Easy Focaccia Bread
Highlighted under: Quick & Easy
Elevate your meals with this delightful Easy Focaccia Bread recipe! This fluffy, herbed bread is incredibly simple to make and perfect for dipping into soups or serving alongside any appetizer. With its golden crust and aromatic toppings, it’s sure to impress family and friends at your next gathering.
This focaccia bread recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or having a cozy night in, this bread is sure to be a hit!
The Art of Focaccia Making
Focaccia bread, with its origins in ancient Italy, is known for its unique texture and flavor. The combination of olive oil, herbs, and sea salt creates a delightful crust that complements its soft, airy interior. This bread is not just a side; it's a centerpiece that can elevate any meal. Understanding the basic technique of focaccia making allows for endless variations, based on different toppings and flavor infusions, from roasted garlic to tangy olives.
Kneading is a crucial step in the focaccia-making process. Proper kneading develops the gluten in the flour, leading to that wonderful airy structure. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky, allowing for a beautiful rise during the fermentation stage. Remember, focaccia is forgiving; even a little extra kneading can enhance its texture, making it even more delightful.
Customizing Your Focaccia
While this easy focaccia recipe stands brilliantly on its own, it allows for creativity with toppings and herbs. Consider adding sundried tomatoes for a hint of sweetness, or olives for a savory twist. Seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini can also be roasted and added before baking, providing a colorful and tasty treat. You can even experiment with different types of salt to sprinkle on top, such as Himalayan pink salt or flavored sea salts, to add a personal touch.
Herbs can transform the flavor profile significantly. Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano can impart their unique characteristics to enhance the bread's aroma. Alternatively, dried herbs also work beautifully and can be incorporated into the dough for an intense flavor boost. This versatility makes focaccia a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity.
Serving Suggestions
Focaccia bread shines when served warm, straight from the oven. Sliced and served with a variety of dips, such as olive oil infused with herbs or balsamic vinegar, it becomes an instant star at any gathering. Pair it with soups, salads, or cheese boards for a delightful combination of flavors and textures. It's also excellent for making sandwiches or sliders, giving you a flavorful and visually appealing presentation.
Leftover focaccia can be stored or repurposed easily. After cooling, you can store it in an airtight container for a couple of days. For that fresh-baked taste, simply reheat in the oven before serving. If you have an abundance, consider transforming it into croutons for salads or soups, adding crunch and flavor to your meals effortlessly.
Ingredients
Focaccia Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- Sea salt for topping
Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before you start!
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, mix warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
Knead and Rise
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape and Top
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Stretch it to fit the pan. Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface.
Bake and Serve
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
This focaccia is perfect for serving as a side or as a base for sandwiches!
Tips for Perfect Focaccia
Baking is as much about technique as it is about ingredients. Ensuring that your water is warm, not hot, is critical, as excessive heat can kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising. Use a kitchen thermometer to check the temperature, aiming for around 110°F (43°C) for optimal yeast activity.
Allowing the dough ample time to rise in a warm environment is key to achieving that fluffy texture. If your kitchen is cool, consider turning on your oven for a few minutes and then turning it off, placing the dough inside to rise gently. This creates an ideal environment for fermentation.
Storing and Reheating Focaccia
To keep your focaccia fresh, it’s best to store it in a paper bag at room temperature for a day or two. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a resealable bag, storing it in the freezer. It can last up to a month when frozen. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, allow it to thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating focaccia in the oven rather than the microwave maintains its crispy crust and soft interior. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the focaccia for about 10 minutes. This step will bring back that fresh-baked aroma and texture that makes focaccia irresistible.
Nutritional Information
Each slice of focaccia provides carbohydrates necessary for energy, making it a satisfying accompaniment to any meal. The use of olive oil adds healthy fats, contributing to heart health when consumed in moderation. Adding herbs and toppings can also introduce a range of vitamins and minerals to your bread, enhancing its nutritional profile.
For those watching their dietary intake, consider making substitutions such as whole wheat flour for added fiber or reducing the amount of oil. Enjoying focaccia as a part of a balanced diet, alongside vegetables and proteins, can be a delicious way to indulge without compromising on health.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Let it come to room temperature before baking.
→ How do I store leftover focaccia?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Easy Focaccia Bread
Elevate your meals with this delightful Easy Focaccia Bread recipe! This fluffy, herbed bread is incredibly simple to make and perfect for dipping into soups or serving alongside any appetizer. With its golden crust and aromatic toppings, it’s sure to impress family and friends at your next gathering.
Created by: Eden Clarke
Recipe Type: Quick & Easy
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 1 loaf
What You'll Need
Focaccia Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- Sea salt for topping
How-To Steps
In a bowl, mix warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Stretch it to fit the pan. Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with rosemary and sea salt.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 4g