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Homemade Focaccia Bread
Homemade focaccia bread is truly a culinary delight that takes your baking experience to new heights. There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, especially when that bread is focaccia. Soft, chewy, and topped with fragrant rosemary, this Italian staple is perfect for dipping in olive oil, sneaking into sandwiches, or simply enjoying straight from the oven. From weeknight dinners to weekend brunch, focaccia elevates any table with its rustic charm and satisfying taste.
Reasons You’ll Love Making It
What sets this focaccia recipe apart is its simplicity paired with a gourmet finish. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a bread that rivals those from your favorite Italian bakery. It’s incredibly forgiving for beginner bakers, making it a perfect weekend project. Plus, not only is focaccia delicious, but it’s also versatile—great for meal prep, as a side dish for soups, or even as a base for pizzas.
"This focaccia recipe transformed my dinner parties! Everyone raves about it, and it’s so easy to make!"
Preparing Homemade Focaccia Bread
Making focaccia is a straightforward process composed of several easy steps. Before diving in, let’s outline what you can expect from this recipe: First, you’ll mix your dry ingredients and then combine them with the wet. After kneading the dough, a good rise time allows for optimal flavor and texture. Finally, you’ll shape it, add toppings, and bake it to golden perfection. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have an irresistible loaf ready in no time!
What You’ll Need
Gather the following ingredients to get started:
- 4 cups bread flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- Fresh rosemary (for topping)
- Coarse salt (for topping)
Note: You can substitute the rosemary with other herbs like thyme or oregano, depending on your preference!
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Step-by-Step Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, instant yeast, and salt.
- Gradually add the warm water and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough briefly on a floured surface until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Use your fingers to stretch it out to fit the pan, creating dimples in the surface.
- Drizzle olive oil on top, then sprinkle with fresh rosemary and coarse salt.
- Let it rise for another 15 minutes before baking.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Best Way to Serve
Focaccia is wonderfully versatile. Serve it warm, straight from the oven, alongside a dish of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping—a classic choice. You can also pair it with your favorite pasta or salad for a complete meal. Fancy a snack? Enjoy a slice topped with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella for a quick caprese treat.
Keeping Homemade Focaccia Bread Fresh Longer
To store your focaccia properly, let it cool completely after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Slice the focaccia before freezing; reheating individual slices is much easier. When ready to enjoy, simply pop it in the oven or toaster for a few minutes until warmed through. Remember to use safe food handling practices to ensure the best quality.
Pro Chef Tips
- Ensure your water is just warm to the touch (about 110°F) to activate the yeast properly.
- Don’t rush the rising process; the longer the dough sits, the more flavorful it becomes.
- When creating dimples in the dough, be gentle to avoid deflating it too much. This helps trap air and creates a beautiful texture.
Creative Twists to Consider
Focaccia is a blank canvas brimming with possibilities. Think about adding different toppings such as olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions. You can also experiment with adding cheese to the dough, like parmesan or feta, for an extra burst of flavor. For a twist on the original, try adding a blend of spices or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat!
Your Questions Answered
1. How long does it take to make focaccia?
From start to finish, including rise time, you’re looking at about 3 hours. However, active cooking time is relatively short.
2. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes! While bread flour provides a chewier texture, all-purpose flour works just fine if that’s what you have.
3. How do I store leftover focaccia?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Homemade focaccia bread is not just a recipe; it’s an experience that fills your home with warmth and joy. So roll up your sleeves, let your kitchen become a haven of delightful aromas, and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Print
Homemade Focaccia Bread
- Total Time: 180 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, chewy focaccia bread topped with fragrant rosemary, perfect for dipping in olive oil or adding to sandwiches.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups bread flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- Fresh rosemary (for topping)
- Coarse salt (for topping)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, instant yeast, and salt.
- Gradually add the warm water and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough briefly on a floured surface until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Use your fingers to stretch it out to fit the pan, creating dimples in the surface.
- Drizzle olive oil on top, then sprinkle with fresh rosemary and coarse salt.
- Let it rise for another 15 minutes before baking.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
For variations, try adding toppings such as olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions. Ensure water is about 110°F to activate yeast properly.
- Prep Time: 15 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: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: focaccia, bread, homemade, Italian, easy recipe
