Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy homemade Italian bread right in your kitchen. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this focaccia is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. With its simple ingredients and straightforward method, you can impress your loved ones with an authentic taste of Italy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses everyday items found in your pantry, making it accessible for everyone.
- Hands-off Preparation: Enjoy most of the rising time without much fuss, allowing you to focus on other dishes or activities.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a base for sandwiches; its uses are endless!
- Customizable Flavor: Feel free to add toppings like garlic or olives for a personal touch that enhances the flavor.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields 8 servings, making it ideal for gatherings and sharing with friends and family.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking this easy focaccia bread, gather your essential tools and equipment. Having everything prepared will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Kitchen towel
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows ample space for combining ingredients without spills.
- Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even cooking and easy transfer in and out of the oven.
- Kitchen towel: Keeping the dough covered with a towel helps retain moisture during rising.
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 mixing bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
- Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Drizzle in the olive oil and mix until fully incorporated.
Step 2: First Rise
- Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel.
- Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Step 3: Shape the Focaccia
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Grease your baking sheet with olive oil.
- Transfer the dough to the baking sheet and stretch it gently to fit.
- Use your fingers to create dimples across the surface.
Step 4: Second Rise
- Drizzle more olive oil over the top of the dough.
- Sprinkle with coarse sea salt and rosemary leaves.
- Cover again with a towel and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 5: Bake the Focaccia
- Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing.
Enjoy your homemade focaccia bread fresh out of the oven!
How to Serve Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
Focaccia bread is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or alongside a main course, these suggestions will enhance your dining experience.
With Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar
- Drizzle high-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a simple yet flavorful dip.
As a Sandwich Base
- Use slices of focaccia to create delicious sandwiches filled with your favorite meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
Paired with Soups
- Serve warm focaccia alongside hearty soups like minestrone or tomato basil for a comforting meal.
With Cheese and Charcuterie
- Include focaccia on a cheese board, pairing it with cheeses, cured meats, and olives for an Italian-inspired appetizer.
As a Side for Salads
- Cut into strips and serve focaccia with refreshing salads, adding texture and flavor to your meal.
Topped with Garlic Butter
- Brush warm focaccia with garlic-infused butter for an extra layer of richness and aroma.
How to Perfect Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
Achieving the perfect focaccia requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your bread turns out just right.
- Use fresh yeast – Fresh yeast guarantees better rise and flavor. Check expiration dates before using.
- Knead properly – Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten structure necessary for a good texture.
- Let it rise fully – Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size. This may take longer in cooler environments.
- Add toppings wisely – Experiment with toppings like herbs, garlic, or tomatoes, but don’t overload them to keep the bread light.
- Preheat your baking pan – Heating the pan before adding dough creates a crispier bottom crust.
- Cool before slicing – Let the focaccia cool slightly before cutting. This helps maintain its structure and prevents sogginess.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
Focaccia pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options to consider.
- Caprese Salad – A fresh mix of mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and olive oil that brightens any meal.
- Pasta Primavera – Colorful seasonal vegetables sautéed with pasta make a light yet satisfying companion.
- Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and garlic offers a crunchy contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies drizzled with olive oil and roasted until crispy provide rich flavors.
- Antipasto Platter – A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables makes for an enticing spread.
- Lentil Soup – Hearty lentil soup brings warmth and depth alongside the fluffy focaccia.
- Greek Salad – Crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, olives, and feta create a refreshing balance.
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers – Lightly seasoned shrimp add protein and pair beautifully with the bread’s softness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making focaccia bread can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here’s how to steer clear of them.
- ingredient measurement: Not measuring flour correctly can result in a dough that’s too dry or too wet. Always use the spoon and level method for accuracy.
- skipping yeast proofing: If you skip the yeast proofing step, you might end up with flat bread. Always activate your yeast in warm water before adding it to the flour.
- under-kneading the dough: Focaccia needs a good knead to develop gluten. Make sure to knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- neglecting rising time: Rushing the rising time will affect the texture. Allow ample time for the dough to rise until it doubles in size.
- overcrowding toppings: Overloading with toppings can make the bread soggy. Use a moderate amount of toppings for best flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store focaccia in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat on high for 15-20 seconds per slice, but this may make it chewy.
- Stovetop: Warm on a skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes on each side for a crispy exterior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this easy focaccia bread recipe.
What is an Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?
An easy focaccia bread recipe is a straightforward way to make this delicious Italian flatbread using minimal ingredients and effort.
Can I customize my Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?
Yes! You can add ingredients like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or garlic for extra flavor.
How long does it take to make Easy Focaccia Bread?
The total time includes about 2.5 hours for rising and 25 minutes for baking, making it around 3 hours total.
Is this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for beginners due to its simple instructions and forgiving nature.
Final Thoughts
This easy focaccia bread recipe is perfect for anyone looking to bring a taste of Italy into their home. With its delightful texture and flavor, it’s versatile enough as an appetizer or side dish. Feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs or toppings!
Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Indulge in the delightful simplicity of this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe, where homemade Italian bread comes to life in your kitchen. With its crispy crust and soft, airy interior, this focaccia is perfect for any occasion—from family dinners to casual get-togethers. Made with simple pantry staples and minimal effort, this recipe allows you to impress your loved ones with an authentic taste of Italy. Customize it with various toppings like garlic or olives for an extra flavor boost, making it a versatile dish ideal for serving as an appetizer, sandwich base, or alongside soups and salads.
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, plus more for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit until foamy (about 5 minutes).
- Add flour and salt; mix until a sticky dough forms. Drizzle in olive oil until incorporated.
- Cover the bowl with a towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (1 to 1.5 hours).
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
- Transfer dough to the baking sheet, stretching gently to fit. Create dimples using your fingers.
- Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt and rosemary, then cover again and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (75g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
