Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe is your gateway to an authentic Italian experience in your own kitchen. Perfect for any occasion, this focaccia is not only simple to make but also delivers incredible flavor and texture. It features a crispy exterior and a soft, airy interior, making it an excellent side dish for pasta or a delightful appetizer on its own. With just a few basic ingredients, you’ll soon enjoy the warm aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: Most of the time is hands-off, allowing you to focus on other tasks while the dough rises.
- Versatile Use: Serve it as a side dish, appetizer, or even use it for sandwiches.
- Customizable Flavors: Add toppings like olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a personal touch.
- Authentic Italian Taste: Enjoy the flavors of Italy without leaving your kitchen.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples, this recipe is accessible to everyone.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather the necessary tools for making this easy focaccia bread. Having the right equipment will ensure that your baking experience is smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer (optional)
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Makes kneading the dough easier and faster, ensuring a perfect texture.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients and allowing the dough to rise properly.
- Baking sheet: A sturdy surface for baking the focaccia evenly.
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 large mixing bowl, combine the warm water with yeast. Let it sit until bubbly, about 5–10 minutes.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. If using a stand mixer, mix on low speed with a dough hook until combined. Otherwise, use your hands to mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Knead by hand or in the stand mixer for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1–1.5 hours.
Step 5: Shape and Second Rise
Once risen, transfer the dough onto an oiled baking sheet. Gently stretch it out to fit the pan. Cover again and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 6: Add Toppings
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Dimple the surface of the dough with your fingers. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle coarse sea salt and fresh rosemary on top.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before slicing into squares.
Enjoy your homemade focaccia bread as part of any meal or as a tasty snack!
How to Serve Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
Focaccia bread is versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you want to enjoy it as an appetizer or pair it with your favorite dishes, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.
As a Standalone Snack
- Enjoy slices of focaccia warm, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil for a simple yet flavorful snack.
With Dips
- Pair it with hummus, pesto, or balsamic vinegar for a tasty dipping experience that complements the bread’s texture.
As a Sandwich Base
- Use thick slices of focaccia as a base for sandwiches. Fill them with meats, cheeses, and veggies for a hearty meal.
Alongside Soups
- Serve focaccia alongside your favorite soups. Its soft texture is perfect for soaking up delicious broth.
With Salads
- Cut focaccia into cubes and add them to salads. They add substance and flavor to any green dish.
How to Perfect Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
To achieve the best results with your easy focaccia bread recipe, consider these helpful tips:
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Use quality ingredients: Opt for high-quality olive oil and fresh rosemary to enhance the flavor of your focaccia.
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Knead gently: When mixing the dough, be gentle. Over-kneading can make the bread tough rather than soft and airy.
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Allow proper rising time: Be patient during the rising process. A longer rise develops better flavors and texture in the bread.
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Preheat your oven: Ensure your oven is hot before baking. This helps create a crispy crust while keeping the inside soft.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
Focaccia bread pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors and textures. Here are some excellent options:
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Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing contrast to focaccia.
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Italian Antipasto Platter: Assorted cured meats, olives, and cheeses provide variety and richness alongside your focaccia.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring out natural sweetness and are a healthy addition to the meal.
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Garlic Butter Shrimp: Juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic butter offer bold flavors that pair beautifully with soft focaccia.
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Creamy Tomato Soup: A warm bowl of creamy tomato soup is perfect for dipping pieces of focaccia into its rich goodness.
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Stuffed Peppers: Colorful peppers filled with rice and herbs make for a hearty side that complements the softness of focaccia.
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Bruschetta: Topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and garlic on toasted bread, bruschetta offers another delicious Italian twist.
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Grilled Chicken Salad: Lightly seasoned grilled chicken on mixed greens creates a protein-packed dish that’s great alongside your focaccia.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making focaccia bread can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final product. Here’s how to avoid them.
- Measurements: Using incorrect measurements can lead to a dough that is too dry or too wet. Always use a kitchen scale for accuracy.
- Temperature Control: Not considering the temperature of your water and environment can hinder yeast activation. Ensure your water is warm, about 110°F (43°C).
- Skipping the Rise: Rushing the rising time affects texture. Be patient; allow the dough to fully rise for the best results.
- Overworking Dough: Kneading too much can make focaccia tough. Mix until just combined for a light and airy texture.
- Ignoring Toppings: Skipping toppings or using low-quality ingredients can diminish flavor. Use fresh herbs and quality olive oil for a delicious finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store focaccia in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Wrap focaccia tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes for freshness.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds, but this may make it chewy.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a crispy crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making an easy focaccia bread recipe.
What is Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?
Easy focaccia bread recipe is a straightforward method of making this Italian flatbread using basic ingredients like flour, yeast, and olive oil.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour in this easy focaccia bread recipe, but bread flour gives a better texture due to its higher protein content.
How do I know when my dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size and feel puffy. A simple test is pressing your finger into it; if it leaves an indentation, it’s ready.
What toppings work well with focaccia?
You can customize your easy focaccia bread recipe with toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, or various herbs. Experiment with flavors!
Final Thoughts
This easy focaccia bread recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether as an appetizer or side dish. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite toppings. Give this delightful bread a try and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of Italy right in your home!
Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Discover the joy of baking with this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe, your ticket to a delicious Italian experience right in your kitchen. This homemade focaccia is not only simple to prepare but also delivers a delightful contrast of textures: a crispy exterior paired with a soft, airy interior. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have this aromatic bread ready in no time. Enjoy it as a side dish for your favorite pasta, as an appetizer drizzled with olive oil, or even use it as a base for scrumptious sandwiches. Elevate your meals and impress your guests with this versatile and flavorful Italian flatbread.
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
- Fresh rosemary leaves
- Coarse sea salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast; let sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly.
- Mix in flour and salt until a soft dough forms (using a stand mixer or by hand).
- Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (1–1.5 hours).
- Transfer to an oiled baking sheet, stretch to fit the pan, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Dimple the dough, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with coarse salt and rosemary.
- Bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown; cool slightly before slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (60g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
