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Classic Focaccia
Classic Focaccia is a delightful Italian bread that’s easy to make yet highly rewarding. I still remember the first time I crafted this golden, airy loaf filled with flavor. The aroma wafting through my kitchen brought smiles from everyone who crossed the threshold. Whether you whip it up for a casual family dinner, serve it alongside a hearty soup, or enjoy it as part of a festive spread, focaccia has the unique ability to elevate any meal. Its rustic texture and herb-infused crust are inviting, making it a staple in many homes.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This recipe for Classic Focaccia stands out for its simplicity and versatility. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can create a comforting bread that’s perfect for any occasion. The long fermentation time allows for deeper flavors and a beautiful crumb structure—your taste buds will thank you! It’s also incredibly forgiving and allows for plenty of customization. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, making focaccia is stress-free and fulfilling.
"I made this focaccia for our game night, and it was gone in minutes! Everyone raved about the crispy crust and the soft inside. I’ll definitely make this again!" – Satisfied Home Baker
Preparing Classic Focaccia
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s take a peek at what you’ll be doing. At its core, making focaccia is about mixing, resting, and baking dough. You’ll create a beautifully dimpled bread topped with olive oil and sea salt, making it irresistible. Plus, with minimal hands-on time, it’s an ideal baking project for any day of the week.
Gather Your Ingredients
For this Classic Focaccia, you’ll need the following essentials:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups warm water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Coarse sea salt for topping
- Fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) for topping (optional)
Feel free to experiment with different herbs or even add chopped garlic to the dough for an extra twist!
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Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Add the flour and salt, then stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Drizzle in the olive oil and mix until fully incorporated.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise at room temperature for 8-12 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Grease a baking pan with olive oil and transfer the dough into it.
- Gently spread the dough using your fingers and create dimples all over its surface.
- Drizzle some additional olive oil, sprinkle coarse sea salt, and add fresh herbs if desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Best Way to Serve
Classic Focaccia is incredibly adaptable. You could serve it as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as a sandwich base. Pair it with homemade marinara sauce for dipping, or serve it alongside a vibrant salad filled with seasonal vegetables. For a special touch, offer it with a variety of olive oils for dipping. It also makes for a fantastic base for bruschetta!
Storage Tips
To keep your Classic Focaccia fresh, store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers, you can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then placed in a zip-top bag, for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw and reheat it in the oven for that freshly baked taste.
Expert Advice
- Use high-quality olive oil—not just for the dough but also for drizzling on top.
- Let your spacious, covered dough rest longer for a more intense flavor. Don’t rush the rising—it’s key to developing that lovely structure!
- For an impressive twist, try infusing the olive oil with garlic or chili flakes before drizzling it on top.
Creative Twists
- Incorporate different herbs like basil, oregano, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese in the dough for a flavor enhancement.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean flair.
- Consider a sweet version by incorporating raisins and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an unexpected dessert bread.
Your Questions Answered
1. How long does it take to prepare this focaccia?
From start to finish, expect about 8-12 hours for the dough to rise plus 30-40 minutes for prep and baking.
2. Can I substitute the all-purpose flour?
Yes! You can use bread flour for a chewier texture, or whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor—just adjust the water slightly based on the type of flour.
3. How do I know when the focaccia is done?
The focaccia is ready when it’s golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Trust your senses!
Now that you have all the details, are you ready to bring a taste of Italy into your kitchen? Enjoy your baking adventure!
Classic Focaccia
- Total Time: 480 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Focaccia is a delightful Italian bread that’s easy to make yet highly rewarding, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups warm water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Coarse sea salt for topping
- Fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) for topping (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Add the flour and salt, then stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Drizzle in the olive oil and mix until fully incorporated.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise at room temperature for 8-12 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Grease a baking pan with olive oil and transfer the dough into it.
- Gently spread the dough using your fingers and create dimples all over its surface.
- Drizzle some additional olive oil, sprinkle coarse sea salt, and add fresh herbs if desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use high-quality olive oil for both the dough and drizzling on top. Allow the dough to rest longer for a more intense flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: focaccia, bread, Italian, easy recipe, baking
