Autumn Recipe

If you’re craving a snack that perfectly captures the spirit of Autumn with its cozy, tangy, and utterly inviting flavors, this Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread is exactly what you need. Combining the light, airy texture of focaccia with a creamy garlic-dill sauce, topped with tangy dill pickles and bubbling mozzarella, it’s like a celebration of the season in each bite. Whether you’re serving friends or indulging yourself, this dish brings a vibrant splash of Autumn’s comforting flavors to your table in the most delicious way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread lies not just in its flavor but in its approachable list of ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, from crafting the soft, flavorful crust to building the luscious sauce and vibrant toppings that make each bite so satisfying.

• 1 cup warm water (105°F to 115°F): Perfect temperature to activate the yeast and create a fluffy dough.
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast: This little powerhouse makes the focaccia rise beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tangy pickles.
• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps create that tender crust with a lovely golden color.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant herbal note that’s key for Autumn-inspired flavor.
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced: Infuses a beautiful aromatic depth throughout the bread and the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances every ingredient’s natural flavor without overpowering.
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base for your soft, airy focaccia.
• ¾ cup sour cream: Creates a tangy, creamy layer in the sauce that complements the pickles perfectly.
• ¼ cup mayonnaise: Boosts the sauce’s richness and helps it spread smoothly.
• 2 tablespoons whole milk: Lightens the sauce for the perfect consistency.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and an extra layer of tanginess.
• ½ teaspoon dill weed: Brings fresh herbaceous notes that perfectly echo the dill pickles.
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Gives a subtle hint of warmth and spice.
• 25-30 dill pickle slices: The star topping, infusing every bite with that unmistakable Autumn tang.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a gooey, golden blanket over the pickles.
• Fresh dill, roughly chopped: For garnish, adding a fresh punch and beautiful color.

How to Make Autumn

Step 1: Activate The Yeast

Start by waking up your yeast with warm water and sugar. This step is crucial because it ensures your dough will rise to the perfect, airy texture that focaccia is known for. Let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes — patience here means a lighter, fluffier crust later on.

Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Oil Blend

While the yeast activates, combine olive oil with Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and salt. This mixture is a powerhouse of flavor that will infuse both the dough and the skillet, creating layers of aroma and taste that capture the essence of Autumn’s cozy vibes.

Step 3: Combine and Knead the Dough

Mix half the oil blend into the yeast mixture, then add your flour to build the dough. Stir until everything comes together, then transfer to a greased bowl. Cover and let it rise for about an hour. You’ll notice the dough doubling in size — a rewarding sign that your focaccia will be soft and airy.

Step 4: Prepare the Garlic-Dill Sauce

While the dough is rising, whip up the creamy sauce by mixing sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, lemon juice, garlic, dill weed, salt, and pepper. This smooth, tangy spread is what sets this focaccia apart and makes it a true Autumn treat.

Step 5: Shape and Add Toppings

Preheat your oven to 450°F and get ready to shape your dough. Pour the remaining oil mixture into a 12-inch cast-iron skillet and brush it all over, giving your focaccia a crisp, flavorful foundation. Press the risen dough into the skillet, dimple it with your fingers, then spread the garlic sauce over the surface evenly. Lay out the dill pickle slices in a single layer, then sprinkle with plenty of shredded mozzarella.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your focaccia for 22 to 25 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese bubbles with a slightly browned finish. The smell alone will bring to mind everything wonderful about Autumn evenings.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh dill for an extra burst of herby freshness and beautiful color that makes this dish pop on any table.

How to Serve Autumn

Garnishes

Fresh dill is essential here — it adds a lovely, vivid green flair and a fragrant pop that perfects the focaccia’s Autumn character. Feel free to add an extra drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of flaky sea salt if you want to take the flavor up a notch.

Side Dishes

This focaccia pairs beautifully with simple fall-inspired salads, such as a crisp apple and arugula salad or roasted root vegetables. The tanginess of the bread complements the natural sweetness and earthiness of these sides, creating a balanced and festive meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For an Autumn gathering, serve this focaccia on a wooden board alongside small bowls of your favorite pickled vegetables or a spicy mustard dip. You can cut it into squares or strips, making it perfect for sharing and encouraging everyone to dig in and relish the comforting flavors together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover focaccia tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The crust may soften, but the flavors remain vibrant and delicious, making it great for a quick snack or sandwich base.

Freezing

If you want to save focaccia for later, freeze it before baking. Simply shape the dough in the skillet, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight and proceed to add the sauce and toppings before baking.

Reheating

To bring your leftover focaccia back to life, warm it in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This revives the crust’s crispness and melts the cheese perfectly without drying the bread out.

FAQs

Can I use regular pickles instead of dill pickles?

While we recommend dill pickles for their distinctive tang that complements the savory notes perfectly, you can experiment with other types. Just be mindful that sweeter pickles might alter the overall flavor balance of the focaccia.

Is this dough suitable for making without a cast-iron skillet?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, use any oven-safe pan or a baking sheet greased with oil. Just make sure to press the dough evenly and watch the baking time closely for perfect results.

Can I make this focaccia vegan?

Yes! Swap sour cream and mayonnaise for vegan alternatives and choose a dairy-free cheese to keep that melty topping vibe. The dough itself is also vegan-friendly since it doesn’t contain eggs or dairy.

How important is it to make the dimples in the dough?

The dimples aren’t just for show — they help trap oil and sauce, making each bite flavorful and moist. They also contribute to the classic focaccia texture, so try to take a little time to press them evenly before baking.

Will this recipe work with gluten-free flour?

You can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but keep in mind the texture might be different. Gluten is what gives focaccia that lovely chewy structure, so results could be a bit denser. Experimentation is key here!

Final Thoughts

This Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread is such a special way to bring the warmth, tang, and vibrant colors of Autumn right onto your plate. It’s a fun twist on traditional focaccia that’s guaranteed to spark conversations and happy taste buds. I can’t wait for you to try it and share this little slice of seasonal magic with friends and family. Trust me, once you’ve had it, it’ll become one of your favorite Autumn cravings!

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