What snacks do you prepare when inviting over friends? I love having friends come by, enjoying stoop hangs, and hosting a variety of parties, but sometimes figuring out snacks can be tricky — what’s simple yet exciting? My secret: King Arthur Baking, our go-to flour brand, offers a widely adored focaccia mix kit that’s incredibly easy to use. Here’s my creation…
I’ve always had a soft spot for focaccia. The bread is light, crunchy, and transports you straight to the Italian Riviera. I’ve utilized the focaccia mix kits countless times — sometimes unadorned, other times with toppings, and they’re all delightful. On one occasion, I topped the bread with cinnamon sugar (the boys went wild). Another time, I featured a savory mix of roasted broccoli, ricotta, and Parmesan.
<pThis week, feeling motivated, I decided to prepare the focaccia mix kit in two styles: 1. the classic version with olive oil and sea salt, and 2. topped with tangy green Castelvetrano olives. The mix assembles in about an hour and fills the home with an incredible aroma.
The process of preparing the focaccia base is surprisingly straightforward. Begin by mixing the focaccia mix and yeast in a bowl, then incorporate 1 1/2 cups of hot water and two tablespoons of olive oil. Once combined, allow the dough to rest, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Next, transfer the dough to a pan greased with olive oil, flipping it to ensure both sides are coated. Gently spread it to the edges of the pan. Allow it to rise for another 30 minutes, then drizzle with two more tablespoons of olive oil. Finally, use your fingertips to create dimples in the dough. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, and sprinkle with sea salt right after removing from the oven. (Here’s the complete recipe, if you’d like to check it out.)
The outcome? Light, chewy bread that’s impossible to resist. The sea salt and olive oil focaccia would make a fantastic side for any dinner; I can’t wait to present the olive variation at our next game night. You could pair it with white wine, grapes, and cheese for a delightful, laid-back spread.
What toppings would you choose for the focaccia? Any delicious combinations? King Arthur Baking’s bread kits have become a staple in our home, and I highly endorse them. Their soft pretzel bites are incredibly popular as an after-school snack, and making the pull-apart garlic bread is a lot of fun. Discover all their mixes here, if you’re interested. xoxo
P.S. Tips for getting kids to chat at dinner.
(Photos by Yossy Arefi for Cup of Jo. This post is sponsored by King Arthur Baking. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Cup of Jo.)
**Effortless and Tasty Appetizer Recipe for Informal Gatherings**
When throwing an informal gathering, whether it’s a backyard cookout, game night, or a cozy meetup with friends, having a reliable appetizer that’s easy to whip up and widely enjoyed is key. One such recipe that ticks all the boxes is **Baked Caprese Garlic Bread**. This appetizer beautifully melds the flavors of a Caprese salad with the comforting allure of garlic bread—ideal for sharing and sure to be devoured quickly.
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### Baked Caprese Garlic Bread Recipe
**Servings:** 8
**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 15 minutes
**Total Time:** 25 minutes
#### Ingredients:
– 1 loaf of French or Italian bread, cut in half lengthwise
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
– ½ cup fresh basil leaves
– 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
– Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil for drizzling
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### Instructions:
1. **Preheat the Oven:**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. **Prepare the Bread:**
Set the halved bread on the prepared baking sheet, cut side facing up. In a small bowl, blend the softened butter with the minced garlic. Evenly spread the garlic butter across each half of the bread.
3. **Add the Cheese and Tomatoes:**
Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over both halves. Lay the tomato slices atop the cheese, slightly overlapping them.
4. **Bake:**
Put the bread in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread edges turn golden brown.
5. **Add Fresh Toppings:**
Take the bread out of the oven and immediately top with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper. For added richness, you can also drizzle a bit of olive oil on top.
6. **Serve:**
Slice the bread into 2-inch pieces and serve warm. This appetizer pairs wonderfully with a glass of wine or a refreshing mocktail.
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### Tips and Variations:
– **Make it ahead:** You can prepare the garlic butter and slice the tomatoes beforehand. Assemble the bread just before baking.
– **Add protein:** For a more filling option, include slices of prosciutto or cooked chicken before baking.
– **Go gluten-free:** Opt for a gluten-free baguette or bread loaf to cater to dietary needs.
– **Homemade balsamic glaze:** Simmer ½ cup balsamic vinegar with 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar until thickened, about 10 minutes.
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### Why This Appetizer Works
This Baked Caprese Garlic Bread excels for several reasons:
– **Simple ingredients:** Most components are pantry essentials or readily available at any grocery store.
– **Quick preparation:** It takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
– **Versatile:** You can modify it based on what you have on hand or your guests’ tastes.
– **Visually appealing:** The vibrant colors of tomatoes and basil make it just as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
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Whether you’re hosting guests or simply looking for a delightful snack to enjoy with family, this easy appetizer exceeds expectations in flavor, presentation, and convenience. Try it at your next informal gathering—you may find it becomes a regular feature in your entertaining repertoire.
