Speedy Focaccia with Fennel and Thyme

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
• 3/4 cup chopped fennel bulb
• 1 (1-pound) loaf frozen white bread dough
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Preparation

1. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add fennel; sauté 3 minutes or until golden brown.
2. Cover bread dough loosely with plastic wrap. Microwave at MEDIUM-LOW (30% power) 6 minutes or until dough is completely thawed, turning dough over every 2 minutes. Let stand, covered, 3 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 375°.
4. Place dough on a lightly floured surface; pat to a 1/2-inch thickness. Combine fennel, thyme, and pepper; sprinkle over dough. Knead 1 minute or just until fennel mixture is incorporated into dough.
5. Place dough in a large microwave-safe bowl; cover loosely with plastic wrap. Place bowl in microwave; place a small bowl of warm water beside large bowl. Microwave again at MEDIUM-LOW 2 minutes; let rest 3 minutes. Microwave at MEDIUM-LOW 3 minutes. (Press two fingers into dough. If indentation remains, the dough has risen enough.) Let dough rest 9 minutes.
6. Pat dough into an 8-inch round; place on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Brush with 1 teaspoon oil, and sprinkle with salt. Bake at 375° for 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from pan. Cool slightly on a wire rack. Cut into 8 wedges.