Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe is your ticket to enjoying a slice of Italy right in your own kitchen. Perfect for any occasion, this delightful flatbread features a crispy exterior and a soft, airy interior. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll soon have a delicious focaccia that pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or as an appetizer at gatherings. The fragrant rosemary and olive oil elevate this dish, making it a standout choice for family meals or entertaining guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: This focaccia bread uses common pantry staples like flour, yeast, and olive oil.
• Hands-Off Preparation: Most of the time is spent letting the dough rise without much active work from you.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it plain or topped with various herbs, cheeses, or vegetables to suit your taste.
• Authentic Flavor: The use of rosemary and quality olive oil gives this recipe an authentic Italian flavor that impresses.
• Perfect for Sharing: Cut into squares or strips, it makes a great sharing platter for parties or family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

To make this easy focaccia bread recipe successfully, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Kitchen towel

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes kneading easier if you’re using bread flour; otherwise, a mixing bowl will suffice for hand-kneading.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect dough consistency.
• Baking sheet: A large baking sheet ensures even cooking and allows the dough to spread easily.

Ingredients

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 large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add the bread flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined.
3. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes if by hand or 5 minutes using a stand mixer on medium speed until smooth.

Step 2: First Rise

1. Lightly oil a clean bowl with olive oil.
2. Place the dough in the bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape into Focaccia

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Transfer the risen dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Gently stretch the dough into a rectangle about ½ inch thick.

Step 4: Second Rise and Toppings

1. Cover the dough again with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
2. After rising, use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface of the dough.
3. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle coarse sea salt, and top with fresh rosemary leaves.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake in preheated oven for about 25 minutes until golden brown.
2. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing into pieces.

Enjoy your homemade Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe, perfect as an appetizer or side dish!

How to Serve Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Focaccia bread is incredibly versatile and can elevate any meal. Whether you’re using it as a side dish or as a base for delicious toppings, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this Italian classic.

As an Appetizer

• Serve warm slices drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a delightful starter.
• Pair with a selection of antipasto items like olives, cured meats, and cheeses for a rustic touch.

With Soups and Salads

• Enjoy focaccia alongside hearty soups, such as minestrone or tomato basil, to soak up the flavors.
• Complement fresh salads like Caprese or mixed greens with focaccia to add texture.

As a Sandwich Base

• Use focaccia to make delicious sandwiches by layering your favorite ingredients like roasted vegetables, turkey, or mozzarella.
• Create a panini by pressing your sandwich in a hot skillet until golden brown and crisp.

For Dipping

• Cut focaccia into bite-sized pieces and serve with hummus or pesto for dipping.
• Offer a variety of flavored oils for dipping—herb-infused or garlic oil work great!

With Cheese Boards

• Include focaccia on cheese boards paired with assorted cheeses, fruits, and nuts for an elegant platter.
• Use it as a base for spreads like fig jam or tapenade.

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How to Perfect Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

To achieve the perfect focaccia texture and flavor, consider the following tips that will enhance your baking experience.

• Use high-quality ingredients – Fresh yeast and good olive oil can significantly improve the taste of your bread.
• Knead gently – Avoid over-kneading the dough; gentle handling helps retain air bubbles for a lighter crumb.
• Allow ample rising time – Patience is key. Letting the dough rise longer improves flavor and texture.
• Create dimples – Press your fingers into the dough before baking; this creates pockets that hold olive oil and toppings beautifully.
• Experiment with toppings – While rosemary is classic, try adding olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or cheese for variety.
• Cool before slicing – Let the bread cool slightly after baking; this helps maintain its texture when cut.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Focaccia pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some fantastic options to complement your meal:

1. Italian Salad – A refreshing mix of greens, tomatoes, olives, and mozzarella tossed in vinaigrette.
2. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies drizzled with olive oil and herbs; perfect for dipping!
3. Garlic Butter Shrimp – Juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic butter make a delightful pairing with crusty bread.
4. Stuffed Peppers – Colorful bell peppers filled with rice, herbs, and cheese create a hearty side option.
5. Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze offers bright flavors that match focaccia well.
6. Antipasto Platter – A selection of cured meats, cheeses, marinated vegetables, and olives is always a crowd-pleaser.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making focaccia bread at home can be enjoyable, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final product.

• Using cold water: Always use warm water when activating yeast. Cold water may not activate the yeast properly, leading to dense bread.
• Skipping the rise time: Don’t rush the rising process. Allowing the dough to rise sufficiently enhances flavor and texture.
• Overcrowding toppings: While toppings are delicious, too many can weigh down the bread. Stick to a few well-chosen ingredients like rosemary or olives.
• Not preheating the oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking. This helps achieve a crispy crust right from the start.
• Ignoring salt in the dough: Salt enhances flavor and controls yeast activity. Be sure to include it in your recipe for the best results.

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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 to maintain freshness.

Freezing Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

• Place slices in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months.
• Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.

Reheating Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), wrap focaccia in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Use short intervals (about 15 seconds) on medium power. This method may make it softer rather than crispy.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and warm each side of the focaccia for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe.

How do I know if my dough has risen enough?

The dough should roughly double in size during rising. You can gently poke it; if it springs back slowly, it’s ready.

Can I add other herbs to my Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs like thyme or basil for varied flavors.

What should I serve with homemade focaccia?

This bread pairs wonderfully with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, soups, salads, or as a sandwich base.

Why is my focaccia bread too dense?

A dense texture may result from not allowing enough time for the dough to rise or using old yeast. Always check your yeast’s expiration date.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe is not only delicious but also very versatile. You can customize it with various toppings or enjoy it plain. Give this recipe a try and bring a taste of Italy into your home!