Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe is perfect for any occasion, bringing a taste of Italy right to your kitchen. With its crispy exterior and soft interior, this flatbread makes an excellent side dish or appetizer. The simplicity of the ingredients ensures that you can whip it up effortlessly while enjoying the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This focaccia bread recipe requires minimal hands-on time, allowing you to enjoy the process without stress.
• Versatile: Serve it as a side dish, appetizer, or even as a base for sandwiches. It fits perfectly with various meals.
• Flavorful: Infused with olive oil and rosemary, each bite bursts with authentic Italian flavor that will impress your guests.
• Customizable: Feel free to add toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or garlic for a personal touch.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 8 servings per batch, it’s great for gatherings and special occasions.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Plastic wrap or kitchen towel
• Oven

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or mixing bowl: A stand mixer makes kneading easier and faster, but a mixing bowl works just as well for hand kneading.
• Baking sheet: A quality baking sheet ensures even cooking and browning for your focaccia bread.
• Plastic wrap or kitchen towel: These are essential for covering the dough during rising, helping it retain moisture and warmth.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious focaccia bread:

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
• 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 large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add the flour and salt into the mixture. Mix until combined.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface or using the stand mixer with a dough hook for about 8-10 minutes until smooth.

Step 2: First Rise

1. Form the dough into a ball and place it in an oiled bowl.
2. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 90 minutes until doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Focaccia

1. Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles.
2. Transfer it onto an oiled baking sheet. Stretch and shape it into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.

Step 4: Second Rise

1. Cover again with plastic wrap or a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
2. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 5: Add Toppings and Bake

1. After rising, use your fingers to make dimples all over the surface of the dough.
2. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle coarse sea salt, and top with fresh rosemary leaves.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until golden brown.

Enjoy your homemade focaccia bread as an irresistible addition to any meal!

How to Serve Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Focaccia bread is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Its crispy crust and soft interior make it a perfect companion for many meals. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to enjoy your homemade focaccia.

As an Appetizer

• Olive Oil Dip: Drizzle high-quality extra virgin olive oil with balsamic vinegar for a simple yet delightful dip.
• Bruschetta Topping: Top slices of focaccia with chopped tomatoes, basil, and garlic for a fresh twist.

With Soups

• Minestrone Soup: Pair focaccia with hearty minestrone soup for a comforting meal.
• Tomato Basil Soup: Enjoy focaccia alongside creamy tomato basil soup for a classic combination.

For Sandwiches

• Focaccia Sandwich: Use sliced focaccia to create delicious sandwiches filled with meats, cheeses, and fresh veggies.
• Caprese Sandwich: Layer fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on focaccia for a refreshing Italian sandwich.

As a Side Dish

• Salads: Serve warm focaccia alongside green salads or pasta salads to add texture and flavor.
• Cheese Platter: Include slices of focaccia on a cheese platter for entertaining guests.

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How to Perfect Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

To achieve the best results with your easy focaccia bread recipe, consider these helpful tips.

• bold Use Quality Ingredients: Always choose high-quality olive oil and fresh herbs to enhance the flavor of your focaccia.
• bold Allow Proper Rising Time: Give the dough ample time to rise; this will result in a lighter, airier texture.
• bold Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or garlic for added flavor.
• bold Preheat Your Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking to get that perfect crust.
• bold Use a Baking Stone or Sheet Pan: A hot baking surface helps create that desirable crispy bottom crust.
• bold Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Focaccia pairs well with many side dishes, making it an excellent addition to any meal. Here are some great options you can try.

1. bold Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables complement the flavors of focaccia beautifully.
2. bold Antipasto Platter: An assortment of cured meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables makes for an exciting side.
3. bold Caesar Salad: The crispness of romaine lettuce and creaminess of dressing balances perfectly with the bread’s texture.
4. bold Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes make an indulgent side dish alongside focaccia.
5. bold Ratatouille: This vegetable medley brings vibrant flavors that enhance the experience of eating focaccia.
6. bold Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Juicy grilled shrimp add protein and flavor when served with warm slices of focaccia.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making focaccia can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients – Always ensure your water is warm to help activate the yeast properly.
• Skipping the rise time – Patience is key! Allowing the dough to rise adequately develops flavor and texture.
• Not using enough olive oil – Generous drizzling of olive oil not only adds flavor but also creates that signature crispy crust.
• Overworking the dough – Gently mix and knead the dough. Overworking it can lead to tough bread instead of fluffy focaccia.
• Ignoring seasoning – Don’t forget to sprinkle coarse sea salt on top before baking. It enhances flavor significantly.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store focaccia in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Freezing Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

• Wrap cooled focaccia tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

• Oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 15-20 seconds; be cautious not to dry it out.
• Stovetop – Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the focaccia and cover, cooking for 2-3 minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about this easy focaccia bread recipe.

What flour is best for Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?

Bread flour is ideal due to its high protein content, which helps create a chewy texture. However, all-purpose flour works well too.

Can I add toppings to my Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize with toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or cheese before baking.

How do I fix undercooked Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?

If undercooked, return it to the oven at a lower temperature (300°F/150°C) for an additional 5-10 minutes until fully baked.

What should I serve with Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?

Focaccia pairs beautifully with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping or can be served alongside soups and salads.

Final Thoughts

This easy focaccia bread recipe is perfect for any occasion. Its comforting flavors and delightful texture make it an excellent side dish or appetizer. Feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs or toppings for a personal touch!