Focaccia

If you’re looking for a delicious and comforting bread that will make your home smell heavenly, then this focaccia recipe is just what you need! There’s something truly special about the aroma of freshly baked focaccia wafting through the kitchen. It’s an Italian classic that’s perfect for everything from busy weeknights to family gatherings. Plus, it’s so easy to make that even beginner bakers can impress their loved ones with this delightful bread.

What I love most about this focaccia is its versatility. You can enjoy it as a side dish, use it for sandwiches, or serve it as an appetizer with dips. Each bite reveals a crisp crust and a soft, airy interior that simply melts in your mouth. Trust me, once you try making focaccia at home, you’ll want it on your table all the time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, you’ll have homemade focaccia in no time!
• Family-friendly: This bread is sure to please everyone at the table—kids and adults alike will love its fluffy texture.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or herbs for a personal touch!
• Perfect for meal prep: Bake a batch over the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week as sandwiches or snacks.
• Deliciously comforting: The warm, fragrant bread makes any meal feel special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making focaccia is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. 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 things about focaccia is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these tasty variations:

• Add toppings: Try adding sliced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even caramelized onions for extra flavor.
• Herb infusion: Mix in different herbs like thyme or oregano into the dough before baking for a fragrant twist.
• Cheesy goodness: Sprinkle grated cheese like parmesan or mozzarella on top just before baking for a cheesy crust.
• Sweet twist: For a dessert version, add honey and cinnamon to the dough and top with sliced apples.

How to Make Focaccia

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast

Start by measuring out your ingredients. In a small bowl, combine lukewarm water, instant dry yeast, and sugar. Whisk them together and let them sit for about 30 seconds. This step is crucial because blooming the yeast activates it, ensuring your bread rises properly.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, stir together flour and salt. Then pour in your yeast-water mixture and mix with a sturdy wooden spoon until you have a wet, sticky dough—that should take around one minute. Next, add in some extra virgin olive oil and stir again until everything is well combined. This creates a rich flavor base for your focaccia!

Step 3: Choose Your Proofing Method

Now it’s time to let that dough rise! You can choose between quick proofing (1.5 to 2 hours) or slow proofing (8 to 24 hours). If you’re in a hurry, cover the bowl with a damp cloth and place it in a slightly warm oven until doubled in size. For slow proofing, cover with plastic wrap and let it mature slowly in the fridge overnight.

Step 4: Folding

Once your dough has proofed beautifully, it’s time to give it some love! Fold the dough over itself from outside to inside about 20 to 40 times while still in the bowl—this strengthens its structure. You’ll feel when it’s ready; stop folding once it gets tight.

Step 5: Final Proofing

Grease your baking pan generously with olive oil and gently drop your dough in. Spread it out using two spoons—wet them first so they don’t stick! Cover again with a damp cloth or plastic wrap for another round of proofing while you preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).

Step 6: Topping

In a small bowl, mix together two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil with three tablespoons of water and half a teaspoon of salt until dissolved. Dip your fingers into this mixture and press dimples across the surface of your dough—this creates those signature pockets! Pour any remaining oil-water mixture over top and sprinkle with rosemary if desired.

Step 7: Bake

When your oven reaches temperature, pop that focaccia onto the medium-low rack and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it; every oven is different! It should emerge golden brown on top with a crispy crust while still soft inside. Let it cool for at least five minutes before cutting into pieces—it’s hard not to sneak bites right away!

And there you have it—a beautiful loaf of focaccia that’s perfect for sharing around the table! Enjoy every crumb!

Pro Tips for Making Focaccia

Making focaccia is a delightful experience, and with a few pro tips, you can elevate your baking game to new heights!

• Use high-quality olive oil: The flavor of extra virgin olive oil enhances the bread and gives it that authentic Italian taste. It also contributes to a beautifully crispy crust.
• Don’t rush the proofing: Allowing the dough to rise properly is crucial for achieving that airy crumb structure. Whether you choose quick or slow proofing, patience will reward you with a light and fluffy focaccia.
• Experiment with toppings: While rosemary is a classic choice, don’t hesitate to get creative! Try adding sliced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even caramelized onions for added flavor and texture.
• Preheat your oven thoroughly: A hot oven ensures that your focaccia bakes evenly and develops that gorgeous golden crust. Make sure to preheat for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Let it cool before slicing: Allowing your focaccia to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the crumb set and makes slicing easier. Plus, it allows the flavors to settle!

How to Serve Focaccia

Focaccia is not just delicious on its own but can be presented in various delightful ways. Whether as an appetizer or part of a main course, here are some ideas to showcase your homemade bread.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkling fresh basil or parsley over the focaccia just before serving adds brightness and complements its flavors beautifully.
• Balsamic reduction: Drizzling balsamic reduction adds a tangy sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the savory focaccia.

Side Dishes

• Caprese salad: This classic Italian salad made with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella (or vegan alternatives), basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar pairs wonderfully with focaccia for a refreshing bite.
• Roasted vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant brings color and nutrition to your meal while enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Hummus dip: Creamy hummus provides a tasty dip option that complements the focaccia’s texture. Experiment with different flavors like roasted red pepper or garlic for variety.
• Italian minestrone soup: A warm bowl of minestrone filled with vegetables, beans, and pasta makes for a comforting main course alongside slices of focaccia for dipping!

Enjoy your homemade focaccia as an inviting centerpiece at your dinner table or as an elegant addition to any gathering! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This focaccia recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade bread throughout the week! Follow these simple storage tips to keep your focaccia fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Wrap any leftover focaccia in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
• Store it at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you notice it getting stale, consider toasting it lightly before serving.

Freezing

• Allow the focaccia to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
• You can freeze focaccia for up to 3 months. Just label with the date for easy tracking!

Reheating

• To reheat frozen focaccia, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 1 hour.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• For a crispy crust, you can also toast slices in a skillet over medium heat.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making focaccia that might help you on your baking journey.

How long does it take to make focaccia?

Making focaccia takes about 3 hours total, including proofing time. However, if you choose slow proofing, you can prepare the dough the night before!

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for my focaccia?

Yes! You can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. However, this may alter the texture slightly, making it denser.

Is focaccia suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Focaccia is great for meal prep as it stores well and can be easily reheated. Enjoy it fresh or with your favorite dips!

What toppings can I use on my focaccia?

Feel free to customize your focaccia with various toppings such as olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or different herbs like thyme or oregano. Get creative!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe inspires you to bake your own deliciously fluffy focaccia! It’s not only simple but also incredibly satisfying when you pull that golden loaf from the oven. Enjoy sharing this delightful bread with friends and family or savoring it all by yourself. Happy baking!