Jalapeño Cheddar Focaccia

This is the easiest bread I have ever prepared, and it tastes the best. For a change, you can add cheeses, onions, rosemary, or other herbs and spices on top. Because they are my favorite, I like to use jarred old el paso peppers and double the jalapeños. It’s a dinner to die for if you cut it in half and sandwich meat and vegetables in the center.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

1. 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2. 2 teaspoons instant yeast
3. 1 teaspoon salt
4. 1 tablespoon sugar
5. 1 1/2 cups warm water
6. 2 tablespoons olive oil
   For the topping:
7. 2-3 jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced
8. 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
9. Freshly ground black pepper
10. Coarse sea salt
11. Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish, optional)

Preparation:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar. Mix well.
• Gradually add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
• Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
• Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Gently press and stretch the dough to fit the baking sheet, forming a rectangle or desired shape.
• Arrange the jalapeño slices evenly over the dough, pressing them lightly into the surface. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, ensuring even coverage.
• Season the top of the focaccia with freshly ground black pepper and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt.
  Bake the Jalapeño Cheddar Focaccia in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish, if desired.
• Slice and serve the Jalapeño Cheddar Focaccia warm or at room temperature