Focaccia

If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying bread to accompany your meals, this focaccia recipe is just what you need! It’s not only simple but also incredibly rewarding. The warm aroma of freshly baked focaccia wafting through your home can make any day feel special. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting friends and family, this Italian treat is sure to impress.

What makes this focaccia so exceptional is its crisp, golden crust and soft, airy crumb. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course if you pair it with some fresh toppings. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you’ll have a loaf that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With minimal hands-on time, anyone can whip up this focaccia.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike enjoy tearing into this soft bread.
• Versatile: Perfect for dipping in olive oil or serving with soups and salads.
• Make-ahead option: Let the dough proof overnight for an even richer flavor.
• Deliciously customizable: Add your favorite herbs or toppings to make it uniquely yours.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients for this delightful focaccia! The best part? They are simple and wholesome. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 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 (+ 2 tablespoons to grease the baking pan or you can substitute parchment paper.)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons water
• ½ teaspoon salt (+ flaky salt optional)
• 3 pinches rosemary (optional to taste; fresh or dry)

Variations

One of the best parts about making focaccia is how flexible the recipe is! Feel free to get creative with these tasty ideas:

• Herb-infused dough: Add a handful of fresh chopped herbs like basil or thyme directly into the dough for added flavor.
• Cheesy goodness: Sprinkle grated cheese on top before baking for a delicious cheesy crust.
• Veggie delight: Top with sliced tomatoes, olives, or caramelized onions for a colorful and tasty twist.
• Sweet treat: For a dessert version, consider adding honey and cinnamon to the dough and topping it with fresh fruit.

How to Make Focaccia

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast

To start off on the right foot, we need to activate our yeast. Combine lukewarm water, instant dry yeast, and sugar in a small bowl. Whisk together and let it sit for about 30 seconds until fully dissolved. This step is crucial because blooming the yeast ensures it activates properly, leading to that lovely rise we want in our bread.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, stir together flour and salt. Then add in your yeast-water mixture. Using a sturdy wooden spoon, mix until you have a wet and sticky dough—this should take about one minute. Finally, incorporate the extra virgin olive oil by stirring for another minute. This helps create that tender texture we all love!

Step 3: Choose Your Proofing Method

Now it’s time to let our dough rise! You can choose between quick proofing or slow proofing depending on your schedule:

Quick Proofing (1.5 to 2 hours): Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and place it in a slightly warm oven until doubled in size.

Slow Proofing (8 to 24 hours): Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. When ready to use it, simply bring it back to room temperature for about 2–3 hours before proceeding.

Step 4: Folding

Once your dough has risen beautifully, it’s time to fold! Gently fold the dough over itself from the outside toward the center about 20 to 40 times while still in the bowl. This process strengthens the gluten structure which results in that delightful airy texture.

Step 5: Final Proofing

Grease your baking pan with olive oil and drop in your dough. Spread it out gently using wet spoons until most of the pan is covered—don’t worry if it gets a bit messy! Cover again with a damp cloth and let it rest in a warm spot for another 45 minutes while you preheat your oven.

Step 6: Topping

In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, additional water, and salt until dissolved. Use your fingers to create dimples across the surface of the dough—this makes room for all that flavorful topping! Drizzle over any remaining oil mixture and sprinkle with rosemary if desired.

Step 7: Bake

Finally, when your oven reaches 450°F (230°C), pop that focaccia onto the medium-low rack! Bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top. Keep an eye on it; thicker focaccia may take longer than thinner ones. Once done, allow it to cool slightly before cutting into pieces—trust me; you’ll want everyone around when they smell this amazing bread coming out of the oven!

Pro Tips for Making Focaccia

Making focaccia is a fun and rewarding experience, and with these tips, you’ll be on your way to baking the perfect loaf!

• Use high-quality ingredients: The better your ingredients, the tastier your focaccia will be. Opt for fresh extra virgin olive oil and high-protein flour to achieve that ideal texture.
• Experiment with flavors: Don’t hesitate to get creative! You can add herbs like thyme or oregano, or even incorporate roasted garlic or sun-dried tomatoes into the dough for an added flavor boost.
• Master the dimples: Pressing dimples into the dough is not just for aesthetics; it helps hold onto toppings and adds delightful texture. Use your fingers to create deep indentations without deflating the dough too much.
• Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on your focaccia as it bakes. Every oven is different, so check for that golden brown color on top and make sure it’s cooked through by inserting a toothpick in the center.
• Let it cool before slicing: While it’s tempting to dive right in, allowing your focaccia to cool for at least 5 minutes will help it set and makes slicing much easier.

How to Serve Focaccia

Focaccia is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways! Whether you’re enjoying it as a side dish, appetizer, or main meal component, here are some ideas to present this delicious bread beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkling freshly chopped basil or parsley over the top adds a burst of color and flavor that brightens up your focaccia.
• Olive oil drizzle: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil before serving enhances the richness of the bread and adds a glossy finish.

Side Dishes

• Caprese salad: This classic Italian salad made with fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze pairs perfectly with focaccia’s airy texture.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus bring vibrant colors and earthy flavors that complement the bread nicely.
• Soup: A hearty vegetable or tomato soup creates a comforting combination with focaccia—perfect for dipping!

Serving focaccia alongside these garnishes and side dishes will elevate your dining experience and leave everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This focaccia recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy fresh, homemade bread throughout the week. It’s simple to store or freeze, ensuring you always have a delicious treat on hand.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a container.

Freezing

• Slice the focaccia into individual pieces for easy serving later.
• Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Focaccia can be frozen for up to 2 months. Be sure to label the bags with the date!

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the focaccia on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. For a crispier texture, remove the foil halfway through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making focaccia.

Can I use whole wheat flour for this focaccia recipe?

Yes, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. However, keep in mind that this may change the texture slightly, making it denser.

How do I make my focaccia more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor of your focaccia, consider adding toppings such as olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or various herbs besides rosemary. You can also infuse the olive oil with garlic before using it.

Can I make focaccia ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This slow proofing method enhances flavor and texture.

What is the secret to a crispy crust on focaccia?

The key to achieving a crispy crust is preheating your oven adequately and using enough olive oil when baking. Make sure to pour some oil over the top before baking for added crunch!

What should I serve with focaccia?

Focaccia pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or as part of a charcuterie board. You can also enjoy it simply dipped in balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

Final Thoughts

Making focaccia is not only easy but also incredibly rewarding! The aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s baking is truly irresistible. I hope you enjoy this delightful bread as much as I do. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings and flavors; make it your own! Happy baking!