Focaccia with Heirloom Tomatoes

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whisk together the yeast, warm water and 1 1/2 tsp. of the sugar. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.

Add the flour, salt and remaining 1 1/2 tsp. sugar and beat on low speed until incorporated. With the mixer running on low speed, slowly pour in the room-temperature water and beat until a wet, lumpy dough forms, about 1 minute.

Switch to the dough hook. Beat on medium-high speed until elastic and sticky, about 5 minutes. It should pull away from the sides of the bowl but remain attached to the dough hook and the bottom of the bowl. If dough looks too wet and is not separating from the sides of the bowl, add 1 to 2 Tbs. more flour. Alternatively, if the dough is too dry and not smooth and sticky, add a splash of water.

Coat the inside of a large bowl with 3 Tbs. of the olive oil. Scrape the dough into the prepared bowl and turn to coat with the oil. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let stand in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 2 1/2 hours.

Coat a rimmed baking sheet (about 18 by 13 inches/45 by 33 cm) with 3 Tbs. of the olive oil.

Fold the dough over itself twice in the bowl to deflate slightly. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet. Using oiled hands, gently stretch the dough out to the edges and corners of the pan. If the dough springs back toward the center, cover with plastic wrap and let stand for 10 minutes, then repeat to stretch the dough. Cover the pan with oiled plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.

One hour before baking the focaccia, remove from the refrigerator and let stand in a warm spot for 1 hour.

Preheat an oven to 450°F (230°C).

Remove the plastic wrap from the pan and drizzle the dough with the remaining 3 Tbs. olive oil. Using oiled fingers, press your fingertips firmly into the dough to make deep dimples over the entire surface. Sprinkle generously with flaky sea salt.

Bake until the focaccia is deep golden brown all over, 20 to 25 minutes; halfway through baking, lightly drizzle the dough with more olive oil.

Transfer the baking sheet to a wire rack and let the focaccia cool for 10 minutes. Arrange the tomatoes on top, overlapping the slices, and generously drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and a few grinds of pepper. Garnish with oregano, thyme and chives. Cut into slices and serve immediately. Serves 8.

Williams Sonoma Test Kitchen