones—trust me, it makes a world of difference! If you don’t have turkey on hand, leftover chicken or even roasted veggies work beautifully as toppings. When it comes to baking, try adding a shallow pan of water in the oven to create steam; this helps to get that perfect crust. Lastly, don’t be shy about drizzling a little more olive oil on top before baking; it adds a lovely richness that makes every bite irresistible!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many delicious ways to customize your Thanksgiving focaccia! For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or crumbled feta over the top before baking—oh my goodness, the melty goodness! You could also add seasonal vegetables like roasted butternut squash or sautéed spinach for an extra pop of color and flavor. Want a Mediterranean flair? Toss on some sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil instead of the turkey. And if you’re a fan of sweet and savory, try adding a few dollops of goat cheese paired with figs or pears. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your Thanksgiving focaccia fresh and tasty, it’s best to store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for up to a week. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the focaccia directly on the rack for about 10–15 minutes. This method brings back that lovely crispy texture and warms up the flavors beautifully. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every last bite!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying my Thanksgiving focaccia, it’s nice to know what you’re indulging in! Each slice is approximately 180 calories, with 7g of fat, including 1g of saturated fat. You’ll also get 5g of protein and 24g of carbohydrates, along with 2g of fiber. The sodium content is around 250mg, and there’s 2g of sugar in each slice. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients you use. So go ahead, enjoy this festive bread without worry!

FAQ Section

Can I make Thanksgiving focaccia ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance. Just cover it tightly in the fridge after it has risen, and then let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

What can I use instead of turkey? If you don’t have turkey, don’t worry! You can easily substitute it with chicken, or for a vegetarian option, roasted vegetables or a hearty mix of mushrooms work wonderfully.

Can I freeze Thanksgiving focaccia? Yes, you can freeze it! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To enjoy later, thaw in the fridge, then reheat in the oven.

What can I add for extra flavor? For a flavor boost, consider adding garlic or onion powder to the dough. Fresh herbs like sage or parsley can also enhance the festive taste!

Is this focaccia suitable for a vegetarian diet? Yes, as long as you use turkey alternatives or skip the meat altogether, this focaccia can easily fit into a vegetarian diet!

Thanksgiving Focaccia: 7 Ways to Impress Your Guests

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A festive focaccia bread topped with seasonal ingredients perfect for Thanksgiving.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet instant yeast
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 3/4 cups warm water
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 cup cooked and chopped turkey
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup chopped herbs (rosemary, thyme)
• 1/2 cup sliced olives

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix flour, yeast, salt, and sugar.
2. Add warm water and olive oil. Stir until combined.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
6. Spread the dough on a greased baking sheet.
7. Top with turkey, cranberry sauce, herbs, and olives.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
9. Let cool slightly before slicing.

Notes

• Use fresh herbs for best flavor.
• Feel free to add other toppings like cheese or seasonal vegetables.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: thanksgiving focaccia, holiday bread, festive bread