Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe offers a delightful way to bring Italian flavors into your home. With its soft, airy texture and crispy crust, it’s perfect for any occasion—be it a family dinner, a picnic, or an elegant appetizer at a gathering. This focaccia bread is not just simple to make but also incredibly versatile; you can customize it with your favorite toppings like garlic or olives. Get ready to impress your guests with this homemade treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You only need basic pantry staples to whip up this focaccia.
- Hands-Off Preparation: Most of the time is spent letting the dough rise, allowing you to relax while it works its magic.
- Endless Customization: Feel free to add toppings like olives, tomatoes, or cheese for extra flavor.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of rosemary and olive oil creates a mouthwatering taste.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields enough for 8 servings, making it ideal for gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking, gather the necessary tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl helps combine ingredients easily without spilling.
- Baking sheet: A sturdy sheet ensures even baking and easy transfer in and out of the oven.
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
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add flour and salt to the mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface.
- Knead for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: First Rise
- Place the kneaded dough in an oiled bowl.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
- After rising, punch down the dough gently.
- Transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Use your fingers to stretch it into an even rectangle.
Step 5: Second Rise
- Cover the shaped dough again with a cloth.
- Allow it to rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 6: Preheat Oven & Prepare Toppings
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Drizzle olive oil over the top of the dough.
- Sprinkle fresh rosemary leaves and coarse sea salt generously.
Step 7: Bake
- Bake in preheated oven for about 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing.
Enjoy your homemade focaccia bread as an appetizer or side dish!
How to Serve Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
Focaccia bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Its crispy exterior and soft interior make it a delightful addition to any meal or snack.
As a Standalone Snack
- Serve slices warm with olive oil for dipping. This simple combination highlights the bread’s rich flavor.
- Pair with balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist. A small dish of balsamic adds a gourmet touch.
With Soup or Salad
- Enjoy focaccia alongside your favorite soup. It complements hearty soups perfectly, soaking up all the delicious broth.
- Use it as a side for fresh salads. The bread’s texture balances well with crisp greens and vinaigrette.
As Sandwich Bread
- Make tasty sandwiches using focaccia. Layer your favorite meats, cheeses, and veggies between slices for a satisfying meal.
- Create a bruschetta-style appetizer. Top slices with diced tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella for an Italian delight.
For Breakfast or Brunch
- Serve toasted focaccia with eggs. The combination of soft bread and fluffy eggs is simply irresistible.
- Add sweet toppings like honey or jam. This gives a different dimension to your morning routine.
How to Perfect Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
To achieve the best results with this easy focaccia bread recipe, consider the following tips.
- Use fresh yeast: Ensure that your yeast is active by checking the expiration date. Fresh yeast guarantees better rise and texture.
- Knead gently: Mix the dough until combined but avoid over-kneading. This keeps the focaccia light and airy.
- Let it rest: Allow the dough to rise in a warm spot until doubled in size. Patience leads to a fluffier bread.
- Add toppings wisely: Experiment with toppings like olives or sun-dried tomatoes. Just remember not to overload them, as it may affect baking time.
- Drizzle before baking: A generous drizzle of olive oil on top before baking enhances flavor and creates a crispy crust.
- Bake until golden: Keep an eye on the color while baking; you want it golden brown for that perfect texture.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
Pairing side dishes with focaccia elevates any meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Caprese Salad: A refreshing mix of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze complements focaccia beautifully.
- Minestrone Soup: This hearty vegetable soup pairs well with bread, allowing you to soak up each flavorful spoonful.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp: Savory shrimp cooked in garlic butter create an irresistible dish that goes wonderfully alongside focaccia.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add color and taste when served next to your focaccia.
- Olive Tapenade: A vibrant spread made from olives, capers, and anchovies offers a burst of flavor when used as a topping on focaccia slices.
- Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses provides variety; choose soft cheeses for spreading directly on warm focaccia for added indulgence.
- Pesto Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad tossed in pesto makes for a delightful contrast to the warm bread.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers offer protein that balances nicely with the lightness of focaccia bread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making focaccia bread can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls. Here are mistakes to watch out for:
- Using cold water: Cold water will slow down the yeast activation. Always use warm water, around 110°F (43°C), to ensure proper rising.
- Skipping the rise time: Rushing the dough can lead to dense bread. Allow your dough to rise until it doubles in size for the best texture.
- Not using enough oil: Oil adds moisture and flavor. Don’t skimp on the olive oil; drizzle generously before baking for extra crispiness.
- Overworking the dough: Kneading too much can make the bread tough. Mix just until combined and let the dough rest.
- Ignoring seasoning: Focaccia is meant to be flavorful. Sprinkle coarse sea salt generously on top before baking for that perfect taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store focaccia in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Focaccia can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place focaccia directly on the oven rack for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 15-20 seconds per slice.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and place focaccia inside, covering it with a lid for about 2-3 minutes until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making an easy focaccia bread recipe.
What is an Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?
An easy focaccia bread recipe uses basic ingredients like flour, yeast, salt, water, and olive oil to create a soft and flavorful bread that’s perfect as an appetizer or side dish.
Can I customize my Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or garlic to personalize your focaccia according to your taste preferences.
How do I know when my focaccia is done baking?
Your focaccia is done when it turns golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. It should have a crispy exterior and soft interior.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes! While bread flour gives a chewier texture, all-purpose flour works well too if you’re looking for a lighter focaccia bread.
Final Thoughts
This easy focaccia bread recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. It can complement any meal or stand alone as a snack. Feel free to get creative with toppings or pair it with dips for added enjoyment! Try making this delightful bread today!
Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the heavenly taste of homemade focaccia with this easy focaccia bread recipe. This delightful Italian flatbread features a soft and airy texture complemented by a crispy crust, making it perfect for any occasion—whether as an appetizer, side dish, or standalone snack. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you can create a deliciously aromatic bread infused with olive oil and rosemary. Customize it with your favorite toppings like olives or sun-dried tomatoes to elevate its flavor profile further. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this warm, comforting delight that pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or simply enjoyed on its own!
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 3/4 cups warm water
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- Fresh rosemary leaves
- Coarse sea salt
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add flour and salt; stir until a rough dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth.
- Place in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled.
- Punch down the dough, transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet, and stretch into an even rectangle.
- Cover again and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Drizzle dough with olive oil; sprinkle rosemary and coarse sea salt on top.
- Bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown; cool slightly before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
