The aroma of fresh-baked focaccia wafts through the kitchen like a warm hug, inviting you to take a bite. Picture this: golden-brown crusts topped with fragrant rosemary and flaky sea salt, begging for your attention. This focaccia bread recipe is not just food; it’s an experience that transforms any meal into a culinary celebration.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
- How long should I let the dough rise?
- What toppings work best on focaccia?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I remember the first time I tackled this delightful challenge; my friends almost staged an intervention as I danced around the kitchen like a baker possessed. Little did they know, each doughy slap was a step closer to carb heaven! Whether you’re hosting friends or craving comfort on a quiet evening, this recipe is sure to elevate your dinner game.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This focaccia bread recipe is incredibly simple and requires minimal ingredients.
- The fluffy texture coupled with savory toppings creates an irresistible flavor profile.
- Visually stunning with its golden crust and herbaceous aroma, it will wow your guests.
- Perfect for serving alongside soups or as a sandwich base!
I’ll never forget when my family first tasted my homemade focaccia; their delighted faces were priceless, like kids in a candy store.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture; it makes all the difference in achieving that fluffy crumb.
- Warm Water: Make sure it’s around 110°F (43°C) – too hot will kill the yeast’s spirit!
- Active Dry Yeast: Look for fresh yeast; expired yeast is like trying to bake with a sleeping beauty.
- Olive Oil: A good extra virgin olive oil adds flavor and moisture; don’t skimp here!
- Salt: Essential for flavor; kosher salt works wonders because it dissolves nicely without being overpowering.
- Fresh Rosemary: Nothing says Italian like fragrant rosemary; feel free to add other herbs if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Sea Salt Flakes: These give that perfect finishing touch—think of them as the cherry on top of your beautiful creation!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water with active dry yeast and let it sit until foamy—about 5-10 minutes. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to party!
Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture along with olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms—don’t worry about perfection here!
Knead Away!: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This is your workout for the day—goodbye gym!
First Rise: Place your kneaded dough in an oiled bowl; cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—around 1 hour. Snack break anyone?
Punch Down & Shape: Once risen, punch down the dough gently—that’s right! Release your frustrations! Transfer it onto an oiled baking sheet and stretch it into an even rectangle.
Add Toppings & Second Rise: Dimple the surface generously using your fingertips—this creates those iconic pockets for olive oil and toppings! Sprinkle rosemary and sea salt over the top then let rise again for about 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Bake to Perfection: Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and aromatic fills your kitchen like magic! Cool slightly before slicing—you want them crispy edges but soft inside!
Enjoy every bite of your masterpiece while bragging about how easy it was to make this amazing focaccia bread recipe!
You Must Know
- Focaccia is not just bread; it’s a canvas for flavor!
- The aroma of freshly baked focaccia fills your kitchen, making it hard to resist.
- A sprinkle of sea salt and herbs can transform it into a gourmet delight, perfect for any occasion.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing your ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth dough. Allow it to rise in a warm place until doubled in size. This sequence ensures fluffy, airy focaccia with the perfect crumb.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding rosemary or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor. You can also experiment with different oils or even cheese to personalize your focaccia experience.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warm and crispy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality olive oil for rich flavor; it makes a big difference.
- Don’t skip the second rise; it’s key for that soft texture!
- Experiment with toppings like olives and garlic for exciting variations that everyone will love.
Baking this focaccia always reminds me of family gatherings where we’d tear into the warm bread together, sharing stories and laughter. It’s those moments that make cooking special.
FAQ
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour works but may result in denser focaccia.
How long should I let the dough rise?
Let the dough rise for about one hour until it has doubled in size.
What toppings work best on focaccia?
Rosemary, olives, garlic, or cherry tomatoes are classic and delicious choices!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe – Fluffy & Flavorful
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 pieces 1x
Description
Experience the joy of homemade focaccia bread—fluffy, herb-infused, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary (chopped)
- Sea salt flakes (for topping)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by combining warm water and active dry yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil; stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Gently punch down the risen dough and transfer it to an oiled baking sheet, stretching it into an even rectangle.
- Dimple the surface with your fingertips; sprinkle chopped rosemary and sea salt flakes on top. Let it rise again for about 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
- For added flavor, experiment with toppings like olives or garlic.
- Use high-quality olive oil for richness.
- Focaccia pairs wonderfully with soups or as a sandwich base.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (50g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
