Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe is your gateway to authentic Italian flavors right at home. Perfect for any occasion, this delightful flatbread features a crispy exterior and a soft interior, making it an excellent side dish or appetizer. With its simple ingredients and straightforward process, even beginners can master this recipe. Impress your friends and family with this homemade focaccia that stands out for its flavor and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Process: The steps are easy to follow, allowing anyone to bake delicious focaccia at home.
- Versatile Flavor: Customize it with various toppings like garlic, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes for a unique twist.
- Ideal for Sharing: Cut it into pieces for gatherings, picnics, or family dinners; it’s perfect for sharing.
- Hands-Off Rising Time: Most of the preparation time involves letting the dough rise, so you can relax while it develops flavor.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh rosemary and high-quality olive oil elevates the taste of this bread beyond store-bought options.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your focaccia bread, gather the necessary tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Kitchen towel
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for combining ingredients without spilling.
- Baking sheet: This allows even baking and helps achieve that perfect crust.
- Parchment paper: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier after baking.
- Kitchen towel: Use it to cover the dough while it rises, keeping it warm and draft-free.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 4 cups (500g) bread flour or all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons (10g) salt
- 1 3/4 cups (415ml) warm water
- 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
- Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
How to Make Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water with yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add in the bread flour and salt. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface.
- Knead gently for about 5 minutes until smooth but still slightly sticky.
Step 3: Let It Rise
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl.
- Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1–1.5 hours.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Transfer the risen dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Gently stretch it out with your fingers to fit the pan.
Step 5: Add Toppings
- Drizzle olive oil on top of the dough.
- Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface.
- Sprinkle fresh rosemary leaves and coarse sea salt over the top.
Step 6: Bake
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Once done, remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing.
Enjoy your homemade focaccia bread warm or at room temperature!
How to Serve Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
Focaccia bread is not only delicious on its own but also pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions that will enhance your dining experience.
With Dipping Oils
- Herb-Infused Olive Oil: Drizzle your focaccia with high-quality olive oil mixed with herbs like basil or oregano for an aromatic touch.
- Balsamic Vinegar: A side of balsamic vinegar adds a sweet and tangy flavor, perfect for dipping.
As a Sandwich Base
- Caprese Sandwich: Layer fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on the focaccia for a fresh Italian treat.
- Turkey and Avocado: Use focaccia as the bread for a hearty sandwich filled with turkey slices and creamy avocado.
Accompanying Soups
- Tomato Basil Soup: The soft texture of focaccia complements the rich flavors of tomato basil soup beautifully.
- Minestrone: Serve warm focaccia alongside minestrone for a comforting meal.
For Brunch
- Egg Salad: Top slices of focaccia with egg salad for a delightful brunch option.
- Smoked Salmon: Add cream cheese and smoked salmon for a sophisticated touch to your brunch table.
How to Perfect Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
To achieve the best results with your easy focaccia bread, follow these helpful tips.
- Boldly Knead the Dough: Ensuring you knead the dough well helps develop gluten, giving your bread that perfect chewy texture.
- Boldly Use Warm Water: Warm water activates the yeast quickly, leading to better rising. Aim for about 110°F (43°C).
- Boldly Let It Rise: Allow the dough to rise in a warm location until it doubles in size; this usually takes about one hour.
- Boldly Dimple Before Baking: Make deep dimples in the dough before baking to catch olive oil and herbs, enhancing flavor.
- Boldly Preheat Your Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before placing the dough inside to create a crispy crust.
- Boldly Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or garlic to customize your focaccia.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
Focaccia bread can be complemented by various side dishes that elevate any meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in creamy dressing pairs perfectly with focaccia.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted to perfection add color and nutrition to your table.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy grilled chicken served alongside focaccia makes for a complete meal.
- Antipasto Platter: A mix of cured meats, cheeses, and olives enhances the Italian theme beautifully.
- Bruschetta: Fresh diced tomatoes on toasted bread bring brightness that complements focaccia well.
- Spinach Artichoke Dip: This creamy dip is great for spreading on slices of warm focaccia.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making focaccia bread can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some to watch for:
- Using cold water: It’s essential to use warm water when mixing your dough. Cold water can slow down yeast activation, leading to a dense bread.
- Not allowing enough rise time: Skipping the rising phase or not letting the dough rise long enough will result in a flat focaccia. Always give it ample time to double in size.
- Overworking the dough: Kneading too much can develop gluten excessively, making the focaccia tough. Mix until just combined and let it rest.
- Ignoring oil: Focaccia is known for its rich flavor from olive oil. Don’t skimp on it; drizzle generously over the top before baking for a crispy crust.
- Skipping the salt topping: A sprinkle of coarse sea salt enhances the flavor significantly. Don’t forget this final touch!
- Not preheating your oven: Baking at the right temperature is crucial. Ensure your oven is preheated to create that perfect crust.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store focaccia in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 20-30 seconds. Be careful not to make it chewy.
- Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid for even warming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe special?
This recipe offers an authentic Italian taste with minimal effort, using simple ingredients that yield delightful results.
Can I customize my Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or cheese for extra flavor.
How do I know when my focaccia is done?
Your focaccia should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour works well too, though bread flour will give you a chewier texture.
How long does this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe take to prepare?
The total time is about 2 hours and 55 minutes, including rising and baking time.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether served as an appetizer or a side dish, it’s bound to impress your guests. Feel free to experiment with herbs or toppings to make it your own!
Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe is your ticket to creating a delicious, authentic Italian flatbread right in your kitchen. With its golden, crispy crust and soft, airy interior, this focaccia is perfect for any occasion—whether served as an appetizer, a side dish, or a base for flavorful sandwiches. The recipe requires minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making it beginner-friendly and an excellent choice for impressing family and friends. Customize your focaccia with a variety of toppings such as fresh herbs, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes to create unique flavor profiles that cater to any palate. Enjoy the satisfaction of baking your own bread while filling your home with irresistible aromas.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (500g) bread flour or all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons (10g) salt
- 1 3/4 cups (415ml) warm water
- 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
- Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Stir in flour and salt until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth but slightly sticky.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled (1–1.5 hours).
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Transfer dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet and stretch to fit the pan.
- Drizzle with olive oil, make dimples with fingers, and sprinkle rosemary and coarse salt on top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
