Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe is the perfect way to elevate your home cooking. With its soft texture and crispy edges, this Italian classic can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even for sandwiches. The blend of simple ingredients like bread flour, yeast, and fresh rosemary makes it approachable for any home chef. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner, this focaccia will impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just a few hands-on steps, most of your time is spent waiting for the dough to rise.
- Flavorful: Infused with olive oil and fresh rosemary, each bite bursts with flavor.
- Versatile: Serve it alongside soup, use it for sandwiches, or enjoy it on its own with dips.
- Customizable: Feel free to add toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or garlic to suit your taste.
- Impressive Presentation: The beautiful dimpled surface and golden crust make this bread a showstopper.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe, you’ll need some essential tools that will help streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- Oven
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A good-sized bowl allows for easy mixing and rising of the dough without spills.
- Baking sheet: A flat surface ensures even cooking and helps achieve that crispy crust.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for perfect results every time.
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 the warm water, yeast, and salt. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Gradually add in the bread flour, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
- Add in the olive oil and knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
Step 2: First Rise
- Place the kneaded dough back into the mixing bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let it rise in a warm area for about 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape and Second Rise
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Transfer the risen dough onto a greased baking sheet. Gently stretch it into a rectangle shape.
- Use your fingers to create dimples across the surface of the dough. Drizzle with more olive oil, sprinkle with coarse sea salt, and scatter over fresh rosemary leaves.
- Allow it to rise again for another 30 minutes while you preheat your oven.
Step 4: Bake
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Once done, remove from oven, let cool slightly before slicing, and enjoy your freshly baked focaccia!
How to Serve Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
Focaccia bread is versatile and can complement various dishes or be enjoyed on its own. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your focaccia experience.
As a Sandwich Base
- Caprese Sandwich: Layer fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for a refreshing bite.
- Italian Deli Sandwich: Use cured meats, cheese, and peppers for a hearty meal.
With Dips and Spreads
- Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar: A classic pairing that enhances the bread’s flavor.
- Hummus: Serve with your favorite hummus for a creamy, savory treat.
Accompaniment to Soups
- Tomato Basil Soup: The perfect match for dipping into warm soup.
- Minestrone: Use focaccia to soak up the hearty broth of this Italian classic.
For Appetizers
- Bruschetta Topping: Top with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil for a delicious starter.
- Cheese Platter: Pair with assorted cheeses for an elegant appetizer spread.
How to Perfect Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
Making focaccia bread is simple, but these tips will help you achieve the best results.
- Use High-Quality Olive Oil: This enhances flavor and gives a nice crust.
- Don’t Rush the Rising Time: Allow the dough to rise fully for airy texture.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try adding olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or garlic for extra flavor.
- Preheat Your Baking Pan: This helps create a crispy bottom crust when baking.
- Add Sea Salt Generously: Sprinkle coarse salt on top before baking for a tasty finish.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
Focaccia pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some great options to consider when serving your focaccia.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp: Juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic butter make a delicious complement.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted to perfection add color and nutrition.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine tossed in Caesar dressing adds crunch alongside focaccia.
- Stuffed Peppers: These colorful peppers filled with rice or meat provide heartiness.
- Pasta Primavera: Fresh vegetables and pasta tossed in olive oil make a light side dish.
- Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: Savory Brussels sprouts cooked with crispy bacon offer depth of flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making focaccia bread can be simple, but common mistakes can hinder your results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using cold water: Cold water can slow down yeast activation. Always use warm water to help the dough rise effectively.
- Skipping the kneading step: Kneading develops gluten, giving the bread its characteristic texture. Make sure to knead the dough for at least 10 minutes.
- Not letting it rise enough: A good rise is essential for airy bread. Allow your dough to double in size during the first rise.
- Overcrowding toppings: While toppings enhance flavor, too many can weigh down the bread. Keep it simple with a few fresh herbs or sea salt.
- Neglecting oven preheating: A hot oven is crucial for achieving that crispy crust. Preheat your oven well before baking the focaccia.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- If wrapped tightly, it can last longer but may lose some freshness.
Freezing Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Wrap slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium for about 20 seconds; check and repeat if necessary.
- Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, turning occasionally until heated throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries about this easy focaccia bread recipe:
How long does it take to make Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?
The total time is approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes, which includes rising and baking time.
Can I customize my Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or different herbs according to your taste.
What type of flour should I use for Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?
Bread flour is recommended for its higher protein content, but all-purpose flour works well too.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast directly without proofing it first.
Final Thoughts
This easy focaccia bread recipe is not just delicious but also versatile. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, it’s a delightful addition to any meal. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a taste of Italy right at home!
Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Elevate your home cooking with this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe that combines simplicity and flavor in every bite. With its soft, airy interior and crispy golden crust, this Italian classic is perfect for any occasion — from cozy dinners to lively gatherings. The dough is infused with olive oil and fresh rosemary, making it a standout addition to your meal or a delicious standalone treat. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, alongside soups, or as the base for hearty sandwiches, this focaccia will impress your family and friends. Enjoy the delightful aroma as it bakes and savor the joy of homemade bread with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread 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
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and salt; let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Gradually add bread flour, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Knead in olive oil for about 5 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough back in the bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for 1.5 hours or until doubled.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Transfer risen dough to a greased baking sheet; shape into a rectangle.
- Dimple the surface with fingers, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle coarse sea salt and rosemary on top.
- Let it rise again for 30 minutes while preheating the oven.
- Bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
