Homemade Focaccia Bread

Homemade Focaccia Bread: A Delectable Treat

There’s something profoundly satisfying about making bread at home. Nothing quite compares to the warm aroma filling your kitchen as you bake a fresh loaf of focaccia. This recipe brings together simplicity and flavor, making it perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned chefs alike. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, homemade focaccia is sure to impress your guests and elevate any meal. Plus, with its crispy edges and soft, airy center, it’s a true crowd-pleaser.

What Sets This Recipe Apart

So, why opt for this focaccia recipe? It’s budget-friendly, quick to prepare, and allows for endless customization—what’s not to love? You can whip up a batch in about two hours, making it an ideal addition to weeknight dinners, festive gatherings, or even Sunday brunch. Plus, it’s a fabulous way to get the kids involved in the kitchen; they’ll have a blast dimpling the dough and sprinkling on the salt!

"I made this focaccia for family dinner, and it disappeared in minutes! The texture was perfect—crispy on the outside, soft inside, and the aroma of rosemary was heavenly!"

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Making focaccia bread at home is not only rewarding, but it’s also a simple process. This guide breaks down the steps clearly so that even novice bakers can follow along. You’ll start by mixing the dry ingredients, followed by incorporating wet ingredients gradually until a pliable dough forms. After a series of rises and rests, your focaccia will be ready to bake.

Gather Your Ingredients

• 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 (to taste)
• Coarse sea salt (for topping)

Some variations might call for substitutions, such as using all-purpose flour instead of bread flour, but the texture might differ slightly.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine bread flour, instant yeast, and salt.
2. Gradually mix in the warm water and olive oil until a moist dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic.
4. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for approximately 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) during the last few minutes of the dough rising.
6. Lightly oil a baking sheet and spread the dough onto it, using your fingers to create dimples.
7. Drizzle additional olive oil over the surface and sprinkle with fresh rosemary and coarse sea salt.
8. Allow the dough to rest for another 30 minutes before baking.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Once baked, let it cool slightly before slicing and serving it warm.

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Best Way to Serve

Focaccia is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm as a side to pasta dishes, slice it into sandwiches stuffed with your favorite fillings, or accompany it with a selection of dips like hummus or olive tapenade. You could also enjoy it alongside a crisp salad for a light meal. For an even more indulgent treat, pair it with a drizzle of balsamic reduction.

Keeping Homemade Focaccia Bread Fresh Longer

To maintain the freshness of your focaccia, store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature. If you’ve baked a large batch that you’d like to save for later, consider wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and freezing it for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw it at room temperature and reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Pro Chef Tips

• Don’t Rush the Rise: Allow the dough to rise fully; this is critical for achieving that airy texture.
• Experiment with Toppings: Beyond rosemary, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or even cheese for extra flavor.
• Use Quality Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil can greatly enhance the taste, both in the dough and as a finishing drizzle.

Flavor Variations

Want to switch things up? Try adding different herbs such as thyme or oregano, or even infuse your olive oil with garlic before drizzling. You could also create a Mediterranean-inspired focaccia by incorporating olives, feta cheese, or roasted red peppers into the dough or toppings.

FAQ

How long does it take to make focaccia?

The entire process takes about two hours, including rising time, but most of that is hands-off waiting.

Can I substitute active dry yeast for instant yeast in this recipe?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast, but you’ll need to activate it first by dissolving it in warm water and letting it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.

How can I ensure my focaccia stays soft?

Storing your focaccia in an airtight container and consuming it within a couple of days helps maintain its softness. You can also consider using a bread bag for longer-term storage.

Homemade Focaccia Bread

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• Total Time: 120 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful and easy-to-make focaccia bread with crispy edges and a soft, airy center, perfect for any meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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 (to taste)
• Coarse sea salt (for topping)

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine bread flour, instant yeast, and salt.
2. Gradually mix in the warm water and olive oil until a moist dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic.
4. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for approximately 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) during the last few minutes of the dough rising.
6. Lightly oil a baking sheet and spread the dough onto it, using your fingers to create dimples.
7. Drizzle additional olive oil over the surface and sprinkle with fresh rosemary and coarse sea salt.
8. Allow the dough to rest for another 30 minutes before baking.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Once baked, let it cool slightly before slicing and serving it warm.

Notes

Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature. It can also be frozen for up to three months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Bakery
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: focaccia, homemade bread, Italian bread, easy bread recipe, baking