Focaccia

Making focaccia is easier than you think. With our recipe, you can create authentic Italian focaccia bread in as little as three hours. This recipe has been tested by hundreds of our followers and produces a focaccia with a crisp, golden crust and a soft, airy crumb. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying fresh out of the oven, this focaccia is versatile enough to pair with any meal or be the star of your appetizer spread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This focaccia recipe requires minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for novice bakers.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of olive oil and rosemary creates a delightful flavor profile that elevates simple bread.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different herbs or add toppings like olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a unique twist.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or needing snacks for movie night, this focaccia fits the bill.
• Great for Meal Prep: Focaccia can be made ahead of time and stored, allowing you to enjoy fresh bread whenever you like.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your focaccia, gather the essential tools that will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Baking pan
• Plastic wrap or damp cloth
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl helps combine ingredients without spilling, allowing for easy mixing.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for mixing dough without damaging it; its sturdy design makes it perfect for stirring thick mixtures.
• Baking pan: Choose a good-quality baking pan to ensure even cooking and browning of your focaccia.

Ingredients

To make your delicious focaccia, gather the following ingredients:

• 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)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for topping)
• 3 tablespoons water (for topping)
• ½ teaspoon salt (for topping; flaky salt optional)
• 3 pinches rosemary (optional to taste; fresh or dry)

How to Make Focaccia

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast

Start by measuring your ingredients. In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm water, instant dry yeast, and sugar. Whisk together until dissolved, then let it sit for about 30 seconds. Ensure that the yeast fully dissolves; otherwise, start over with fresh yeast.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast-water mixture to this and stir with a wooden spoon until you have a wet, sticky dough—around one minute. Incorporate two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil into the dough by stirring for another minute.

Step 3: Choose Proofing Method

You can opt for quick or slow proofing:
* Quick Proofing (1.5 to 2 hours): Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Place in a slightly warm oven (preheated briefly) until doubled in volume.
* Slow Proofing (8 to 24 hours): Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Allow it to rise at room temperature for an additional 2 to 3 hours after removing from the fridge.

Step 4: Folding

Once proofed, fold the dough over itself using a spoon about 20 to 40 times within the bowl. Stop when you feel resistance; this means your dough is ready.

Step 5: Final Proofing

Grease your baking pan with two to three tablespoons of olive oil. Transfer the dough into it and spread evenly using wet spoons. Cover again with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and allow it to proof in a warm area for about 45 minutes while preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C).

Step 6: Topping

In a small bowl, mix two tablespoons of olive oil, three tablespoons of water, and half a teaspoon of salt until dissolved. Dip your fingers in this mixture and press dimples into your focaccia before pouring any remaining mixture over it. Optionally sprinkle with rosemary and flaky salt.

Step 7: Bake

Bake on medium-low rack in preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown on top. Let cool for at least five minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy this delicious homemade focaccia!

How to Serve Focaccia

Focaccia is a versatile bread that pairs beautifully with many dishes. Whether you enjoy it as an appetizer, main course, or snack, there are countless ways to serve focaccia that will elevate your dining experience.

As an Appetizer

• Dipping Oil: Serve warm focaccia with a blend of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs for a delicious dipping experience.
• Cheese Platter: Pair slices of focaccia with a selection of cheeses like mozzarella and feta for a delightful cheese board.

With Soups and Salads

• Hearty Soup Companion: Enjoy focaccia alongside your favorite soup to soak up the flavors. Tomato basil soup is a great choice.
• Fresh Salad Side: Serve focaccia with a garden salad drizzled in vinaigrette for a light meal.

As a Sandwich Base

• Focaccia Sandwiches: Use thick slices of focaccia to create gourmet sandwiches filled with turkey, avocado, and fresh vegetables.
• Bruschetta Style: Top focaccia with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil for a refreshing bruschetta.

For Breakfast or Brunch

• Focaccia French Toast: Transform leftover focaccia into French toast by soaking slices in an egg mixture and cooking them on a skillet.
• Avocado Toast: Spread smashed avocado on toasted focaccia and top with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

How to Perfect Focaccia

Creating the perfect focaccia requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your bread comes out fluffy and flavorful every time.

• Bold Hydration: Ensure your dough is adequately hydrated; this will help achieve that airy texture characteristic of great focaccia.
• Bold Proofing Time: Allow sufficient proofing time for the dough. Longer proofing results in better flavor and texture.
• Bold Olive Oil Usage: Don’t skimp on the olive oil when greasing the pan or topping the bread; it enhances both flavor and crustiness.
• Bold Dimples: Make deep dimples in the dough before baking; this not only adds texture but also helps hold toppings and seasoning.
• Bold Oven Temperature: Bake at high temperatures (450°F) for the best crust. Preheating your oven properly is crucial.
• Bold Cooling Time: Let your focaccia cool slightly before cutting; this helps set the structure and prevents it from becoming gummy.

Best Side Dishes for Focaccia

Focaccia can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance its flavor profile. Here are some tasty options you can serve alongside:

1. Italian Salad: A mix of greens, tomatoes, olives, and mozzarella drizzled with Italian dressing adds freshness to your meal.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted with herbs create a colorful and nutritious side dish that pairs well with focaccia.
3. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze make for a classic pairing that brings out the flavors in focaccia.
4. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter are perfect for dipping into soups or enjoying alongside focaccia.
5. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned grilled asparagus offers a crunchy contrast to the soft texture of focaccia.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with grains or legumes provide a hearty complement to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making focaccia can be fun, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Bold yeast: Failing to bloom your yeast properly can lead to dense bread. Always ensure the yeast is active by allowing it to dissolve in lukewarm water and sugar before mixing with the flour.
• Bold too much flour: Adding too much flour can make your focaccia dry and heavy. Stick to the specified amount and adjust with small increments if necessary during mixing.
• Bold skipping proofing: Rushing through the proofing stages will result in less flavorful and denser bread. Allow the dough ample time to rise, whether you choose quick or slow proofing.
• Bold neglecting dimples: Not creating dimples on the surface of your focaccia means missing out on flavor pockets and texture. Use your fingers to create deep dimples before baking for a better crust.
• Bold improper oven temperature: Baking at too low a temperature can yield a pale and undercooked bread. Preheat your oven adequately to ensure a golden crust.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store focaccia in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap before placing it in the container to maintain moisture.

Freezing Focaccia

• Freeze focaccia by wrapping individual pieces in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Focaccia

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), wrap focaccia in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat, place focaccia inside, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes per side until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making focaccia, here are some common questions answered.

What is Focaccia?

Focaccia is an Italian flatbread known for its soft texture and rich flavor. It’s often topped with olive oil, herbs, or other ingredients before baking.

How do I make Focaccia crispy?

To achieve crispiness, preheat your oven thoroughly and bake the focaccia at high temperatures. Adding extra olive oil on top also helps create a crunchy crust.

Can I customize my Focaccia?

Absolutely! You can add toppings like olives, tomatoes, or cheese before baking. Experiment with different herbs according to your taste preferences.

How long does homemade Focaccia last?

Homemade focaccia lasts up to three days at room temperature when stored properly. It can also be frozen for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This focaccia recipe is not only easy but also highly customizable. Whether you enjoy it plain or topped with your favorite ingredients, it’s perfect for any occasion. Give this delicious bread a try; you’ll love its versatility!