Three Cheese Focaccia

Prep: 20 mins + rising time | Cook Time: 30 mins | Course: Baked Goods | Serves: 18 

Fluffy focaccia bread topped with a cheesy blend of cottage cheese, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese with green onions and garlic. Inspired by sweet Emeril Lagasse of the Food Network. https://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/three-cheese-focaccia-3646124

1 ½ cups warm water

1 Tbsp sugar

1 Tbsp yeast

4 cups flour

1 tsp salt

1 Tbsp olive oil + more for dimpling

Topping:

2 cups cottage cheese

1 egg

1 green onion, sliced

1 clove garlic, minced

Garlic salt and pepper, to taste

½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded

In a stand mixer, stir water, sugar, and yeast together. Let stand 5 minutes to get foamy. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix together for 3 minutes on medium speed. Scrape the bowl down and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm draft-free area for up to 1 ½ hours. 

Oil a rimmed cookie sheet with a couple tablespoons of oil and press the dough into the pan stretching and poking into the corners. Turn over so both sides are oiled and continue to stretch and press the dough evenly into the pan. Allow the dough to rise for an additional 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350*. Mix the cottage cheese, egg, green onion, garlic, garlic salt, pepper, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese together. Salt and pepper the bread dough then spread the cheesy topping evenly over the dough. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the bread is golden brown.