Focaccia

If you’re looking for a delightful bread recipe that’s simple yet impressive, then this focaccia is for you! This Italian classic is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a family gathering. The way the aromatic olive oil and fresh herbs mingle makes this focaccia irresistible. You’ll love how easy it is to create a beautifully golden crust with a soft, airy inside that practically melts in your mouth.

One of the best parts? You can enjoy this focaccia as a side dish, sandwich base, or even as a snack on its own. It’s truly versatile, and once you start baking, your kitchen will fill with the most inviting aroma that will have everyone gathering around.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This focaccia recipe comes together in just under three hours, making it easy to fit into your day.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves warm, homemade bread! It’s perfect for sharing at dinner or enjoying with friends.
• Make Ahead: With options for slow proofing, you can prepare it in advance and bake it when ready.
• Deliciously Versatile: Top it with your favorite herbs or enjoy it plain; the flavor possibilities are endless!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making focaccia requires only a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have at home. Let’s gather these essentials to create something truly special!

For the Dough

• 1¾ cups lukewarm water
• 2 teaspoons instant dry yeast
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
• 3 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus 2 tablespoons to grease the baking pan)

For Topping

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons water
• ½ teaspoon salt (plus flaky salt optional)
• 3 pinches rosemary (optional; use fresh or dried)

Variations

This focaccia recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to customize it based on what you have on hand or what flavors you love.

• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
• Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle grated cheese over the top before baking for a cheesy crust that everyone will adore.
• Veggie Toppers: Add sliced tomatoes or olives on top before baking for added color and taste.
• Sweet Twist: Try adding a drizzle of honey after baking for a sweet contrast to the savory elements.

How to Make Focaccia

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast

Start by measuring out your ingredients for the dough. In a small bowl, combine lukewarm water, instant dry yeast, and sugar. Whisk them together and let this sit for about 30 seconds. This step is crucial because blooming the yeast activates it, ensuring your dough rises beautifully!

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour and salt. Now add in your yeast-water mixture and using a sturdy wooden spoon, mix until you have a wet and sticky dough—about one minute should do! Then stir in the extra virgin olive oil until fully incorporated. This creates that lovely texture we all crave in focaccia.

Step 3: Choose Your Proofing Method

Now comes an exciting part—proofing! You can choose between quick proofing (1.5 to 2 hours) or slow proofing (8 to 24 hours). For quick proofing, cover your bowl with a damp cloth and place it in a warm oven until doubled in size. If you prefer slow proofing, just cover it with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge overnight. Both methods yield delicious results!

Step 4: Folding

Once your dough has risen nicely, gently fold it over itself about 20-40 times while still in the bowl. This helps develop gluten structure without overworking the dough—keeping our focaccia nice and airy!

Step 5: Final Proofing

Grease your baking pan generously with olive oil and drop in your dough. Spread it out using two spoons (wet them first so they don’t stick!). Cover again with a damp cloth and let it rise for another 45 minutes while you preheat your oven.

Step 6: Topping

In a small bowl, mix together more olive oil, water, and salt until dissolved. Dip your fingers into this mixture and press dimples across the surface of your focaccia—this is where all that flavor will soak in! Optionally sprinkle rosemary and flaky salt on top.

Step 7: Bake

Once preheated to 450°F (230°C), bake your focaccia on medium-low rack for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the crust should be golden brown while still soft inside. After pulling it from the oven, let it cool down for at least five minutes before slicing into those beautiful pieces!

Happy baking! Enjoy every bite of your homemade focaccia—it’s sure to bring smiles all around!

Pro Tips for Making Focaccia

Making focaccia is a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll be sure to impress everyone with your homemade bread!

• Use high-quality olive oil: The flavor of extra virgin olive oil significantly enhances the taste of your focaccia. Choose a good quality oil for the best results.
• Don’t rush the proofing: Allowing your dough ample time to rise is key to achieving that airy texture. Whether you choose quick or slow proofing, patience pays off!
• Experiment with toppings: While rosemary is a classic choice, feel free to get creative! Consider adding sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or even caramelized onions for extra flavor.
• Keep your oven hot: Preheating your oven thoroughly ensures that your focaccia bakes evenly and develops that desirable crispy crust. Don’t skip this step!
• Let it cool before slicing: Allowing your focaccia to cool for at least 5 minutes after baking helps maintain its texture and makes it easier to cut without squishing.

How to Serve Focaccia

Focaccia is not only delicious on its own but also serves as an excellent base for various dishes! Here are some fun ideas on how to present this beautiful bread.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkling fresh basil or parsley on top before serving adds a burst of color and freshness.
• Balsamic glaze: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the focaccia for a sweet-tangy kick that complements the bread perfectly.
• Parmesan cheese: A light dusting of grated plant-based Parmesan will enhance the flavor profile while keeping it dairy-free.

Side Dishes

• Bruschetta: This classic Italian appetizer made with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil pairs wonderfully with focaccia and adds a refreshing touch.
• Mixed greens salad: A simple salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of focaccia. Toss in some cherry tomatoes and cucumber for added crunch!
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant complement the bread beautifully while providing a nutritious side.
• Soup: Serve your focaccia alongside a hearty vegetable soup for a comforting meal that warms both body and soul.

Enjoy your homemade focaccia as part of a delightful meal or as a scrumptious snack on its own! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This focaccia recipe is not just delicious; it’s also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch in advance and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your focaccia:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow your focaccia to cool completely after baking.
• Wrap the cooled focaccia tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store it at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Slice the focaccia into individual pieces for easy serving.
• Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove the wrapping from your focaccia and place it directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

FAQs

If you have questions while making this delightful focaccia recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I use whole wheat flour for this Focaccia?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that the texture may be denser. You might need to adjust the water content slightly since whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.

How can I customize my Focaccia toppings?

Feel free to get creative! You can add sliced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even different herbs like thyme or oregano. Just make sure any toppings are well-drained if they are wet.

Why didn’t my Focaccia rise properly?

If your focaccia didn’t rise as expected, check that your yeast was fresh and activated properly. Also, ensure that the proofing environment was warm enough—yeast thrives in warmth!

What pairs well with Focaccia?

Focaccia goes wonderfully with olive oil for dipping, balsamic vinegar, or as a side with soups and salads. It’s also great for sandwiches!

Final Thoughts

Making focaccia is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas! This recipe is special because it allows you to create a soft and airy bread with a crisp crust right at home. I hope you enjoy every moment of baking this delicious bread and sharing it with friends and family. Don’t hesitate to try out variations—let your creativity soar! Happy baking!