A thick, warm focaccia loaf with a golden-brown crust, cut open to reveal a rich, green chard filling. Olive oil drizzles on top glisten against the light, sprinkles of flaked sea salt adding a shimmering contrast. Fresh chard leaves garnish the board, next to a small pot of marinara sauce for an extra splash of vibrant red and added flavor.

Italian Chard-Stuffed Focaccia

Name: Italian Chard-Stuffed Focaccia
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: chard, 2 bunches trimmed, large stems removed and leaves chopped; white bread flour, 2 cups; dry yeast, 1 packet; sugar, 1 tsp; salt, 1 tsp; warm water, 1 cup; olive oil, to taste; garlic, 2 cloves minced; lemon zest, 1 tsp; red chili flakes, ½ tsp optional; flaked sea salt, 1 tsp for garnish

Category Main Course

Prep 30 minutes

Cook 20 minutes

Style Italian

Technique Baking

Diet Friendly Vegetarian

Daily Recipe: April 21, 2025

This recipe brings a touch of innovation to wildly loved Italian bread. The key ingredients are chard, delivering a distinctive flavor and color, making it a special treat for the mid-spring season.

Ingredients (for 2)

Chard - 2 bunches - trimmed, large stems removed and leaves chopped
White bread flour - 2 cups
Dry yeast - 1 packet
Sugar - 1 tsp
Salt - 1 tsp
Warm water - 1 cup
Olive oil - to taste
Garlic - 2 cloves - minced
Lemon zest - 1 tsp
Red chili flakes - ½ tsp - optional
Flaked sea salt - 1 tsp - for garnish

Preparation

Step 1 - 🍚💦🍞⏲️

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups white bread flour, 1 packet dry yeast, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt. Gradually add 1 cup warm water while mixing until dough forms. Knead until smooth and elastic, place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 2 hours.
Step 2 - 🌿🍋🌶️🍳

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional), and 2 chopped chard bunches. Sauté until chard wilts. Stir in 1 tsp lemon zest, season with salt and let cool.
Step 3 - 🍞🌿🤲💤

Divide the risen dough in half. On a floured surface, flatten one half and spread it with the chard mixture. Cover with the other flattened dough half, sealing edges with your fingers. Place on a greased baking sheet and let rest for 15 minutes.
Step 4 - 🌡️🍞🫒⏲️

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Brush the bread's upper crust with olive oil and sprinkle with 1 tsp flaked sea salt.
Step 5 - 🔥🍞👩‍🍳

Bake your bread in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool and enjoy!

Additional

Focaccia is an extremely versatile bread. Feel free to add cheeses, herbs or other greens for different flavor profiles. For a gluten-free version, use a mixture of gluten-free flour and xanthan gum. It's also a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen – they will love kneading the dough and stuffing the focaccia.