Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful way to bring the flavors of Italy into your home, this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe is just what you need! There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen. This recipe is not only simple but also incredibly rewarding. The crispy exterior and soft interior make it a favorite among family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or just want a comforting snack on a busy weeknight, this focaccia will surely impress.

Focaccia is versatile enough to be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even as part of a picnic spread. The beautiful golden crust topped with fragrant rosemary and coarse sea salt makes it irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal hands-on time, allowing you to enjoy the process without stress.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves warm, fresh bread! It’s perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to enjoy!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of olive oil and fresh rosemary creates mouthwatering flavor in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making focaccia is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need for this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe:

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

For Topping

• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
• Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)

Variations

One of the best things about this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe is how flexible it is! You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are some fun variations:

• Add Garlic: Mix in minced garlic or sprinkle garlic powder on top before baking for an extra punch of flavor.
• Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle shredded cheese like mozzarella or parmesan over the top before baking for a cheesy version.
• Vegetable Toppings: Add sliced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or thinly sliced bell peppers on top to add color and flavor.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme, oregano, or basil for unique flavor profiles.

How to Make Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it’s frothy. This step is crucial as it activates the yeast, ensuring that your focaccia rises beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine flour and salt. Mixing these ingredients separately helps distribute the salt evenly—this prevents any potential burning of the yeast when combined later.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the activated yeast mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients. Stir until everything comes together into a sticky dough. Don’t worry if it’s messy; that’s part of the charm!

Step 4: Knead and First Rise

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth. Then place it in an oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 1-2 hours). This rising time allows air bubbles to form, making your focaccia light and airy.

Step 5: Shape and Second Rise

Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles. Transfer it onto a greased baking sheet or pan. Use your fingers to stretch and shape it into an even layer. Cover again and let it rise for another 30 minutes—this gives it that lovely fluffy texture.

Step 6: Preheat Oven and Add Toppings

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Once ready, drizzle olive oil over the top of your dough, then sprinkle with rosemary leaves and coarse sea salt. These toppings enhance both texture and flavor.

Step 7: Bake Your Focaccia

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on it—the tantalizing smell will let you know it’s nearly done! Once out of the oven, allow it to cool slightly before slicing.

And there you have it—your very own homemade focaccia bread! Enjoy every slice with friends or family; I promise they won’t last long!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Making focaccia bread at home can be a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll ensure your loaf turns out perfectly every time!

• Use high-quality ingredients: Choosing the best bread flour and extra virgin olive oil makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture. Quality ingredients enhance the overall taste of your focaccia.
• Let the dough rise properly: Be patient during the rising stages; allowing the dough to double in size is key to achieving that airy, fluffy interior. Warmer environments can help speed up this process.
• Don’t skimp on the olive oil: Generously drizzling olive oil before baking not only adds flavor but also contributes to that desirable crispy crust. It also helps prevent sticking.
• Experiment with toppings: While rosemary is traditional, feel free to customize your focaccia with other herbs or toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even caramelized onions for added depth of flavor.
• Use your fingers to create dimples: Pressing down into the dough creates those signature dimples that hold onto olive oil and toppings. This is an essential step for both aesthetics and taste!

How to Serve Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Focaccia bread is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways! Whether as an appetizer, side dish, or even a base for sandwiches, here are some ideas to present this delightful bread.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkling additional fresh herbs like basil or parsley right before serving can add a pop of color and a burst of freshness.
• Balsamic glaze: Drizzling balsamic glaze over the top provides a sweet-tangy contrast that complements the savory flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Caprese salad: A classic pairing with sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella (or plant-based alternative), and basil drizzled with olive oil. The freshness balances out the richness of focaccia.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrients to your meal while their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with warm bread.
• Hummus platter: Serve alongside a variety of hummus flavors for dipping. The creamy texture contrasts nicely with the bread’s crustiness.
• Italian soup: A hearty minestrone or vegetable soup makes for a comforting meal where focaccia can soak up all those delicious flavors.

Enjoy crafting your perfect focaccia experience! With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

This easy focaccia bread recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy fresh bread whenever the craving strikes. Here’s how to store and preserve your delicious focaccia.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you prefer it to stay fresh longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze the focaccia, let it cool completely after baking.
• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Label the bag with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from room temperature, simply pop slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• For frozen focaccia, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating as above.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this easy focaccia bread recipe.

Can I use whole wheat flour for this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?

Yes! Whole wheat flour can be used, but it may yield a denser texture. Consider mixing half whole wheat and half bread flour for the best balance.

How long does this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe take to prepare?

The total time is about 2.5 hours, with most of that being hands-off while the dough rises. Baking takes just 25 minutes!

Can I add toppings to my focaccia?

Absolutely! Feel free to add toppings like olives, cherry tomatoes, or garlic before baking for added flavor.

Is this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe suitable for beginners?

Definitely! This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal skill, making it perfect for beginners wanting to try their hand at bread-making.

How can I enhance the flavor of my focaccia?

You can experiment with different herbs like thyme or oregano. Adding caramelized onions or roasted garlic also elevates the flavor profile beautifully!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this easy focaccia bread recipe! It’s not only simple but also brings a delightful Italian touch to your meals. Whether as an appetizer or a side dish, it’s sure to impress. Enjoy every delicious bite and feel free to share your baking adventures with friends and family. Happy baking!