Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe brings the delightful flavors of Italy straight to your kitchen. Perfect for any occasion, whether as an appetizer or a side dish, this focaccia is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll impress friends and family alike with this homemade treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to Make: With straightforward steps and minimal hands-on time, even novice bakers can succeed.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side to pasta, use it for sandwiches, or enjoy it on its own with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of fresh rosemary and extra virgin olive oil creates a fragrant and tasty bread.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add toppings like garlic, olives, or tomatoes to personalize your focaccia experience.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields eight servings, making it ideal for gatherings or family dinners.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your focaccia bread, gather the necessary tools for smooth preparation.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Plastic wrap
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing Bowl: A large bowl allows for adequate space when mixing the dough and helps with rising.
- Baking Sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even cooking and provides ample room for the bread to spread.
- Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking to achieve the right texture and flavor.
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
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
- Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
How to Make Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add flour and salt into the bowl. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Drizzle in olive oil and incorporate until fully combined.
Step 2: First Rise
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape the Focaccia
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Grease your baking sheet with olive oil.
- Transfer the dough onto the baking sheet; stretch it gently to fit.
- Use your fingers to create dimples across the surface of the dough.
Step 4: Second Rise
- Cover again with plastic wrap and let it rise for another hour.
- While rising, sprinkle fresh rosemary leaves over top.
Step 5: Bake
- Drizzle more olive oil over the dough along with coarse sea salt.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing.
Enjoy this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe as a delightful addition to your meals!
How to Serve Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
Focaccia bread is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Whether you enjoy it as an appetizer or as a side dish, this easy focaccia bread recipe will elevate any meal.
As an Appetizer
- Serve warm with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. This simple combination highlights the focaccia’s flavors.
- Pair with marinated olives for a Mediterranean touch. The salty olives complement the soft bread.
With Soups and Salads
- Enjoy alongside your favorite soup, like minestrone or tomato basil. The focaccia adds texture and flavor to the meal.
- Use it as a side for fresh salads, such as a classic Caesar salad. The bread can be used to scoop up dressing or toppings.
For Sandwiches
- Create delicious sandwiches by slicing the focaccia horizontally and filling it with meats, cheeses, and vegetables. It’s perfect for a hearty lunch.
- Make mini focaccia sliders using smaller pieces of bread filled with your choice of fillings for parties or gatherings.
On Charcuterie Boards
- Add sliced focaccia to a charcuterie board. It pairs well with cheeses, cured meats, and spreads, providing a delightful contrast in textures.
How to Perfect Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
To achieve the best results with this focaccia bread recipe, consider these helpful tips that ensure your bread turns out perfectly every time.
- Use warm water: Ensuring that the water is warm (not hot) helps activate the yeast effectively, leading to better rising.
- Knead gently: Knead the dough just until combined. Over-kneading can result in tough bread instead of fluffy focaccia.
- Let it rise adequately: Allow enough time for the dough to rise; this creates that light and airy texture we all love.
- Add toppings creatively: Experiment with different herbs or toppings like garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, or cheese to enhance flavor.
- Drizzle before baking: A light drizzle of olive oil on top before baking adds delicious richness and promotes browning.
- Cool before slicing: Let the focaccia cool slightly before cutting to preserve its structure and prevent it from becoming soggy.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
Focaccia pairs wonderfully with many side dishes that complement its texture and flavor. Here are some great options to consider:
- Bruschetta: A classic Italian appetizer made with diced tomatoes, basil, and garlic on toasted bread.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned veggies roasted until caramelized make for a colorful and healthy addition.
- Italian Meatballs: Savory meatballs served in marinara sauce pair excellently as a hearty side dish.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with garlic provide comfort alongside the crispy focaccia.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables offers variety and flavor diversity.
- Pasta Primavera: A light pasta dish loaded with seasonal vegetables complements the carb-filled focaccia beautifully.
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Juicy shrimp seasoned and grilled add a protein-packed option that balances the meal nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making focaccia bread can be simple, but there are some common mistakes that can affect your results. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Using cold water: Always use warm water for activating yeast. Cold water can slow down the yeast, leading to poor rising.
- Skipping the kneading: Kneading develops gluten, which gives focaccia its chewy texture. Don’t skip this step; it’s crucial for a great loaf.
- Not letting it rise enough: Patience is key! Make sure your dough rises until it doubles in size. This step enhances flavor and texture.
- Overcrowding toppings: Too many toppings can weigh down your focaccia, making it dense. Use a light hand with herbs and extras to keep it airy.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Preheat your oven properly before baking. An insufficiently hot oven can lead to soggy bread rather than a crispy crust.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store focaccia in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
Freezing Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
- Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag.
Reheating Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds at a time until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this easy focaccia bread recipe:
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 do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size and feel puffy. You can also gently press two fingers into it; if the indent remains, it’s ready.
What toppings can I add to my focaccia?
You can customize with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or different herbs like thyme or basil for added flavor!
Is this easy focaccia bread recipe suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! This recipe is straightforward and perfect for anyone new to baking.
Final Thoughts
This easy focaccia bread recipe offers an incredible way to enjoy homemade Italian flatbread. Its crispy exterior and soft interior make it a delightful side dish or appetizer. Feel free to customize your focaccia with various herbs and toppings according to your taste preferences!
Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves eight
Description
Transform your kitchen into an Italian bakery with this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe. This delightful flatbread boasts a crispy exterior and a soft, airy interior, making it an ideal companion for any meal. Whether served warm with olive oil for dipping, used as a sandwich base, or paired with soups and salads, this focaccia is sure to impress. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll create a homemade treat that will have friends and family asking for seconds. Customize it with your favorite toppings like rosemary, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 3/4 cups warm water
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Combine warm water and yeast in a mixing bowl; let sit until frothy (about 5 minutes).
- Add flour and salt; mix until sticky dough forms. Incorporate olive oil.
- Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
- Stretch the dough onto the baking sheet, creating dimples on the surface with your fingers.
- Allow it to rise again for about an hour; sprinkle with rosemary.
- Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle coarse sea salt; bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (60g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
