Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe brings the flavors of Italy to your home kitchen. With its crispy exterior and soft, airy interior, this bread is perfect for serving as an appetizer or side dish. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to elevate your meal, this focaccia is versatile and easy to make. The simple ingredients come together to create an authentic Italian delight that will impress friends and family alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: With minimal hands-on time, most of the process involves letting the dough rise.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite herbs, spices, or toppings for a personal touch.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields enough focaccia to serve eight people, making it great for gatherings.
- Delicious Flavor Profile: The combination of rosemary and olive oil creates a fragrant aroma and rich taste.
- Versatile Use: Enjoy it fresh out of the oven, use it for sandwiches, or pair it with soups and salads.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect focaccia bread, having the right tools makes all the difference. Gather your baking essentials before you start.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheet
- Plastic wrap or kitchen towel
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to mix all ingredients adequately without spilling.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect dough consistency.
- Baking sheet: Ensures even baking and allows room for dough expansion during rising.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need for this easy homemade focaccia bread recipe:
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 Garnish
- 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 warm water and yeast. Let it sit until frothy (about 5-10 minutes).
- Add bread flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
Step 2: Knead and Rise
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently for about 5 minutes until smooth.
- Transfer the dough back into the bowl lightly greased with olive oil. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel.
- Let it rise in a warm place for about 90 minutes until doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape and Second Rise
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet.
- Gently stretch the dough into a rectangle about 1-inch thick. Cover again and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 4: Add Toppings and Bake
- Make dimples in the surface of the dough using your fingers.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh rosemary leaves and coarse sea salt.
- Bake in preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Enjoy your delicious homemade focaccia!
How to Serve Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
Focaccia bread is versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a base for sandwiches, this easy focaccia bread recipe offers endless serving possibilities.
As an Appetizer
- Serve warm with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. This classic pairing enhances the flavors of the bread.
- Pair with antipasto platters featuring olives, cheeses, and cured meats. This combination creates a perfect Italian-inspired starter.
In Sandwiches
- Use focaccia slices to make Italian sandwiches layered with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. The bread adds a tasty crunch.
- Create a veggie sandwich with roasted peppers, artichokes, and pesto for a flavorful meat-free option.
With Soups and Salads
- Serve alongside a hearty soup like minestrone. The focaccia can be used to soak up the delicious broth.
- Pair with a fresh garden salad, allowing guests to enjoy the bread as they munch on crisp greens.
As a Snack
- Toast slices of focaccia topped with garlic butter for an easy yet indulgent snack. It’s great for movie nights or casual gatherings.
- Enjoy plain or with a sprinkle of sea salt as a simple afternoon treat that satisfies cravings.
How to Perfect Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
Perfecting your focaccia can take your baking to the next level. Here are some essential tips to ensure your bread turns out just right.
- Use warm water: Make sure your water is warm but not hot; it helps activate the yeast effectively.
- Don’t rush the rise: Allow ample time for the dough to rise. A longer rise develops better flavor and texture.
- Add toppings before baking: Sprinkle fresh herbs or coarse sea salt on top before baking for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.
- Experiment with flavors: Try adding garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives into the dough for unique variations.
- Preheat your oven properly: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before placing the focaccia inside; this creates a better crust.
- Use olive oil generously: Drizzling extra virgin olive oil on top not only adds flavor but also helps achieve that crispy crust.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
Focaccia pairs beautifully with many side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider when serving your easy focaccia bread recipe.
- Bruschetta: This fresh tomato topping on toasted bread makes an excellent starter that complements focaccia perfectly.
- Caprese Salad: Layered mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction provide freshness that balances the richness of focaccia.
- Italian Meatballs: Juicy meatballs in marinara sauce create a hearty meal when served alongside warm focaccia.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition while enhancing the overall meal experience.
- Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad tossed with vinaigrette allows you to enjoy contrasting textures alongside your soft focaccia.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce dressed in creamy Caesar dressing pairs well with the soft texture of focaccia bread.
- Stuffed Peppers: Baked peppers filled with rice or quinoa offer another hearty side dish option that complements focaccia nicely.
- Olive Tapenade: A savory spread made from olives provides a rich flavor contrast when served on slices of warm focaccia.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making focaccia bread is simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.
- Skipping the yeast proofing: This step helps ensure your bread rises properly. Always activate your yeast before mixing.
- Using cold water: Warm water is crucial for activating the yeast. Cold water can slow down or stop the rising process.
- Not using enough olive oil: Olive oil adds flavor and moisture to your focaccia. Be generous when drizzling it on top before baking.
- Over-kneading the dough: Kneading too much can make your focaccia dense. Mix until just combined for a light, airy texture.
- Ignoring the resting time: Allowing the dough to rest is vital for developing flavor and texture. Don’t rush this part of the process.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Wrap in plastic wrap or foil to maintain freshness.
Freezing Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
- Slice before freezing for easy portions later.
Reheating Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in 15-20 second intervals, covering with a damp paper towel to keep moisture.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this easy focaccia bread recipe.
What makes this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe different?
This recipe focuses on simplicity and quick preparation, making it accessible even for beginner bakers.
Can I add toppings to my Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize with toppings like olives, cherry tomatoes, or garlic for added flavor.
How do I know when my focaccia is done?
Your focaccia should be golden brown on top and have a crispy crust. A tap on the bottom should sound hollow.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of bread flour?
You can substitute whole wheat flour, but you may need to adjust the liquid slightly as it absorbs more moisture.
Final Thoughts
This easy focaccia bread recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy it as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a base for sandwiches. Feel free to customize it with herbs or toppings that you love!
Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 8 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe transports the flavors of Italy right into your kitchen. With its crispy exterior and soft, airy interior, this homemade focaccia is perfect for any occasion—be it a dinner party or a cozy family meal. Made with simple ingredients, you can customize it with your favorite toppings like fresh herbs and sea salt. This versatile bread serves beautifully as an appetizer, side dish, or even as the base for delicious sandwiches. Impress your friends and family with this authentic Italian delight that’s both effortless to make and delightful to enjoy.
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 extra for drizzling)
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast; let sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture; mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead gently on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for about 90 minutes until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down risen dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Stretch into a rectangle about 1-inch thick; cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Make dimples in the dough with your fingers, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with rosemary and coarse sea salt, then bake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (70g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
