Focaccia Bread Recipe

Focaccia is an Italian flatbread known for its soft, airy texture and golden, crispy crust. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for various dishes, whether served as an appetizer, paired with pasta, or used for making sandwiches. The dough, infused with olive oil and topped with herbs like rosemary, becomes a flavorful and fragrant bread that’s easy to make at home. Perfect for beginners or seasoned bakers, this focaccia recipe will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas!

Equipment:

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Baking sheet or pizza stone
• Clean kitchen towel
• Pastry brush (optional)
• Small bowl for topping (optional)

Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
• ¼ cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• Optional: garlic powder, balsamic vinegar, or olives for topping

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Make a well in the center. Add the warm water and olive oil, then stir using a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together.
2. Knead the Dough:
   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook if preferred.
3. First Rise:
   Lightly oil the bowl and place the dough back inside. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Shape the Dough:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a greased baking sheet or pizza stone and gently stretch the dough to fill the surface of the pan. Use your fingers to create dimples all over the dough’s surface.
5. Add the Toppings:
   Drizzle a little olive oil over the dough and sprinkle with fresh rosemary, sea salt, and any other toppings you desire (e.g., garlic powder, olives, or a splash of balsamic vinegar).
6. Second Rise:
   Let the dough rest for another 20-30 minutes, uncovered, so it can rise slightly before baking.
7. Bake the Focaccia:
   Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the focaccia is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Cool and Serve:
   Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Slice the focaccia and serve warm with dipping oil or your favorite sauce.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, drizzle the dough with olive oil after baking, just before serving.
• If you prefer a crispier crust, bake the focaccia on a preheated pizza stone.
• Feel free to experiment with different toppings like caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives.

This homemade focaccia bread recipe is the perfect balance of soft, airy texture and savory flavors. The warm, herbed bread pairs wonderfully with pasta, soups, or just as a tasty snack on its own. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this focaccia will be a showstopper at your dinner table!

Focaccia Bread Recipe

This Focaccia bread recipe yields soft, flavorful, and pillowy bread topped with olive oil, herbs, and sea salt. It’s perfect for sandwiches, dipping, or as a side to any meal!

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Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Baking sheet or pizza stone
• Clean kitchen towel
• Pastry brush (optional)
• Small bowl for topping (optional)

Ingredients

  

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 ½ cups warm water about 110°F/45°C
• ¼ cup olive oil plus extra for drizzling
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• Optional: garlic powder balsamic vinegar, or olives for topping

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Dough:
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Make a well in the center. Add the warm water and olive oil, then stir using a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together.
• Knead the Dough:
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook if preferred.
• First Rise:
• Lightly oil the bowl and place the dough back inside. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
• Shape the Dough:
• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a greased baking sheet or pizza stone and gently stretch the dough to fill the surface of the pan. Use your fingers to create dimples all over the dough’s surface.
• Add the Toppings:
• Drizzle a little olive oil over the dough and sprinkle with fresh rosemary, sea salt, and any other toppings you desire (e.g., garlic powder, olives, or a splash of balsamic vinegar).
• Second Rise:
• Let the dough rest for another 20-30 minutes, uncovered, so it can rise slightly before baking.
• Bake the Focaccia:
• Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the focaccia is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
• Cool and Serve:
• Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Slice the focaccia and serve warm with dipping oil or your favorite sauce.