Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe is your gateway to a warm, homemade Italian delight. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering with friends, this focaccia offers a wonderfully crispy crust and a soft, airy interior. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you can impress your guests or enjoy it yourself as a delicious side or appetizer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Preparation: This focaccia recipe requires minimal effort, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
- Versatile Pairing: Enjoy it as an appetizer, side dish, or even as the base for sandwiches—the possibilities are endless!
- Authentic Flavor: Infused with fresh rosemary and olive oil, this bread captures the essence of traditional Italian baking.
- Perfect Texture: The combination of crispy edges and soft insides ensures every bite is delightful.
- Customizable: Feel free to add toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or cheese to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Plastic wrap
- Oven mitts
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients and allowing the dough to rise properly.
- Baking sheet: Provides the perfect surface for baking your focaccia evenly.
- Plastic wrap: Helps retain moisture during the dough rising phase.
- Oven mitts: Keeps you safe when handling hot trays straight from the oven.
Ingredients
To make this easy homemade focaccia bread recipe, you will need:
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 the bread flour, yeast, and salt. Mix well.
- Gradually add the warm water, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
- Add in the olive oil, mixing until fully incorporated.
Step 2: Let It Rise
- Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape and Second Rise
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
- Transfer the risen dough onto the greased baking sheet and stretch it gently to fit.
- Dimple the top of the dough using your fingertips.
- Sprinkle with fresh rosemary leaves and coarse sea salt.
Step 4: Bake the Focaccia
- Drizzle additional olive oil over the top of the dough.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing.
Enjoy this easy focaccia bread warm or at room temperature!
How to Serve Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
Focaccia bread is incredibly versatile and can complement a variety of dishes or be enjoyed on its own. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your focaccia experience.
As an Appetizer
- Olive Oil Dip: Serve warm focaccia with a small dish of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for dipping.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the focaccia for a tangy contrast that enhances its flavor.
With Soup
- Tomato Basil Soup: Pair this bread with a hearty tomato basil soup for a comforting meal.
- Minestrone: Enjoy your focaccia alongside minestrone soup, where the flavors meld beautifully.
As a Sandwich Base
- Caprese Sandwich: Slice focaccia horizontally and fill it with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.
- Turkey and Pesto: Use focaccia as the base for turkey and pesto sandwiches for a satisfying lunch.
At a Picnic
- Cheese Platter: Bring focaccia to picnics as part of a cheese platter with various cheeses and fruits.
- Charcuterie Board: Include focaccia on your charcuterie board along with cured meats and olives.
How to Perfect Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
To ensure your focaccia turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Warm Water: Warm water helps activate yeast quickly, leading to better rising.
- Don’t Rush the Rising: Allow adequate time for the dough to rise; this enhances flavor.
- Oil the Pan Generously: A well-oiled baking pan prevents sticking and adds flavor.
- Add Toppings Before Baking: Press herbs or toppings into the dough before baking for better infusion of flavors.
- Check for Doneness: Look for a golden-brown color on the top to ensure it’s cooked through.
- Cool Before Slicing: Let it cool slightly before slicing to maintain its texture.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
Focaccia pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.
- Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal veggies in olive oil and garlic, roast until tender, and serve alongside focaccia.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad complements the bread’s texture and flavor beautifully.
- Stuffed Peppers: Serve stuffed bell peppers filled with rice or quinoa as a hearty side.
- Antipasto Platter: Create an antipasto platter with olives, cheeses, and cured meats to accompany the bread.
- Greek Salad: Fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, feta, and olives create a refreshing side that balances the rich flavors of focaccia.
- Bruschetta Topping: Top slices of focaccia with chopped tomatoes, basil, and garlic for an easy bruschetta option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making focaccia bread at home can be fun, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.
- Incorrect yeast measurement: Using too much or too little yeast can affect the rise of your focaccia. Always measure accurately for the best results.
- Not using warm water: Cold water can slow down yeast activation. Make sure your water is warm (about 110°F or 43°C) for optimal dough development.
- Skipping the first rise: Allowing the dough to rise properly is essential for texture. Don’t rush this step; give it at least an hour in a warm place.
- Overworking the dough: Kneading too much can make focaccia tough. Mix just until combined and stop when it feels smooth and elastic.
- Ignoring oil on the baking sheet: A well-oiled pan helps achieve that crispy crust. Don’t skip drizzling olive oil generously before placing the dough.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
Reheating Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place focaccia directly on the rack for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds. This method may lose some crispiness.
- Stovetop: Warm slices in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?
The Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe is a straightforward method using simple ingredients like flour, yeast, and olive oil. It results in a delicious Italian flatbread perfect for any meal.
Can I customize my Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or cheese to make it your own. Experiment with flavors according to your preference.
How long does it take to make Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?
The total time for this recipe is about 2 hours and 55 minutes, including preparation and baking time.
What type of flour should I use for this recipe?
You can use bread flour or all-purpose flour based on availability. Both will yield great results!
Final Thoughts
This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe is not only simple but also versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or side dish. Feel free to customize toppings based on what you love. Enjoy the delightful textures and flavors that make homemade focaccia so special!
Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe is your ticket to a warm and inviting Italian classic that’s perfect for any occasion. With its irresistibly crispy crust and soft, airy interior, this homemade focaccia is both simple to make and delightful to eat. Whether served as a side at family dinners or as an appetizer during gatherings, its authentic flavors infused with fresh rosemary and olive oil will impress every guest. Plus, with just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a loaf that not only satisfies your cravings but also elevates your culinary repertoire. Customize it with your favorite toppings for a personalized touch!
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 (plus extra for drizzling)
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
- Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt. Gradually add warm water until a sticky dough forms. Mix in olive oil.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
- Transfer the risen dough to the sheet, stretch it out gently, then dimple the top with fingertips. Sprinkle with rosemary and coarse sea salt.
- Drizzle additional olive oil on top and bake for 25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (60g)
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
