Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe is perfect for anyone who loves homemade bread with minimal effort. With its crispy crust and soft, airy interior, this focaccia will elevate any meal, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering. The fragrant rosemary and the drizzle of olive oil make it irresistible. Enjoy it as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a base for sandwiches.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients on hand, making it easy to whip up.
• Hands-Off Preparation: The majority of the time is spent letting the dough rise, allowing you to focus on other tasks.
• Versatile Uses: Enjoy focaccia on its own, with dips, or as part of an Italian-inspired meal.
• Customizable Flavors: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or toppings for a unique twist.
• Impressive Results: Homemade focaccia gives you that bakery-quality taste and texture right at home.

Tools and Preparation

To make this recipe successfully, having the right tools is essential. You’ll need some basic kitchen equipment that will help ensure your focaccia turns out perfectly every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Plastic wrap or kitchen towel

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows for ample space to combine your ingredients without spilling.
• Baking sheet: A good baking sheet ensures even baking and helps achieve that lovely golden crust.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for consistent results in bread-making.

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

For Topping

• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
• Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)

How to Make Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

Start by warming the water until it feels just warm to the touch but not hot. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water with yeast and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Once combined, create a well in the center.

Step 3: Combine Mixtures

Pour the yeast mixture into the well of dry ingredients along with olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Transfer your dough onto a floured surface. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 5: First Rise

Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.

Step 6: Shape and Second Rise

After rising, gently punch down the dough. Transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Press it out into a rectangle shape about 1 inch thick. Cover again and let it rise for another hour.

Step 7: Preheat Oven

While the dough is rising for the second time, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 8: Add Toppings

Once risen, use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface of the dough. Drizzle with more olive oil and sprinkle coarse sea salt along with fresh rosemary leaves atop.

Step 9: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Step 10: Cool & Serve

Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with additional olive oil for dipping if desired!

How to Serve Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

This easy focaccia bread recipe is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as an appetizer, side dish, or a flavorful base for toppings, there are many options to elevate your meal.

With Dipping Oils

• Enjoy your focaccia with a mix of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a simple yet elegant dip.
• Try infusing olive oil with herbs like basil or garlic for added flavor.

As a Sandwich Base

• Slice the focaccia horizontally to create sandwiches. Fill with fresh vegetables, turkey, or chicken for a delicious lunch option.
• Use it as a base for paninis by grilling your favorite ingredients between slices.

Topped with Fresh Ingredients

• Top warm focaccia with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella for a Caprese-style treat.
• Spread on some hummus or pesto before adding roasted vegetables for a colorful platter.

Accompaniment to Soups and Salads

• Serve alongside hearty soups, like minestrone or tomato basil, for dipping.
• Pair with a light salad topped with vinaigrette to balance the bread’s richness.

How to Perfect Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Achieving the perfect focaccia bread requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your baking skills.

• Use high-quality flour: Opt for bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for better structure and chewiness.
• Ensure proper yeast activation: Make sure your yeast is fresh and proof it in warm water until bubbly for optimal rise.
• Don’t skimp on olive oil: Generously drizzle olive oil over the dough before baking to create that signature crispy crust.
• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or garlic before baking to enhance flavor.
• Let it rise properly: Allow enough time for the dough to rise; this will give you a light and airy texture.
• Bake at the right temperature: Preheat your oven thoroughly before placing the focaccia inside for even cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Focaccia pairs wonderfully with many side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Bruschetta: A classic Italian starter made with diced tomatoes, basil, and garlic on toasted bread.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction provide a refreshing contrast.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized make a delightful accompaniment.
4. Garlic Soup: A rich and comforting garlic soup adds depth when served alongside warm focaccia.
5. Greek Salad: Crisp cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese tossed in lemon vinaigrette create a zesty side dish.
6. Pasta Primavera: Colorful pasta mixed with sautéed veggies brings brightness that pairs well with focaccia.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking focaccia can be simple, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Incorrect yeast measurement: Using too much or too little yeast can affect the rise. Always measure accurately for best results.
• Not letting the dough rise enough: Insufficient rising time leads to dense bread. Be patient; allow the dough to double in size.
• Skipping the olive oil: Focaccia needs olive oil for flavor and texture. Don’t skip the oil in both the dough and topping!
• Neglecting seasoning: Focaccia should be flavorful! Use coarse sea salt generously on top for that extra kick.
• Overbaking: Watch your focaccia closely in the oven. Overbaking can result in a hard crust instead of a soft, airy inside.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store focaccia in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat wrapped focaccia for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on high for 20-30 seconds, but this may make it chewy.
• Stovetop: Warm slices on a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding our Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe:

How do I know when my focaccia is done?

The focaccia should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Can I add toppings to my Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! You can customize it with toppings like olives, tomatoes, or garlic before baking.

What flour should I use for Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?

Bread flour is preferred due to its higher protein content, which helps create a chewier texture.

How long does it take to prepare this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?

Preparation takes about 2.5 hours total time, primarily for rising.

Final Thoughts

This easy focaccia bread recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. It makes a perfect side dish or appetizer and can be customized with your favorite herbs or toppings. Try making it at home, and enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen!