Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

If you’re looking for a way to impress your friends and family with a simple yet delicious homemade bread, this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe is just what you need! There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked bread that fills the kitchen, isn’t there? This focaccia is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Whether it’s for a cozy weeknight dinner, a festive gathering, or even just as a tasty snack, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Imagine tearing into this golden-brown flatbread, with its crispy exterior and soft interior. Topped with fragrant rosemary and sprinkled with sea salt, it’s perfect for dipping into olive oil or serving alongside soups and salads. Let’s dive into making this delightful focaccia together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Make: With just a few basic ingredients, this focaccia is easy enough for anyone to tackle!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the fluffy texture and delicious flavor—perfect for everyone at the table.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready. It fits perfectly into busy schedules.
• Deliciously Versatile: Top it with your favorite herbs or veggies to customize it to your taste.
• Impressive Presentation: Your guests will be wowed by the beautiful homemade bread that looks as good as it tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Get ready to gather these staples and create something truly wonderful!

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)

Variations

One of the best things about focaccia is its flexibility! You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

• Add Toppings: Sprinkle on sliced olives or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
• Try Different Herbs: Swap out rosemary for thyme, oregano, or basil for a unique twist.
• Garlic Infusion: Brush the dough with garlic-infused olive oil before baking for a fragrant touch.
• Cheesy Delight: Add shredded cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking for a cheesy crust!

How to Make Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy; this shows that your yeast is active. In another bowl, mix the flour and salt together. Slowly add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture while stirring. This step combines everything smoothly; you’ll want a soft dough that isn’t too sticky.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Turn your dough out onto a floured surface and knead it gently for about 5-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Kneading helps develop gluten, which gives your bread that lovely structure we all adore!

Step 3: First Rise

Place your kneaded dough in an oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size—this usually takes about 1-1.5 hours. The rising process is crucial because it allows air bubbles to form in the dough, making your focaccia light and airy.

Step 4: Shape Your Focaccia

Once risen, turn out your dough onto an oiled baking sheet. Gently stretch and press it into an even rectangle or circle—whatever shape you prefer! Use your fingers to create dimples across the surface; these will hold onto toppings later.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover your shaped focaccia again with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise gives you that characteristic fluffy texture.

Step 6: Bake Your Focaccia

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Drizzle some olive oil generously over the top of your dough and sprinkle coarse sea salt along with rosemary leaves. Bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown on top. The smell will be irresistible!

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Once baked, remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm as an appetizer or side dish—everyone will be asking for seconds! Enjoy every bite of this delightful Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Making focaccia bread is a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll achieve the perfect loaf every time!

• Use Warm Water: The warm water helps activate the yeast, making your dough rise beautifully. Aim for water around 110°F (43°C) to create an ideal environment for the yeast.
• Don’t Skip the Olive Oil: Generously drizzling olive oil on top of your focaccia before baking not only adds flavor but also promotes that crispy crust we all love.
• Let It Rise Properly: Allowing the dough to rise in a warm place is crucial. This step enhances the texture and flavor, making your focaccia light and airy.
• Experiment with Toppings: While rosemary is classic, don’t hesitate to get creative! Try adding cherry tomatoes, olives, or even thinly sliced onions to make it your own.
• Check Your Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary, so it’s wise to use an oven thermometer. Baking at the correct temperature ensures even cooking and that lovely golden-brown finish.

How to Serve Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Focaccia bread is versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether as an appetizer or a side dish, it’s sure to impress!

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some additional fresh herbs like thyme or basil right before serving for a burst of freshness.
• Balsamic Vinegar Drizzle: A light drizzle of balsamic vinegar adds a tangy sweetness that complements the flavors beautifully.
• Parmesan Cheese: For those who enjoy cheese, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top just after baking adds an irresistible savory touch.

Side Dishes

• Caprese Salad: This classic Italian salad made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil offers a refreshing contrast to the bread’s richness.
• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted with olive oil and herbs pairs wonderfully with focaccia, providing both flavor and nutrition.
• Olive Tapenade: This flavorful spread made from olives, capers, and garlic is perfect for slathering on slices of focaccia for an extra layer of taste.
• Vegetable Soup: A comforting bowl of vegetable soup complements focaccia perfectly; its hearty nature makes for a satisfying meal together.

Enjoy exploring these serving ideas as you indulge in your homemade focaccia bread!

Make Ahead and Storage

This easy focaccia bread recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can whip it up ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week, making it a versatile addition to your meals. Here’s how to store and manage your delicious focaccia.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, wrap the focaccia tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for up to a week.
• Always allow the bread to cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing

• Slice the focaccia into portions before freezing for easier access later.
• Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Focaccia can be frozen for up to 3 months; just remember to label the bags with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the focaccia directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can use a microwave for quick reheating, but this may make it slightly softer rather than crispy.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this easy focaccia bread recipe.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour in this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! While bread flour gives a chewier texture due to higher protein content, all-purpose flour will still yield great results. Just keep an eye on the dough’s consistency.

How do I get my focaccia bread to rise properly?

To ensure proper rising, make sure your yeast is fresh and active. Use warm water—not too hot or cold—and let your dough rest in a warm spot free from drafts during the rising stages.

Can I add other toppings to this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to customize your focaccia with toppings such as olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions. The possibilities are endless!

Is this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe vegan?

Yes! This recipe is entirely plant-based as it uses no animal-derived ingredients.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to roll up your sleeves and try this easy focaccia bread recipe! It’s not just about enjoying warm, fluffy bread; it’s about creating something special in your kitchen that brings smiles all around. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or a side dish, I’m sure you’ll love how simple yet delicious it is. Happy baking!