Gruyère & Thyme Italian Focaccia

Ingredients

• 6 1/4 cups bread flour
• 2 teaspoons instant dry yeast
• 2 cups warm water (105°F – 115°F or 40°C – 46°C)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 teaspoons fine sea salt
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more for greasing the sheet pan)
• 1/4 cup room temperature water
• 7 ounces Gruyère cheese (sliced into small cubes)
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 2 teaspoons Maldon sea salt flakes