Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
This easy focaccia bread recipe is perfect for anyone craving a taste of Italy without the fuss. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you can enjoy this soft, airy flatbread that pairs well with soups, salads, or as a delicious appetizer. Its unique texture and flavor will impress your guests at any gathering or family meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With minimal hands-on time, this recipe is beginner-friendly and requires just a few pantry staples.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh rosemary and olive oil gives the focaccia an authentic Italian taste that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Uses: Enjoy it on its own, as a sandwich base, or served with dips—there’s no limit to how you can use this bread!
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut into pieces for family gatherings, parties, or casual dinner nights; it’s an excellent way to bring people together.
- Customizable Toppings: Get creative with toppings! From garlic to olives, you can personalize your focaccia to suit your tastes.
Tools and Preparation
Before getting started with this easy focaccia bread recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Plastic wrap or kitchen towel
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for combining ingredients effectively without spilling.
- Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even cooking and helps achieve that lovely golden crust.
- Plastic wrap or kitchen towel: These help retain moisture during the rising process, promoting a better texture in the final product.
Ingredients
To create this delightful focaccia bread, gather the following 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 warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Add flour and salt to the mixture. Stir until fully combined.
- Drizzle in olive oil and mix until a sticky dough forms.
Step 2: First Rise
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape the Focaccia
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Grease your baking sheet with olive oil.
- Transfer the risen dough onto the prepared baking sheet and gently stretch it into an even rectangle.
Step 4: Second Rise
- Cover the shaped dough again and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- After rising, use your fingers to dimple the surface of the dough.
Step 5: Add Toppings & Bake
- Sprinkle fresh rosemary leaves and coarse sea salt over the dough.
- Drizzle with extra olive oil before placing it in the oven.
- Bake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Now you have a delicious homemade easy focaccia bread ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
Focaccia bread is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether as an appetizer, side, or main component of a meal, it pairs beautifully with various ingredients. Here are some delightful serving suggestions.
Pairing with Dips
- Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar: A classic Italian combination for dipping that enhances the flavor of the focaccia.
- Hummus: Creamy and rich, hummus adds a healthy touch to your focaccia experience.
- Pesto: This aromatic sauce made from basil complements the focaccia’s texture and flavor.
Topping Ideas
- Sliced Tomatoes and Mozzarella: Layer fresh tomatoes and mozzarella for a Caprese-style treat.
- Roasted Vegetables: Top your focaccia with colorful roasted veggies for added nutrition and taste.
- Charcuterie: Serve slices alongside cured meats and cheeses for a hearty platter.
As a Sandwich Base
- Caprese Sandwich: Use focaccia as the bread in a sandwich filled with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich: Fill focaccia with grilled chicken, arugula, and aioli for a delicious meal on the go.
How to Perfect Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
To achieve the best results with your focaccia bread, consider these helpful tips.
- Flour Choice: Use high-quality bread flour for better gluten development and texture.
- Kneading Technique: Knead the dough until smooth but don’t overdo it; this helps maintain its airy structure.
- Proofing Time: Allow adequate time for rising; longer proofing can enhance flavor.
- Olive Oil Application: Generously drizzle olive oil on top before baking; it creates a crispy crust that enhances flavor.
- Seasoning Choices: Experiment with toppings like garlic or sea salt to customize your focaccia experience.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
Focaccia bread pairs well with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some top choices.
- Caesar Salad: Crunchy romaine lettuce mixed with creamy dressing makes for a refreshing side.
- Tomato Soup: The warmth of tomato soup contrasts beautifully with the soft texture of focaccia.
- Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, cheeses, meats, and marinated vegetables adds variety to your meal.
- Greek Salad: Fresh cucumbers, feta cheese, and olives create a vibrant Mediterranean side.
- Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting pairing.
- Grilled Asparagus: Lightly charred asparagus offers a healthy crunch that complements the bread’s softness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your easy focaccia bread, it’s important to steer clear of common mistakes that can affect the final outcome. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
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Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure you have the right amounts of flour and water. Incorrect measurements can lead to dough that’s too dry or too wet.
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Ignoring yeast activation: If you’re using active dry yeast, make sure to activate it in warm water before mixing. Skipping this step can result in flat bread.
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Over-kneading the dough: Knead just until combined and smooth. Overworking the dough can lead to tough focaccia rather than a light and airy texture.
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Skipping the rising time: Allow your dough ample time to rise. Rushing this step results in dense bread without the desired airy pockets.
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Under-seasoning: Focaccia is known for its flavor, so don’t skimp on salt or toppings. Adding rosemary and coarse sea salt is essential for that authentic taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Wrap the focaccia tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes for best results.
- Microwave: Heat for 15-20 seconds, but be cautious as it may become chewy.
- Stovetop: Warm slices in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, flipping once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making this easy focaccia bread recipe:
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour. However, bread flour yields a chewier texture due to higher gluten content.
How do I add toppings to my focaccia?
You can add various toppings like olives, cherry tomatoes, or garlic before baking. Just make sure they are evenly distributed for flavor.
How long does it take to make this easy focaccia bread recipe?
The total time is about 2 hours and 55 minutes, including rising and baking times.
What should I serve with focaccia?
This bread pairs perfectly with soups, salads, or even as a base for sandwiches. It’s versatile enough for any meal!
Can I make focaccia ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day before and refrigerate it overnight after the first rise. Just bring it back to room temperature before baking.
Final Thoughts
This easy focaccia bread recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs or toppings! Whether served as an appetizer or alongside your main dish, this homemade treat will surely impress everyone at your table.
Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
This easy focaccia bread recipe brings the delightful taste of Italy right to your kitchen without any hassle. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a soft and airy flatbread that’s perfect for dipping, serving with soups, or enjoying as an appetizer. Infused with fresh rosemary and olive oil, this focaccia is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to personalize it with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving homemade bread, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at your table.
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 bubbly.
- Stir in flour and salt until combined. Add olive oil and mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
- Stretch the risen dough onto the baking sheet into an even rectangle and cover for another 30 minutes.
- Dimple the surface with fingers, sprinkle with rosemary and sea salt, drizzle with olive oil, then bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
