This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe will transport you to Italy with every bite. Perfect for any gathering or simply as a side dish, this homemade focaccia is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s easy to make, requiring minimal hands-on time and just a few simple ingredients like bread flour and fresh rosemary. You’ll find this flatbread an excellent addition to soups, salads, or enjoyed on its own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With most of the time spent rising, you can focus on other tasks while your dough does the work.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of olive oil and fresh rosemary creates a mouthwatering aroma and taste that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Uses: Serve it as an appetizer, alongside pasta dishes, or enjoy it for breakfast with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or cheese for a unique twist.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is accessible for home bakers of all levels.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your focaccia bread, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make baking easier.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Plastic wrap or damp cloth
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl is essential for combining ingredients evenly without spills.
- Baking sheet: A good quality baking sheet ensures even cooking and easy transfer in and out of the oven.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect dough consistency.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 4 cups (500g) bread flour or all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons (10g) salt
- 1 3/4 cups (415ml) warm water
- 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
For Topping
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
- Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
How to Make Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Add the flour and salt, then mix until a sticky dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment on medium speed.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Focaccia
Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Transfer it to an oiled baking sheet. Use your fingers to stretch it out into a rectangle about 1-inch thick.
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover the shaped dough again and let it rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 6: Add Toppings
After rising, drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the dough. Sprinkle coarse sea salt and press fresh rosemary leaves into the surface.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until golden brown. Once done, remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing.
Enjoy your homemade focaccia as an irresistible addition to any meal!
How to Serve Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
Focaccia bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many delightful ways. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or alongside your favorite meal, you can elevate your dining experience with these tasty suggestions.
As a Standalone Appetizer
- Pair it with olive oil: Drizzle some high-quality extra virgin olive oil for dipping.
- Enjoy it warm: Serve straight from the oven for the best taste and texture.
With Soups and Stews
- Use it to soak up flavors: The fluffy texture makes focaccia perfect for mopping up hearty soups.
- Serve with a side of broth: A warm bowl of broth complements the bread beautifully.
As a Sandwich Base
- Create delicious sandwiches: Use slices of focaccia for gourmet sandwiches filled with meats, cheeses, and veggies.
- Try a panini: Grill your sandwich on focaccia for that crispy exterior and warm filling.
For Salads
- Crouton substitute: Cut into cubes and toast to use as croutons in salads.
- Serve alongside: Offer slices with green salads for added texture and flavor.
With Charcuterie Boards
- Add to a cheese platter: Include focaccia as part of a charcuterie board with cheeses, meats, and olives.
- Complement dips: Serve pieces alongside hummus or tapenade for dipping.
How to Perfect Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
To ensure your focaccia turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use high-quality flour: Opt for bread flour or strong all-purpose flour to achieve the best structure.
- Check yeast freshness: Ensure your yeast is active by checking its expiration date; this ensures proper rising.
- Knead gently: Avoid over-kneading; just enough to combine ingredients will keep the bread light and airy.
- Let it rise properly: Give your dough ample time to rise; this enhances flavor and texture.
- Preheat your oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking for even cooking.
- Experiment with toppings: Try adding garlic, olives, or cherry tomatoes on top before baking for added flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
Focaccia pairs well with a variety of side dishes that enhance its rustic flavors. Here are some excellent options:
- Bruschetta: Fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic on toasted bread make a refreshing contrast.
- Caprese Salad: Slices of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze complement focaccia beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized add depth to any meal served with focaccia.
- Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad tossed in vinaigrette works wonderfully alongside this bread.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp: Juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic butter create a delectable pairing with focaccia’s fluffiness.
- Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful bell peppers filled with rice or quinoa provide a hearty companion dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making focaccia bread can be easy, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are a few mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Using cold water – Always ensure your water is warm, around 110°F (43°C), to activate the yeast properly.
- Not kneading enough – Knead the dough well to develop gluten, which gives the focaccia its chewy texture.
- Skipping the rising time – Allow the dough to rise sufficiently; this step is crucial for fluffy bread.
- Overcrowding toppings – Use toppings sparingly; too many can weigh down the dough and make it soggy.
- Not preheating the oven – Preheat your oven fully before baking to achieve a crispy crust.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Wrap in plastic wrap for added freshness.
Freezing Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
- Slice before freezing for easy individual servings.
Reheating Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave – Heat slices on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat.
- Stovetop – Place in a skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side until warm and slightly crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about making this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe, here are some common questions and answers.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour; however, bread flour yields a chewier texture due to its higher protein content.
How thick should I spread the dough?
Aim for about 1 inch thick. This thickness allows it to rise nicely while baking.
Can I add other herbs or toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize with your favorite herbs, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes.
How long does it take to rise?
The dough usually takes about 1-2 hours to rise until doubled in size, depending on room temperature.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes! This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe is perfect for beginners due to its straightforward steps and forgiving nature.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can serve it as an appetizer or side dish and easily customize it with various toppings. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen!
Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe will transport your taste buds straight to Italy with its crispy exterior and soft, airy interior. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients—like bread flour and fresh rosemary—this homemade focaccia is perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, alongside soups and salads, or simply enjoy it on its own, each bite promises a delightful experience. With quick preparation and minimal hands-on time, anyone can master this versatile flatbread. Customize your focaccia with various toppings for a personal touch, making it the ultimate addition to your culinary repertoire.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 4 cups (500g) bread flour or all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons (10g) salt
- 1 3/4 cups (415ml) warm water
- 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar; let sit until frothy.
- Add flour and salt; mix until sticky dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
- Place in an oiled bowl; cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down dough, transfer to an oiled baking sheet, and stretch into a rectangle about 1 inch thick.
- Cover again and let rise for another 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt, and press rosemary into the surface.
- Bake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown; cool slightly before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (50g)
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 0.4g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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