Baltimore-style Old Bay Focaccia

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we incorporate the flavors of Baltimore by adding Old Bay seasoning to the traditional Italian Focaccia. This gives the bread a unique taste that reflects the city's love for seafood and the iconic spice blend. The addition of Old Bay seasoning adds a distinct Chesapeake Bay flavor profile to the dish, making it a true Baltimore delight. We alse have the original recipe for Focaccia alla Genovese, so you can check it out.

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons (7g) instant yeast 1 ½ teaspoons (7g) instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 1 teaspoon (5g) Old Bay seasoning 1 teaspoon (5g) Old Bay seasoning
• 1 ¼ cups (295ml) warm water 1 ¼ cups (295ml) warm water
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil
• Extra Old Bay seasoning, for sprinkling Extra Old Bay seasoning, for sprinkling
• Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 34g, 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, and Old Bay seasoning.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. 3.
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
6. 6.
   Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Gently press and stretch the dough to fit the sheet.
7. 7.
   Drizzle the top of the dough with olive oil and sprinkle with extra Old Bay seasoning and coarse sea salt.
8. 8.
   Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the focaccia is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Old Bay seasoning — Adjust the amount of Old Bay seasoning according to your preference for spiciness. You can also sprinkle some extra Old Bay seasoning on top of the focaccia before baking for a more pronounced flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced seafood flavor, you can add some finely chopped cooked crab meat or shrimp to the dough before baking.
• Serve the focaccia warm with a side of melted butter for dipping, just like Baltimore-style crab cakes.
• If you don't have instant yeast, you can use active dry yeast instead. Activate it in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the dry ingredients.

Serving advice

Serve the Baltimore-style Old Bay Focaccia as an appetizer or alongside seafood dishes. It pairs perfectly with Maryland crab cakes, steamed shrimp, or a classic seafood boil. You can also enjoy it on its own as a flavorful snack.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some extra Old Bay seasoning and coarse sea salt on top of the focaccia before baking. Serve it on a wooden cutting board or a rustic platter to showcase its homemade charm.