Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Focaccia bread is incredibly easy to make, even for beginners. This recipe results in a soft, chewy bread with a crispy golden crust, and the added rosemary gives it an authentic Italian flavor. The best part is that it requires just a few pantry ingredients and minimal hands-on time, allowing you to enjoy fresh, homemade bread without the long hours of preparation. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite herbs or toppings, making it a great addition to any meal!
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (or other herbs optional)
- Sea salt for sprinkling
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and instant yeast. Stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Add Water and Oil: Pour the warm water (about 110°F or 43°C) and ¼ cup of olive oil into the dry mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Generously oil a baking sheet or pan (approximately 18×13 inches) to prevent sticking.
- Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air, then transfer it to the oiled baking pan. Gently stretch the dough to fit the pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the dough and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Dimple the Dough: Once the dough has risen a second time, use your fingers to press dimples all over the surface, creating indentations.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle additional olive oil over the dough, then sprinkle with sea salt and rosemary (or any other herbs you prefer).
- Bake: Place the focaccia in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until it is golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Cool: Remove the focaccia from the oven, and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including rise times)
Variations
- Herb Toppings: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme, oregano, or basil for varied flavors. You can even combine multiple herbs.
- Cheese: Add grated parmesan or mozzarella cheese to the dough before baking for a cheesy twist.
- Olives or Garlic: Toss some chopped olives or roasted garlic cloves into the dough for additional savory elements.
- Sweet Focaccia: Try adding honey and a sprinkle of sugar along with rosemary for a slightly sweet variation, perfect for pairing with tea or dessert.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Focaccia is best eaten fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat focaccia by placing it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour in this recipe. It will still yield delicious, soft focaccia.
2. How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size during the first rise. You can check by gently pressing your finger into the dough; if it leaves an indentation, it’s ready for the next step.
3. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast, but you’ll need to activate it by dissolving it in the warm water for 5-10 minutes before adding it to the dry ingredients.
4. Can I make this focaccia without rosemary?
Absolutely! You can substitute rosemary with other herbs like thyme, sage, or oregano, or even use a combination of herbs.
5. Can I make focaccia in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the second rise and baking.
6. Why does focaccia have dimples?
The dimples are traditional to focaccia, helping to create its signature texture and allow olive oil to pool, resulting in crispy, flavorful pockets.
7. Can I add toppings to the dough before the second rise?
Yes, you can add toppings such as olives, garlic, or cheese before the second rise. Just be sure the dough has room to expand.
8. Is focaccia bread vegan?
Yes, this focaccia recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no dairy or eggs.
9. How can I make my focaccia extra crispy?
To get extra crispy focaccia, ensure you use plenty of olive oil on both the baking pan and the dough’s surface. You can also bake it on a pizza stone for a crispier bottom.
10. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version of focaccia, use a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for bread making. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package for any adjustments to the yeast or liquid ratios.
Conclusion
Focaccia bread is a wonderful homemade treat that’s perfect for any meal. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make this warm, flavorful bread right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or pairing it with soup or salad, this focaccia recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Give it a try, and you’ll be amazed at how simple and satisfying it is!
Focaccia Bread: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe for Everyone
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including rise times)
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Focaccia bread is a deliciously simple, versatile Italian bread that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe results in a soft, chewy loaf with a crispy golden crust, flavored with rosemary and olive oil.
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (or other herbs optional)
Sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and instant yeast. Stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Pour the warm water (about 110°F or 43°C) and ¼ cup of olive oil into the dry mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Generously oil a baking sheet or pan (approximately 18×13 inches) to prevent sticking.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air, then transfer it to the oiled baking pan. Gently stretch the dough to fit the pan.
- Cover the dough and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Once the dough has risen a second time, use your fingers to press dimples all over the surface, creating indentations.
- Drizzle additional olive oil over the dough, then sprinkle with sea salt and rosemary (or any other herbs you prefer).
- Place the focaccia in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until it is golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Remove the focaccia from the oven, and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Experiment with different herbs such as thyme, oregano, or basil for varied flavors.
For a cheesy twist, add grated parmesan or mozzarella cheese to the dough before baking.
Add chopped olives or roasted garlic cloves for extra savory elements.
For a slightly sweet variation, try adding honey and a sprinkle of sugar along with rosemary.
Focaccia is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
