Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

This easy focaccia bread recipe is a delightful way to bring the flavors of Italy into your home. Perfect for pairing with soups, salads, or as a stand-alone snack, this bread is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. With a golden crust and a soft interior, it’s sure to impress at any gathering or family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses common pantry staples, making it accessible for everyone.
• Hands-Free Rising: Most of the preparation time involves letting the dough rise, allowing you more time to relax.
• Endless Flavor Options: You can customize this focaccia with various toppings like garlic, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields 8 servings, making it ideal for gatherings or family meals.
• Authentic Italian Taste: Experience the rich flavors of Italy right in your kitchen with every bite.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started on this easy focaccia bread recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Plastic wrap or damp cloth
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Oven mitts

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients and allowing the dough to rise.
• Baking sheet: Provides a stable surface for baking the focaccia evenly.
• Plastic wrap: Helps keep moisture in during the rising phase, ensuring a soft texture.

Ingredients

For this easy focaccia bread recipe, you will need:

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)

How to Make Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour and salt to the mixture. Stir until well combined.
3. Pour in olive oil and mix until a sticky dough forms.

Step 2: First Rise

1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth.
2. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Grease your baking sheet with olive oil.
3. Transfer the risen dough onto the prepared baking sheet and stretch it gently to fit.

Step 4: Second Rise

1. Use your fingers to dimple the surface of the dough.
2. Drizzle olive oil over top and sprinkle with rosemary leaves and coarse sea salt.
3. Allow it to rise again for about 30 minutes.

Step 5: Bake!

1. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top.

Enjoy your freshly baked focaccia! This easy focaccia bread recipe is sure to be a hit at any meal!

How to Serve Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Focaccia bread is not only delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy it in various ways, making it perfect for any meal or gathering. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your focaccia experience.

As an Appetizer

• Serve warm with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
• Pair with a selection of cheeses, like mozzarella or goat cheese, for a delightful cheese board.

With Soups and Salads

• Dip slices into hearty soups such as minestrone or tomato basil for added flavor.
• Use focaccia as a side with fresh salads; it complements greens beautifully.

Sandwich Base

• Create sandwiches by layering meats, cheeses, and veggies between slices of focaccia.
• Try a classic Italian sandwich with salami, provolone, and arugula for an authentic touch.

Grilled Panini

• Use focaccia to make grilled paninis; the crispy crust will enhance the sandwich’s texture.
• Fill with pesto, roasted vegetables, and mozzarella for a mouthwatering meal.

Breakfast Treat

• Top slices with scrambled eggs and avocado for a savory breakfast option.
• Spread Nutella or jam on toasted focaccia for a sweet morning treat.

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How to Perfect Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

To achieve the best results with your focaccia bread, consider these helpful tips. Each one will elevate your baking game.

• Use high-quality flour: Opt for bread flour for better gluten development and a chewier texture.
• Let it rise properly: Ensure the dough rises until doubled in size to achieve that airy structure.
• Experiment with toppings: Try adding olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or garlic before baking for extra flavor.
• Preheat your oven: A hot oven creates steam during baking, giving your focaccia that ideal crispy crust.
• Don’t skimp on olive oil: Generously drizzle olive oil over the dough before baking to enhance its richness and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Focaccia pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some fantastic options to consider when planning your meal.

1. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and garlic makes a refreshing starter.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze complement the herbs in focaccia.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition to your table while enhancing flavors.
4. Olive Tapenade: A spread made from olives that pairs harmoniously with the bread’s texture.
5. Italian Sausage: Grilled or sautéed Italian sausage adds a savory protein option alongside focaccia.
6. Garlic Butter Shrimp: Sautéed shrimp in garlic butter provide an indulgent seafood pairing that works well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making focaccia bread can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to avoid for a perfect loaf.

• Incorrect Flour Type: Using the wrong type of flour can lead to dense bread. Always opt for bread flour or all-purpose flour for best results.
• Not Proofing Yeast Properly: If the yeast isn’t activated, your bread won’t rise. Ensure that your water is warm, not hot, when mixing with yeast.
• Skipping the Olive Oil: Olive oil adds flavor and texture. Don’t skip it; use ample amounts in the dough and on top for that signature focaccia taste.
• Overworking the Dough: Kneading too much can make your focaccia tough. Mix until just combined for a light, airy texture.
• Ignoring Rising Time: Rushing the rising process can result in flat bread. Allow enough time for the dough to double in size for maximum fluffiness.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
• Keeps fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

• Wrap tightly in foil or freezer paper before placing in a zip-top bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Use short bursts of 15-20 seconds on medium power for quick warming.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this easy focaccia bread recipe that many cooks have.

What makes this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe special?

This recipe combines simple ingredients and minimal steps, making it accessible while delivering authentic Italian flavors.

Can I customize my Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! Add toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or cheese to make it your own.

How do I know when my focaccia is done baking?

Your focaccia should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

What should I serve with Easy Focaccia Bread?

It pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or as an appetizer with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Final Thoughts

This easy focaccia bread recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough to complement many meals. Feel free to get creative with toppings and enjoy this homemade delight any time!