Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe is your ticket to a delightful homemade flatbread experience. Perfect for gatherings, as a side dish, or simply enjoyed on its own, this focaccia features a crispy exterior and a wonderfully soft interior. With minimal effort and common ingredients like flour, yeast, and olive oil, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create an authentic taste of Italy in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of the items in your pantry, making it a convenient choice for any cook.
• Versatile Serving Options: Use this focaccia as a base for sandwiches or serve it warm with dips; it’s perfect for any occasion!
• Crispy and Soft Texture: The combination of baking techniques ensures a perfect balance between crispiness on the outside and fluffiness inside.
• Customizable Toppings: The recipe allows for various toppings like rosemary or olives, letting you tailor it to your taste.
• Hands-off Preparation: Most of the time is spent waiting for the dough to rise, allowing you to focus on other tasks.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this easy focaccia bread recipe, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Kitchen towel

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl is essential for combining your ingredients thoroughly and allowing the dough to rise.
• Baking sheet: This provides an even surface for baking, ensuring that your focaccia cooks evenly.
• 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

For Topping

• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
• Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)

How to Make Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Stir in olive oil and salt.
3. Gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

1. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
2. Knead for about 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: First Rise

1. Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover with a kitchen towel.
2. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Punch down the risen dough gently to release air.
3. Transfer it to an oiled baking sheet and press out into a rectangle.

Step 5: Second Rise

1. Cover again with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
2. Pre-bake by drizzling more olive oil over top.

Step 6: Add Toppings

1. Press rosemary leaves into the surface of the dough.
2. Sprinkle coarse sea salt generously over top.

Step 7: Bake

1. Bake in preheated oven for about 25 minutes until golden brown.
2. Cool slightly before slicing.

Enjoy your freshly baked focaccia bread that perfectly complements any meal!

How to Serve Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Focaccia bread is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as an appetizer or alongside your favorite meal, this bread will elevate any dining experience.

As an Appetizer

• Serve warm with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
• Pair with a selection of olives and cheeses for a delightful charcuterie board.

With Soups and Stews

• Enjoy alongside hearty soups like minestrone or vegetable soup to soak up the flavors.
• Use it as a side for rich stews, enhancing every bite with its soft texture.

In Sandwiches

• Slice the focaccia horizontally to create delicious sandwiches filled with fresh veggies and your choice of protein.
• Try it with turkey and pesto for a flavorful twist.

As a Pizza Base

• Top the focaccia with marinara sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings for a unique pizza experience.
• Bake until the cheese is bubbly for a delightful meal.

How to Perfect Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Perfecting focaccia bread comes down to technique. Here are some tips to ensure your bread turns out amazing every time.

• Use high-quality flour – Opt for bread flour for better gluten development, resulting in a chewier texture.
• Check water temperature – Make sure the water is warm but not hot; around 110°F (43°C) is ideal for activating yeast.
• Don’t rush the rising time – Allow enough time for the dough to rise; this enhances flavor and texture.
• Experiment with toppings – Feel free to add garlic, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes on top before baking for extra flavor.
• Create dimples – Gently press your fingers into the dough before baking to create dimples that hold oil and seasoning.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Focaccia pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

1. Bruschetta – Topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and garlic, this classic Italian starter complements focaccia perfectly.
2. Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil make a refreshing side dish.
3. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted with herbs offer a colorful addition next to focaccia.
4. Garlic Butter Shrimp – Juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic butter provide a rich contrast to the bread’s texture.
5. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad – A light mix of chickpeas, cucumbers, and feta adds freshness that pairs wonderfully with focaccia.
6. Grilled Chicken Skewers – Flavorful skewers seasoned well can turn your meal into something special when served alongside focaccia.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making focaccia at home is simple, but common pitfalls can lead to disappointing results. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Using cold water: Cold water can slow down yeast activation. Always use warm water to help the dough rise properly.
• Skipping the kneading step: Kneading develops gluten, giving the bread its structure. Don’t skip this step; knead until smooth and elastic.
• Not allowing enough rising time: Rushing the rising process will result in dense bread. Make sure to let the dough rise until it has doubled in size.
• Overcrowding toppings: Too many toppings can weigh down the dough. Use a moderate amount for a balanced flavor and texture.
• Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your focaccia towards the end of baking to prevent over-browning.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store focaccia in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place a paper towel in the container to absorb moisture.

Freezing Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

• Wrap focaccia tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds. Use caution not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Warm on a skillet over low heat for a few minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this easy focaccia bread recipe:

How do I make my Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe extra flavorful?

You can add herbs, garlic, or sun-dried tomatoes into the dough or as toppings before baking for added flavor.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may result in denser bread. Consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for better texture.

What can I serve with Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?

This bread pairs well with soups, salads, or can be enjoyed as a standalone snack with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.

Can I customize my Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add olives, cheese, or even caramelized onions as topping variations tailored to your taste.

Final Thoughts

This easy focaccia bread recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, you can customize it easily with your favorite toppings. Give it a try and enjoy fresh homemade focaccia!