Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe is your gateway to creating a delicious Italian flatbread right at home. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy dinner or a festive gathering, this focaccia is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll impress your family and friends with this flavorful bread that pairs well with soups, salads, or as a delightful appetizer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This recipe is mostly hands-off, allowing you to focus on other dishes while the dough rises.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of olive oil and fresh rosemary infuses the bread with an aromatic taste that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Use: Serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a base for sandwiches; it fits any meal.
- Impressive Appearance: The golden crust and dimpled surface make this focaccia visually appealing, perfect for entertaining.
- Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite herbs or toppings like garlic or olives for a unique twist.
Tools and Preparation
To make this focaccia bread, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will help streamline the process and ensure perfect results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Oven
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients effectively without spilling.
- Baking sheet: A good quality baking sheet ensures even cooking and browning of the focaccia.
- Oven: An accurately heated oven is crucial for achieving the right texture in your bread.
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: Mix the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt.
- Slowly add warm water while stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
- Pour in olive oil and mix until incorporated.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface.
- Knead it gently for about 5–7 minutes until smooth.
- Place it back in the bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 2 hours until doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape and Prepare for Baking
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
- Once risen, punch down the dough gently and transfer it to the greased baking sheet.
- Stretch it out gently with your fingers to fit the sheet.
Step 4: Add Toppings
- Dimple the surface of the dough using your fingertips.
- Drizzle additional olive oil over top and sprinkle coarse sea salt along with rosemary leaves.
Step 5: Bake
- Place in preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before slicing.
Enjoy your homemade focaccia bread fresh out of the oven!
How to Serve Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
Serving focaccia bread is an enjoyable experience that complements many dishes. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, here are some delightful ways to serve your easy focaccia.
With Dipping Oils
- Herb-Infused Olive Oil: Drizzle your focaccia with herb-infused olive oil for an aromatic touch.
- Balsamic Vinegar Reduction: Pair with a sweet balsamic reduction for a tangy contrast.
As a Sandwich Base
- Caprese Sandwich: Layer fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for a refreshing Italian treat.
- Turkey and Avocado: Create a hearty sandwich with sliced turkey, avocado, and a spread of aioli.
Accompanying Soups
- Tomato Basil Soup: Serve alongside a warm bowl of tomato basil soup for a comforting meal.
- Minestrone Soup: Enjoy with minestrone for an authentic Italian dining experience.
Garnished with Toppings
- Bruschetta Topping: Top slices with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil for a tasty appetizer.
- Cheese Spread: Spread cream cheese or goat cheese on top for a rich flavor.
How to Perfect Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
To achieve the perfect focaccia bread, consider these helpful tips that enhance both texture and flavor.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality olive oil and fresh herbs to elevate taste.
- Allow Proper Rising Time: Make sure to let the dough rise enough; this develops flavor and texture.
- Preheat Your Oven: A well-preheated oven ensures even baking and creates that desirable crust.
- Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to add toppings like olives or sun-dried tomatoes for variety.
- Use Sea Salt Generously: Sprinkling coarse sea salt on top before baking adds crunch and enhances flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
Focaccia bread pairs wonderfully with various side dishes, enhancing any meal. Here are some excellent options to enjoy alongside your easy focaccia.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Parmesan and croutons creates a classic pairing.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables add color and nutrition to your table.
- Antipasto Platter: A mix of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and artichokes offers diverse flavors.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp: Juicy shrimp cooked in garlic butter make for a decadent accompaniment.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers provide protein and pair well with bread.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes create a vibrant dish that complements focaccia.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making focaccia bread can be easy, but there are common pitfalls that can lead to disappointing results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the rise time: Allowing the dough to rise adequately is crucial for a fluffy bread. Be patient and let it double in size.
- Using cold water: Warm water activates yeast effectively. Always use warm water when preparing your focaccia dough.
- Not using enough olive oil: Olive oil adds flavor and moisture. Don’t skimp on drizzling it over the dough before baking!
- Overworking the dough: Kneading too much can make your focaccia dense. Mix until just combined for best results.
- Ignoring oven temperature: A hot oven is vital for a crispy crust. Preheat it properly to ensure even baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store focaccia in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To maintain freshness, wrap it in plastic wrap before placing it in the container.
Freezing Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Wrap sliced focaccia tightly in aluminum foil or freezer bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.
Reheating Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat slices on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds, but this may make it slightly chewy.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, cover with a lid, and heat until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this easy focaccia bread recipe that you might find helpful.
What makes this an easy focaccia bread recipe?
This recipe requires simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, making it accessible even for beginners.
Can I customize my easy focaccia bread recipe?
Absolutely! You can add toppings like olives, tomatoes, or garlic to enhance flavors according to your preference.
How do I know if my focaccia is done?
Look for a golden-brown crust and a hollow sound when tapping the bottom.
What should I serve with my homemade focaccia?
Focaccia pairs well with soups, salads, or as a side with dips like hummus or olive oil.
Final Thoughts
This easy focaccia bread recipe brings warmth and joy into your kitchen with its delightful aroma and texture. It’s versatile; feel free to customize toppings or spices based on your taste. Enjoy this Italian classic as an appetizer or alongside your favorite meals!
Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe is a delightful introduction to homemade Italian flatbread, perfect for any occasion. With its crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior, this focaccia will impress your family and friends alike. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, it’s an excellent addition to cozy dinners or festive gatherings. Infused with olive oil and fresh rosemary, this versatile bread pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or can be enjoyed as an appetizer. Plus, its customizable nature allows you to experiment with various toppings like olives and garlic. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked focaccia!
Ingredients
- 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
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
- Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt. Gradually add warm water until a shaggy dough forms. Mix in olive oil.
- Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead gently for about 5–7 minutes until smooth. Place back in the bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for about 2 hours until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
- Punch down the risen dough gently and place it on the baking sheet; stretch it out to fit.
- Dimple the surface with fingertips, drizzle more olive oil on top, and sprinkle with coarse sea salt and rosemary leaves.
- Bake for approximately 25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow cooling slightly before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
