Roasted Grape and Feta Focaccia
Green Olive Company
1 large focaccia (serves 8-10)
45 minutes
30 minutes
Breads
Our recipe based on Crystelle's sophisticated and beautifully balanced creation from Great British Bake Off Season 12.
Our recipe enhances the original with improved yeast activation for reliable rise, optimized dough hydration for authentic focaccia texture, refined grape roasting technique to prevent over-caramelization, and better assembly methods.
This elegant sweet-savory combination showcases Crystelle's skillful flavor pairing of roasted grapes, creamy feta, crunchy walnuts, and aromatic fennel in perfect Mediterranean harmony.
Ingredients
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- 500g strong white bread flour
- 375ml lukewarm water (37°C)
- 7g SAF red instant yeast
- 10g fine sea salt
- 60ml Green Olive Company olive oil (any infused variety), divided
- 5g caster sugar
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- 400g mixed red and black grapes, halved and seeded if large
- 15ml Green Olive Company olive oil (any infused variety)
- 2g flaky sea salt
- 1g freshly ground black pepper
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- 150g good quality feta cheese, crumbled into large pieces
- 80g walnut halves, roughly chopped
- 30g fresh fennel fronds (or dill if unavailable)
- 15ml Green Olive Company balsamic vinegar (any variety)
- Green Olive Company olive oil (any infused variety) for drizzling
- Flaky sea salt and black pepper to finish
Directions
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- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Halve grapes and remove any large seeds. Toss with Green Olive Company olive oil (any infused variety), salt, and pepper. Spread on parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 15-18 minutes until edges are slightly caramelized but grapes still hold their shape. Set aside to cool - this prevents them from bursting when added to focaccia.
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- In small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in lukewarm water. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy and active. In large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make well in center, add yeast mixture and 30ml Green Olive Company olive oil (any infused variety). Mix with wooden spoon until shaggy dough forms. Turn onto lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. Alternatively, use stand mixer with dough hook for 6-7 minutes.
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- Shape dough into ball and place in large oiled bowl, turning to coat all surfaces. Cover with damp tea towel and rise in warm place for 1.5-2 hours until doubled in size. Dough should spring back slowly when gently poked.
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- Generously oil a 33x23cm (13x9 inch) rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan. Transfer risen dough to prepared pan and gently stretch to fit, working from center outward. If dough springs back, rest 15 minutes and continue stretching. Cover with oiled plastic wrap and rise for 1 hour until puffy and almost doubled again.
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- Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Remove plastic wrap from dough. Using fingertips, create deep dimples all over surface, pressing almost to bottom of pan. Drizzle remaining 30ml olive oil over surface, letting it pool in dimples. This creates the characteristic focaccia crust.
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- Distribute roasted grapes evenly over surface, pressing gently into dimples. Add crumbled feta and chopped walnuts, distributing evenly but not too densely. Sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt and black pepper.
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- Bake for 25-30 minutes until deep golden brown on top and bottom sounds hollow when tapped. Internal temperature should reach 90°C (194°F). If top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for final 10 minutes.
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- Remove from oven and immediately drizzle with Green Olive Company balsamic vinegar (any variety) and a touch more Green Olive Company olive oil (any infused variety). Scatter fresh fennel fronds over surface while still warm. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.

