Focaccia!
There’s something undeniably magical about homemade bread, and Focaccia is one of those recipes that effortlessly takes your baking game to the next level. This Italian flatbread is not only simple to make, but it also offers a delightful canvas for your favorite toppings, making it the perfect accompaniment to any meal or a stand-alone snack. With its golden crust, airy interior, and aromatic flavors, Focaccia is truly a bread that sings with personality. Whether you’re serving it with olive oil for dipping or using it as a base for sandwiches, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why I Love This Recipe
Focaccia is a versatile and forgiving bread that welcomes creativity. One of my favorite aspects of making Focaccia is that it requires minimal ingredients and effort while still delivering impressive results. The dough comes together quickly, and the rising times allow for some flexibility in your schedule. Plus, you can customize it with various herbs, cheeses, and toppings to suit your tastes. Each bite is a delightful experience, thanks to the contrast of the crispy exterior and the soft, fluffy interior. It’s perfect for sharing at gatherings or simply enjoying at home with family.
What You’ll Gather
- 1 1/2 cups warm water – This helps activate the yeast for a perfect rise.
- 3 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast – The key to your Focaccia’s fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon honey – A touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Adds richness to the dough.
- 3-4 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of your bread; measure as needed for the right consistency.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt – Enhances the flavor of the dough.
- 1/2 cup olive oil or flavored oil – For drizzling on top for added flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped – Aromatic herb that pairs perfectly with bread.
- Coarse sea salt – To sprinkle on top for an extra crunch.
Kitchen Gear Checklist
- Mixing bowl – For combining your ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Precision is key in baking.
- Wooden spoon or dough whisk – Great for mixing your dough by hand.
- Plastic wrap or a damp cloth – To cover the dough while it rises.
- Baking sheet or pan – A large, flat surface for your Focaccia.
- Oven – For baking to golden perfection.
Directions: Focaccia!
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and honey. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Once the yeast is activated, add the olive oil to the mixture. Gradually add 3 cups of all-purpose flour and the salt. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, a little at a time, until it’s manageable but still soft.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. You want the dough to feel soft and slightly tacky, but not overly sticky.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Focaccia
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer it to a baking sheet or pan, stretching it out with your fingers to fit the shape of the pan. If it resists, let it rest for a few minutes before continuing to stretch.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the shaped dough with a damp cloth and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes. This second rise will help create that light, airy texture inside.
Step 7: Preheat the Oven
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 8: Add Toppings
Once the dough has risen, use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface. Drizzle the top with olive oil or flavored oil, sprinkle with chopped rosemary, and finish with a generous pinch of coarse sea salt.
Step 9: Bake the Focaccia
Bake the Focaccia in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Remove the Focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack. Drizzle with a little more olive oil before slicing. Serve warm, or let it cool completely to enjoy later.
Make It Year-Round
- Seasonal Toppings: Experiment with different toppings like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or seasonal vegetables.
- Herb Variations: Swap out rosemary for thyme, oregano, or even sage to suit your taste.
- Cheesy Delight: Add grated Parmesan or mozzarella on top for a cheesy twist.
- Sweet Focaccia: Try a sweet version with honey, nuts, and dried fruits for a unique dessert option.
Testing Timeline
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- First Rise: 1 – 1.5 hours
- Second Rise: 30-45 minutes
- Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 2.5 – 3 hours
Prep Ahead & Store
You can prepare the Focaccia dough ahead of time and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature and allow it to rise again before baking. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to a month. Just reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore that fresh-baked goodness.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can! However, using whole wheat flour may result in a denser Focaccia. You might want to combine it with all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Always check the expiration date on your yeast and ensure the water is warm, not hot, when activating it.
Can I make Focaccia in a bread machine?
Absolutely! You can use a bread machine to mix and knead the dough. Just follow the machine’s instructions for dough settings and then proceed with shaping and baking.
How do I prevent my Focaccia from sticking to the pan?
To prevent sticking, make sure to grease your baking pan well with olive oil or line it with parchment paper before adding the dough.
Because You Liked This
- Garlic Butter Focaccia – A flavorful twist on the classic recipe.
- Rosemary Focaccia Bread – A fragrant and herbaceous variation.
- Easy Focaccia Recipe – A simple approach to this beloved bread.
Let’s Eat
As you take a bite of your freshly baked Focaccia, you’ll be transported to Italy, savoring the aroma of olive oil and rosemary. Whether you enjoy it on its own, as part of a charcuterie board, or with a hearty soup, this Focaccia recipe is bound to impress. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to indulge in some homemade goodness. Your taste buds will thank you!
Focaccia!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and honey. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add the olive oil to the mixture. Gradually add 3 cups of all-purpose flour and the salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Once risen, punch the dough down and transfer it to a baking sheet, stretching it out to fit.
- Cover the shaped dough and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Create dimples all over the surface, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with rosemary and coarse sea salt.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Let it cool slightly before slicing. Drizzle with more olive oil before serving.
Notes
- Experiment with seasonal toppings like sun-dried tomatoes or olives.
- Try different herbs like thyme or oregano for flavor variations.
- Add cheese on top for a delicious twist.
