Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

With the Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread, you can enjoy the delightful aroma and taste of freshly baked bread right in your own kitchen. This recipe requires just a few simple ingredients and some patience as the dough rises in the refrigerator. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or sandwiches, this focaccia is guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Its soft, chewy texture and rich flavor make it a standout choice for any occasion.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Dough
• For Topping
• How to Make Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread
• Step 1: Mix the Dough
• Step 2: Oil the Dough
• Step 3: Prepare the Baking Pan
• Step 4: Shape the Dough
• Step 5: Preheat Your Oven
• Step 6: Dimples and Topping
• Step 7: Bake Your Bread
• How to Serve Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread
• As a Standalone Snack
• For Breakfast or Brunch
• As a Side Dish
• For Parties
• How to Perfect Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread
• Best Side Dishes for Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread
• Reheating Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I achieve perfect texture with Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread?
• Can I customize my Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread?
• What should I do if my focaccia dough doesn’t rise?
• Is there a way to make Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread gluten-free?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: You don’t need fancy components to create delicious focaccia. Just basic pantry staples will do!
• Versatile Use: Enjoy it as bread for sandwiches, a base for bruschetta, or even on its own with olive oil.
• Impressive Results: The golden crust and airy interior will make everyone think you’re a professional baker.
• Customizable Toppings: Add herbs like rosemary or toppings such as olives to make it uniquely yours.
• Make Ahead: Refrigerating the dough means you can have fresh focaccia ready when you need it without much last-minute effort.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools is crucial for making your focaccia bread successfully. Gather a few essential items to help streamline your process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Plastic wrap
• Non-stick spray
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows ample space for mixing ingredients without spills.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the dough without damaging its delicate structure.
• 9×13-inch baking pan: Perfectly sized for creating a thick loaf of focaccia that bakes evenly.

Ingredients

With just a few simple ingredients and time in the refrigerator, you can make this soft, chewy, and flavorful focaccia bread at home. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or sandwiches, this irresistible bread will impress every time!

For the Dough

• 500 g (4 cups, spoon and leveled) bread flour
• 7 g (2 1/4 teaspoons or 1 standard packet) instant yeast
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 480 g (2 cups) lukewarm water (see notes for preparation)
• 6 tablespoons high-quality extra-virgin olive oil, divided

For Topping

• Flaky salt, for topping
• 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary (optional)

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How to Make Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

Step 1: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the bread flour. Add the yeast and kosher salt on opposite sides of the bowl to prevent direct contact initially. Use your fingers to mix the dry ingredients together, then create a well in the center. Pour in the lukewarm water and stir with a wooden spoon until a wet, shaggy dough forms.

Step 2: Oil the Dough

Drizzle 30 g (2 tablespoons) of olive oil over the surface of the dough. Use your fingers to rub the oil over the dough. Gently wiggle the dough from the edges of the bowl to coat the sides and bottom with oil. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 18 hours or up to 72 hours.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Pan

Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray and drizzle 30 g (2 tablespoons) olive oil in the center of the pan. Set aside.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Remove the dough from the fridge. Use your fingers to pull the edges of the dough towards the center while rotating the bowl, forming it into a ball. Transfer it to your prepared baking pan, turning it a few times to coat all surfaces in olive oil. Leave it uncovered in a warm place for 3-4 hours until nearly filling your pan.

Step 5: Preheat Your Oven

Towards the end of this second rise, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).

Step 6: Dimples and Topping

Drizzle remaining olive oil over your dough’s surface and rub it evenly. If desired, sprinkle chopped rosemary on top. Use your fingers to press down into the dough creating deep dimples all over its surface. Stretch if needed to fill corner areas before sprinkling flaky salt over everything.

Step 7: Bake Your Bread

Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and slightly pulling away from sides of your pan. Allow cooling in its pan for about five minutes before carefully transferring it onto a wire rack using a spatula if necessary. Let cool for another ten minutes before slicing and serving.

By following these steps for Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread, you’ll have tasty homemade bread that will be loved by everyone!

How to Serve Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you are serving it as an appetizer or a side, there are plenty of delicious options.

As a Standalone Snack

• Plain: Enjoy the focaccia warm with a drizzle of olive oil for dipping.
• With Dips: Pair it with hummus, tzatziki, or spinach dip for a flavorful snack.

For Breakfast or Brunch

• Breakfast Sandwiches: Slice the focaccia and fill it with eggs, cheese, and your choice of meat.
• French Toast Style: Dip slices in egg mixture and pan-fry for a unique brunch treat.

As a Side Dish

• With Soups: Serve alongside hearty soups like minestrone or tomato basil for added texture.
• Salad Companion: Use it to scoop up fresh salads or serve it on the side.

For Parties

• Charcuterie Boards: Cut into strips and include with cheeses, meats, and olives on a grazing board.
• Mini Sliders: Make bite-sized sandwiches using focaccia as the bun for easy entertaining.

How to Perfect Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

Creating the perfect Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your bread-making skills.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always check that your yeast is active and flour is fresh for the best rise.
• Perfect Dough Hydration: Ensure your dough is wet enough; this leads to that desired chewy texture.
• Long Cold Rise: Allowing dough to rise in the fridge enhances flavor; aim for at least 18 hours.
• Create Dimples: Making deep dimples before baking helps hold toppings and adds character to the crust.
• Experiment with Toppings: Try different herbs or toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or cheese for variety.
• Cool Properly: Let the bread cool before slicing to maintain its structure and prevent sogginess.

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Best Side Dishes for Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

Pairing Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread with complementary side dishes can create a delightful meal. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze complement focaccia well.
2. Bruschetta: A topping of diced tomatoes and garlic on toasted slices makes a tasty appetizer.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Colorful veggies roasted with olive oil bring out rich flavors that pair nicely with bread.
4. Pasta Primavera: A light vegetable pasta dish enhances the meal’s freshness when served alongside focaccia.
5. Antipasto Platter: A mix of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables creates a robust pairing.
6. Garlic Butter Shrimp: Sautéed shrimp in garlic butter adds a savory touch that balances the bread’s taste.
7. Spinach Salad: A fresh salad with spinach, nuts, and vinaigrette offers a crunchy contrast to soft focaccia.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread can be a delightful experience if you avoid common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:

• Ignoring Dough Hydration: Ensure your dough is sufficiently wet. A dry dough will lead to dense bread. Use the exact amount of water specified in the recipe.
• Not Allowing Enough Rise Time: Patience is key! Skipping the long rise time can result in flat focaccia. Aim for at least 18 hours in the refrigerator for best results.
• Using Cold Water: This can slow down yeast activity. Always use lukewarm water to help activate the yeast properly.
• Skipping Olive Oil: Don’t skimp on the olive oil during preparation and baking. It adds flavor and helps create that crispy crust.
• Overworking the Dough: Gently handle your dough when shaping it. Over-kneading can develop too much gluten, making it tough instead of soft and airy.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store focaccia bread in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

• Wrap focaccia tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat slices for about 10-15 seconds, but be cautious as this may make it chewy.
• Stovetop: Sauté slices in a pan with a little olive oil until golden and warm.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I achieve perfect texture with Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread?

The key lies in proper hydration and allowing sufficient rise time. Using lukewarm water also promotes yeast activation, leading to a fluffy texture.

Can I customize my Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread?

Absolutely! You can add toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or different herbs to enhance flavor.

What should I do if my focaccia dough doesn’t rise?

If your dough isn’t rising, check if your yeast is active by testing it with warm water and sugar before adding it to the flour.

Is there a way to make Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute regular flour with gluten-free bread flour, adjusting liquid as needed for consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread is not only simple but incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it as a sandwich base, serve it alongside soups, or indulge in it on its own with dips. Feel free to get creative with toppings and flavors; the possibilities are endless!