Focaccia Bread Recipe

Crisp yet fluffy, the Focaccia Bread Recipe is a delightful treat that stands out at any gathering. This versatile bread is perfect for sandwiches, dipping in soups, or simply enjoying on its own. With its rich aroma of herbs and a golden crust, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Easy to make and adaptable for various occasions, this focaccia will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This focaccia bread recipe requires minimal effort and can be prepared with just a few ingredients.
• Flavorful: Infused with aromatic herbs like oregano and basil, every bite is bursting with flavor.
• Versatile Use: Enjoy it as a side dish, sandwich base, or snack; the possibilities are endless!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time for quick meals throughout the week.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings such as olives, tomatoes, or cheese to make it unique.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making this delicious focaccia bread recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will help streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Plastic wrap
• 8-inch cake pan
• Whisk
• Oven

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to easily combine ingredients without mess.
• Plastic wrap: Helps create a warm environment for dough rising, ensuring maximum fluffiness.
• 8-inch cake pan: The perfect size for creating thick, fluffy focaccia with good structure.

Ingredients

To make this flavorful focaccia bread recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 cup warm water

For Topping

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (e.g., Maldon salt)

How to Make Focaccia Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and yeast.
2. Add the warm water and stir until you form a soft and sticky dough.
3. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours.

Step 2: Shape the Dough

1. After chilling, gently shape the dough into a ball using your hands.
2. Pour a tablespoon of olive oil into an 8-inch cake pan and spread it evenly across the bottom.
3. Place the ball of dough in the center of the pan and cover it tightly with plastic wrap again.
4. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 2 hours or until it has expanded significantly.

Step 3: Preheat & Dimple

1. As the dough rises, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. Once risen, remove the plastic wrap from the pan.
3. Drizzle remaining olive oil over the dough.
4. Press your fingers down into the dough repeatedly until dimples cover its entire surface.
5. Sprinkle oregano, basil, and flaky sea salt over top.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake in your preheated oven for 22-25 minutes or until it’s golden brown and crisp on top.

Enjoy this homemade focaccia bread as part of your next meal!

How to Serve Focaccia Bread Recipe

Focaccia bread is a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Its crispy exterior and fluffy interior make it an exceptional addition to any meal or gathering.

As a Sandwich Base

• Use slices of focaccia as the perfect foundation for sandwiches. Fill them with your favorite meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables for a hearty meal.

Dipped in Olive Oil

• Serve warm slices of focaccia with a side of high-quality olive oil. Add balsamic vinegar for an extra burst of flavor.

Accompaniment to Soups

• Pair focaccia with your favorite soup. The bread is excellent for soaking up broth, enhancing your dining experience.

For Snack Time

• Cut focaccia into bite-sized pieces and serve as an appetizer or snack. It’s great for sharing at parties or enjoying during movie nights.

With Cheese and Charcuterie Boards

• Include focaccia on a cheese board alongside various cheeses, fruits, and nuts. Its flavor complements a wide range of accompaniments.

How to Perfect Focaccia Bread Recipe

Achieving the ideal focaccia takes just a few simple tips to elevate your baking game.

• Use high-quality olive oil: This enhances the flavor of the bread and helps achieve that golden crust.
• Ensure proper dough hydration: A sticky dough leads to a fluffier texture. Don’t hesitate to add more water if needed.
• Let it rise properly: Allow enough time for the dough to expand; this contributes to the airy structure.
• Create dimples evenly: Press down gently but firmly across the surface to create even pockets for oil and seasoning.
• Top creatively: Experiment with toppings like cherry tomatoes, olives, or herbs for added flavor and presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Focaccia Bread Recipe

Focaccia pairs wonderfully with various dishes, making it an excellent choice for any meal. Here are some great side options:

1. Garden Salad: A fresh salad filled with greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing provides a light contrast.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies bring out natural sweetness and pair well with the savory flavors of focaccia.
3. Pasta Primavera: A colorful pasta dish loaded with seasonal vegetables complements the bread’s texture beautifully.
4. Chickpea Stew: A hearty stew rich in spices offers warmth and depth against the fluffy focaccia.
5. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken skewers seasoned with herbs create a satisfying pairing that’s easy to share.
6. Caprese Salad: Layered tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze add freshness that enhances focaccia’s flavors.
7. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers provide a filling option alongside your focaccia bread.
8. Vegetable Soup: A warm bowl of vegetable soup is comforting and perfect for dipping pieces of focaccia into it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making focaccia bread can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid for perfect results.

• Bold Mixing: Failing to mix the ingredients properly can lead to uneven dough. Make sure you mix until just combined for a soft texture.
• Bold Ignoring the Rise Time: Skipping the rise time will result in dense bread. Allow the dough to rise adequately for fluffier focaccia.
• Bold Over-Oiling: Using too much oil can make the bread greasy. A light drizzle is enough for flavor and crispiness.
• Bold Forgetting Seasoning: Neglecting to season can lead to bland bread. Don’t skip on herbs and flaky salt for that delicious taste.
• Bold Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect texture. Preheat your oven correctly to achieve a perfect crust.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store focaccia in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a container.

Freezing Focaccia Bread Recipe

• To freeze, wrap slices or whole loaves tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
• Focaccia can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Focaccia Bread Recipe

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 15-20 seconds until just warmed through, but this may soften the crust.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this focaccia bread recipe that may help you as you bake.

How do I make my Focaccia Bread Recipe more flavorful?

Adding various herbs, garlic, or olives can elevate your focaccia’s flavor profile. Experiment with toppings that suit your taste!

Can I use whole wheat flour for this Focaccia Bread Recipe?

Yes, but it will yield denser bread. Consider using half all-purpose and half whole wheat flour for balance.

What should I serve with Focaccia Bread Recipe?

Focaccia pairs well with soups, salads, or as a base for sandwiches. It’s versatile enough to complement many dishes.

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

The total time includes at least 8 hours of rising time, but active prep is only about 30 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Focaccia Bread Recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it on its own, as part of a meal, or customize it with various toppings and herbs. Don’t hesitate to try different flavors and create your perfect version!