Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

This Easy Focaccia Bread recipe gives you a soft, airy, and flavorful bread with a crisp golden crust. With just a few simple ingredients like bread flour, olive oil, and fresh rosemary, you can create a stunning homemade focaccia that’s perfect for dipping in olive oil, pairing with soup, or serving alongside any meal. Plus, it’s straightforward enough for even novice bakers to try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Focaccia is known for its fluffy, pillowy texture, and this recipe delivers just that! The olive oil creates a rich, slightly crisp crust while the rosemary infuses a fragrant, earthy flavor throughout the bread. The dimples on the surface not only make the bread look beautiful but also help to hold all the oil and toppings, adding to the flavor and texture. This focaccia is incredibly versatile—serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or sandwich bread. It’s a true crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

• 4 cups (500g) bread flour or all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast or instant yeast
• 2 teaspoons (10g) salt
• 1 ¾ cups (415ml) warm water
• ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
• Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Mixing and Kneading the Dough:

1. In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 2 ¼ teaspoons of yeast.
2. Add 1 ¾ cups of warm water and ¼ cup of olive oil to the dry ingredients.
3. Mix the ingredients together until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky, but avoid adding too much.

First Rise:

1. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, turning it to coat the dough with oil.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel.
3. Let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Shaping and Dimpling the Focaccia:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
3. Once the dough has risen, gently stretch it to fit the pan. If needed, divide it into two portions to fit two smaller pans.
4. Use your fingertips to gently press down into the dough, creating those signature dimples all over the surface. This step is key to making focaccia.

Second Rise:

1. Cover the shaped dough and let it rise for another 30 minutes, allowing it to puff up.

Topping and Baking:

1. Drizzle the dough generously with extra olive oil.
2. Sprinkle with fresh rosemary leaves and a pinch of coarse sea salt.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and crisp on the edges.

Serve:

1. Let the focaccia cool slightly before cutting into squares or rectangles.
2. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Rise time: 1.5-2.5 hours
• Bake time: 20-25 minutes
• Total time: 2.5-3 hours

Variations

1. Garlic Focaccia: Add minced garlic to the dough or sprinkle it on top before baking for a delicious garlic-infused flavor.
2. Cheese Focaccia: Top the dough with grated parmesan or mozzarella before baking for a cheesy variation.
3. Olives or Sundried Tomatoes: Add chopped olives or sundried tomatoes to the dough for extra flavor.
4. Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle with balsamic vinegar or a balsamic glaze after baking for an extra depth of flavor.
5. Herb Focaccia: Try different herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil for varied flavor profiles.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze focaccia by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will last for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap it in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
• Reheating: Reheat focaccia in a warm oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to regain its softness and crispness.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, though bread flour tends to give the focaccia a slightly chewier texture. All-purpose flour will still work well and yield soft and delicious bread.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the day before, let it rise, and then refrigerate it overnight. The next day, bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Can I add other toppings to the focaccia?

Absolutely! You can top it with anything you like—grilled vegetables, caramelized onions, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat.

What makes focaccia different from pizza dough?

Focaccia is a soft, pillowy bread that’s typically thicker than pizza dough. It’s seasoned generously with olive oil and often topped with herbs, making it flavorful on its own. Pizza dough, on the other hand, is usually thinner and meant to hold toppings.

Can I make focaccia without a stand mixer?

Yes! This recipe doesn’t require a stand mixer. You can knead the dough by hand on a clean surface or in a bowl, which is how the recipe is written.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make two pans of focaccia. Just be sure to allow enough space for the dough to rise properly.

Conclusion

This Easy Focaccia Bread recipe is the perfect homemade bread to complement any meal. The combination of a soft, airy interior and a crispy, golden crust is irresistible. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can make this flavorful, rustic bread right in your own kitchen. Whether served with olive oil for dipping, alongside pasta, or as a sandwich base, this focaccia is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

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