Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

With just a few simple ingredients, you can create Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread that is both soft and flavorful. This versatile bread is perfect for various occasions—whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or a casual snack. Its chewy texture and golden crust will surely impress your family and friends, making it a delightful addition to any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: You only need basic pantry staples to make this focaccia.
• Easy Preparation: The recipe involves minimal hands-on time, allowing you to focus on other tasks.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or enjoying as a side.
• Flavorful Outcome: The combination of olive oil and flaky salt creates a delicious taste.
• Impressive Presentation: With its beautiful dimples and toppings, this bread looks as good as it tastes.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have the right tools ready. Having the right equipment can help streamline the process and ensure perfect results every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Plastic wrap
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows enough space for mixing dough without spilling.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for combining ingredients without damaging them.
• Baking pan: Provides even cooking and helps achieve that perfect crust.
• Wire rack: Ensures proper cooling to avoid sogginess at the bottom.

Ingredients

To make your Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread, gather the following ingredients:

For the Dough

• 500 g (4 cups, spoon and leveled) bread flour
• 7 g (2 1/4 teaspoons or 1 standard packet) instant yeast
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 480 g (2 cups) lukewarm water (see notes for preparation)
• 6 tablespoons high-quality extra-virgin olive oil, divided

For Topping

• Flaky salt, for topping
• 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary (optional)

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How to Make Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

Step 1: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the bread flour. Add the yeast and kosher salt on opposite sides of the bowl to prevent direct contact initially. Use your fingers to mix the dry ingredients together, then create a well in the center. Pour in the lukewarm water and stir with a wooden spoon until a wet, shaggy dough forms.

Step 2: Oil the Dough

Drizzle 30 g (2 tablespoons) of olive oil over the surface of the dough. Use your fingers to rub the oil over the dough. Gently wiggle the dough from the edges of the bowl to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 18 hours, up to 72 hours.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Pan

Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray and drizzle 30 g (2 tablespoons) olive oil in the center of it. Set aside.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Remove the dough from refrigeration. Pull edges towards the center while rotating to form a ball. Transfer it to your prepared baking pan, turning several times to coat in olive oil. Leave uncovered in a warm place for 3-4 hours until nearly filling the pan.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

Towards the end of rising time, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).

Step 6: Dimples and Topping

Drizzle remaining olive oil over dough and rub it across its surface. Sprinkle chopped rosemary if desired. Press deep dimples into dough with fingers; stretch it gently to fill corners if needed. Finish by sprinkling flaky salt over top.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Bake focaccia for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and pulling away from sides of pan. Allow cooling in pan for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack using a large spatula. Let cool for another 10 minutes before slicing.

Enjoy your freshly baked Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread!

How to Serve Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

Serving Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread can elevate any meal or occasion. Its soft and chewy texture makes it versatile, allowing for a variety of delicious serving options that everyone will enjoy.

As a Standalone Snack

• Fresh Out of the Oven: Serve warm with a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic vinegar for a simple snack.
• Dipping Delight: Pair with hummus or pesto for a tasty dipping experience.

For Breakfast or Brunch

• Toasted with Avocado: Top slices with smashed avocado and a sprinkle of salt for a nutritious start to your day.
• Egg Sandwiches: Use focaccia as the bread for breakfast sandwiches filled with eggs, cheese, and your favorite meats.

As Accompaniment to Meals

• With Soups: Perfect alongside hearty soups like minestrone or tomato basil.
• Charcuterie Board: Add focaccia to your charcuterie board, pairing it with cheeses, meats, and olives for an impressive presentation.

For Creative Sandwiches

• Paninis: Turn focaccia into delicious paninis filled with roasted vegetables and mozzarella cheese.
• Classic Italian Sandwiches: Layer cold cuts, cheese, and greens for an Italian-inspired sandwich.

How to Perfect Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

Perfecting your focaccia can take it from good to extraordinary. Here are some tips to enhance your baking skills.

• Bold Flour Choice: Use high-quality bread flour for chewier texture and better structure.
• Bold Hydration Level: Ensure your dough is wet by using adequate water; this helps achieve that airy crumb.
• Bold Rising Time: Allow sufficient time for the dough to rise; longer fermentation improves flavor.
• Bold Dimples: Don’t skip the dimpling step; it creates pockets that hold toppings and adds character.
• Bold Toppings Variety: Experiment with toppings like garlic, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes for unique flavors.
• Bold Cooling Method: Always cool on a wire rack to maintain the crust’s crispness.

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Best Side Dishes for Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

Focaccia pairs beautifully with many side dishes that can complement its flavors. Here are some great options to consider when serving your focaccia.

1. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil make a refreshing side.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender add color and nutrition to your meal.
3. Garlic Soup: A warm bowl of garlic soup offers comfort and pairs well with the savory bread.
4. Bruschetta Toppings: Fresh tomato bruschetta on the side enhances the Italian theme of the meal.
5. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad dressed in vinaigrette provides balance against the richness of focaccia.
6. Antipasto Platter: Include cured meats, cheeses, and olives for an enticing starter before enjoying focaccia.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread can be delightful, but avoiding certain mistakes will enhance your results.

• Inaccurate Measurements: Using incorrect flour or water amounts can lead to a dense focaccia. Always use a kitchen scale for accuracy.
• Insufficient Rising Time: Rushing the rising process can prevent your bread from becoming airy. Allow enough time for the dough to rise properly.
• Too Much Flour During Shaping: Adding excess flour while shaping can make your focaccia dry. Use just enough flour to prevent sticking without overdoing it.
• Skipping the Oil Coating: Not oiling the dough before refrigerating can lead to sticking. Make sure to coat the dough well with olive oil.
• Neglecting Oven Preheating: Baking in an unheated oven can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to ensure perfect baking.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store focaccia in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

• Wrap focaccia tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Heat in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread more flavorful?

You can enhance flavor by adding herbs like rosemary or topping with garlic before baking.

Can I use different types of flour for Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread?

Yes, whole wheat or all-purpose flour can be used, but this may change the texture slightly.

What is the best way to store Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze it for longer shelf life.

How long does Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread last?

When stored properly, it lasts about three days at room temperature or up to three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread recipe is not only simple but also incredibly versatile! Perfect as a side dish, for sandwiches, or enjoyed on its own, you can customize it with various toppings and herbs. Give it a try and impress your friends and family with this delightful bread!