Bite-Sized Zucchini Focaccia with Ham & Cheese

Mini Zucchini Focaccias are tasty bite-sized versions of the classic Italian flatbread. These savory treats are perfect for appetizers, snacks, or even a light lunch. Packed with the fresh flavor of zucchini, the richness of cheese, and the salty goodness of ham, they're a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed any time of the year. Making these mini focaccia bites is surprisingly simple. The dough comes together quickly with a few basic ingredients, including zucchini, flour, cream cheese, and baking powder. After shaping the dough into small circles, they're cooked until golden brown. The final touch is a delicious combination of your favorite ham and cheese, melted to perfection. Zucchini is typically in season during the summer months, making these focaccia bites a perfect way to enjoy the fresh produce.

What Are Mini Zucchini Focaccias?

Mini zucchini focaccia bites are a contemporary take on the traditional Italian flatbread. These bite-sized delights feature a soft, flavorful base made with zucchini, topped with a savory combination of ham and cheese. They are perfect for appetizers, parties, or a quick and satisfying snack. While focaccia itself has ancient roots in Italy, the mini version and the addition of zucchini is a more recent culinary innovation. It’s a great way to use up abundant zucchini.

Tips

• Squeeze out the excess moisture from the zucchini to prevent a soggy focaccia.
• Don't overmix. Overmixing the dough can lead to a tough texture. Mix until just combined.
• Allow the dough to rest for a short time before rolling it out. This will help it relax and become easier to work with.
• Experiment with toppings. While ham and cheese are classic, feel free to experiment with different toppings like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or pesto.
• Preheat your pan. A hot pan will help create a crispy crust on your focaccia.
• For the best flavor and texture, serve the mini focaccia bites warm.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Cheese Or Ham?

Absolutely! Experiment with your favorite cheeses and hams. Consider provolone, mozzarella, or Gruyère for cheese, and prosciutto or salami for ham.

How Can I Prevent the Zucchini from Making the Focaccia Soggy?

Make sure to squeeze out as much excess water from the grated zucchini as possible before adding it to the dough.

Can I Make the Dough Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling it out.

Can I Freeze These Focaccia Bites?

It's best to enjoy them fresh, but if you need to freeze them, freeze them before adding the toppings. Reheat in a preheated oven before adding the cheese and ham.

What Can I Serve with These Mini Focaccias?

They pair well with a variety of dips, such as marinara sauce, pesto, or hummus. A fresh green salad also complements the flavors.

More Zucchini Recipes to Color Your Tables!

Zucchini Rosti

Zucchini Crepes

Stuffed Zucchini Focaccia

Potato Zucchini Pancakes

How to Store Mini Zucchini Focaccias

Store mini zucchini focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

How To Make Mini Zucchini Focaccias

Step 1

Step 1

Grate the zucchini and squeeze out as much excess water as possible.

Grate the zucchini and squeeze out as much excess water as possible.

Step 2

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine flour, cream cheese, yeast, salt, olive oil, and grated zucchini.

In a large bowl, combine flour, cream cheese, yeast, salt, olive oil, and grated zucchini.

Step 3

Step 3

Mix until a dough forms, then knead by hand until a shaggy dough forms.

Mix until a dough forms, then knead by hand until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 4

Step 4

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or glass.

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or glass.

Step 5

Step 5

Place dough circles in a heated pan and cook for 5 minutes per side or until golden brown.

Place dough circles in a heated pan and cook for 5 minutes per side or until golden brown.

Step 6

Step 6

Cut cooked focaccia in half and layer with cheese and ham.

Cut cooked focaccia in half and layer with cheese and ham.

Step 7

Step 7

Add them back to the pan, then melt the cheese by covering the pan and cooking for 2 minutes.

Add them back to the pan, then melt the cheese by covering the pan and cooking for 2 minutes.

Step 8

Step 8

Top with salad and serve immediately.

Top with salad and serve immediately.