Italian Focaccia Bread Recipe

Focaccia bread is an Italian staple that embodies the essence of comfort food. With its golden crust, airy interior, and a drizzle of olive oil, it makes for a perfect side dish, sandwich base, or simply a snack on its own. This Italian Focaccia Bread Recipe is incredibly versatile, easy to make, and sure to impress your family and friends. If you’ve ever wanted to recreate that bakery-style focaccia at home, you’re in for a treat!

Why It Deserves a Spot

Italian focaccia is much more than just bread; it’s an experience. This recipe yields a focaccia that is crispy on the outside and beautifully soft on the inside, with the perfect amount of flavor. Infused with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt, it’s an excellent canvas for herbs, garlic, and toppings of your choice. Whether served alongside a meal or enjoyed as a snack, homemade focaccia is a culinary delight that deserves a spot on your table.

What’s in the Bowl

To create this Italian Focaccia Bread Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 280 grams (1 1/4 cups) of lukewarm water
• 4 grams (3/4 teaspoon) of yeast
• 510 grams (3 cups) of bread flour
• 6 grams (3/4 teaspoon) of sea salt
• 6 grams (1 teaspoon) of barley malt syrup or honey
• 25 grams (2 tablespoons) of good extra virgin olive oil + more for the pan
• 10 grams (1 tablespoon) of olive oil
• 20 grams (2 tablespoons) of lukewarm water
• 10 grams (1 teaspoon) of sea salt

Tools & Equipment Needed

Before we dive into the recipe, gather the necessary tools to make your focaccia-making experience seamless:

• A large mixing bowl for combining ingredients
• A whisk for dissolving the yeast
• A wooden spoon or dough scraper for mixing
• A baking sheet or pan for baking
• Parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup)
• A measuring scale for accuracy (recommended)
• A clean kitchen towel for covering the dough

Italian Focaccia Bread Recipe Made Stepwise

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this mouthwatering focaccia!

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm water and yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the bread flour, sea salt, and barley malt syrup or honey. Mixing these dry ingredients in advance helps to ensure even distribution in your dough.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Once the yeast is activated, add the dry ingredient mixture to the bowl with the yeast and water. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.

Step 5: First Rise

Place your kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 6: Shape the Focaccia

Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a well-oiled baking sheet or pan. Using your fingers, stretch and spread the dough into an even layer, about 1-inch thick.

Step 7: Second Rise

Cover the dough again with the kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes. This second rise helps to create that airy texture we love in focaccia.

Step 8: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) while the dough is rising for the second time. A hot oven is key to achieving that perfect crust!

Step 9: Dimple and Season

After the second rise, use your fingertips to create deep dimples all over the surface of the dough. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle sea salt, and add any herbs or toppings you desire. Rosemary and garlic are classic choices!

Step 10: Bake

Place the focaccia in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Step 11: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Vegan & Vegetarian Swaps

If you’re looking to make this recipe vegan or vegetarian-friendly, consider the following swaps:

• Use barley malt syrup or agave nectar instead of honey.
• Ensure your olive oil is labeled as vegan.
• You can add a variety of vegetables like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted peppers as toppings.

Cook’s Notes

• Make sure your water is lukewarm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
• For an extra flavor boost, consider adding garlic powder or herbs like thyme and oregano to the dough.
• Feel free to experiment with different toppings, such as cheese, caramelized onions, or seasonal vegetables.
• If you prefer a softer crust, cover the focaccia with foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.

Cooling, Storing & Rewarming

To maintain freshness, allow the focaccia to cool completely before storing. Wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.

To rewarm, simply place slices in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also toast them for an extra crispy texture!

Common Questions

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture might be slightly different. Bread flour has a higher protein content which helps to create a chewier texture.

What can I top my focaccia with?

Popular toppings include fresh herbs like rosemary, garlic, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and even cheese. Feel free to get creative!

How do I know when my focaccia is done baking?

Your focaccia is done when it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. A thermometer should read about 90°C (190°F) when inserted in the center.

Can I make this dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Weekend Projects

• Sally’s Baking Addiction – Explore more delicious bread recipes!
• Pinch of Yum – Check out fantastic focaccia variations!
• Minimalist Baker – Discover easy and healthy recipes!

Save & Share

If you enjoyed this Italian Focaccia Bread Recipe, don’t forget to save it for later! Share it with your friends and family, so they too can experience the joy of making and enjoying homemade focaccia. Baking is always better when shared!

This Italian Focaccia Bread Recipe is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s a delightful journey into the world of Italian baking. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be able to create a loaf that rivals any local bakery. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake something truly special. Enjoy!