Jalapeño Cheddar Focaccia Bread Recipe

**Ingredients:**

– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
– 2 tsp salt
– 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
– 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 2-3 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced
– Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Dough:**
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt.
– Add warm water and 1/4 cup olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough comes together and starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
– Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
– Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

2. **Shape the Dough:**
– Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
– Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled baking sheet or a 9×13 inch baking pan.
– Using your hands, gently stretch and press the dough to fit the pan. If the dough springs back, let it rest for a few minutes and try again.

3. **Add Toppings:**
– Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil over the surface of the dough.
– Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the dough.
– Arrange the sliced jalapeños on top of the cheese.
– Using your fingers, press indentations into the dough all over the surface.
– Sprinkle coarse sea salt over the top.

4. **Bake:**
– Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread is cooked through.
– Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack.

5. **Serve:**
– Slice the focaccia into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy your homemade jalapeño cheddar focaccia bread!