Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe

Focaccia bread is one of the most beloved Italian breads, known for its soft, airy texture and slightly crisp crust. This easy homemade focaccia bread recipe is the perfect introduction to bread baking. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create this delicious, aromatic bread that’s ideal for dipping in olive oil, pairing with a variety of meals, or simply enjoying on its own. The beautiful golden crust, fragrant rosemary, and coarse sea salt on top make it irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe will guide you step-by-step to make perfect focaccia every time.

This focaccia recipe doesn’t require any special equipment, and you don’t need to be a professional baker to get great results. The dough is easy to mix, and while it needs some rise time, it’s a simple process that doesn’t take too much effort. Plus, the result is absolutely worth the wait. Focaccia is a versatile bread that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even used for sandwiches. Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible homemade focaccia.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients

This focaccia recipe requires minimal ingredients that are likely already in your pantry, making it an easy bread to whip up anytime.

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2. Perfect Texture

The dough creates a soft and fluffy interior with a golden and slightly crispy crust, giving you the perfect focaccia every time.

3. Customizable Toppings

The classic rosemary and sea salt topping is delicious, but you can get creative with other herbs, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes to suit your taste.

4. Quick Preparation Time

Though it needs some rise time, the actual preparation time is minimal, and it only takes about 25 minutes to bake.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

Focaccia bread is an ideal companion to almost any meal, from Italian pastas to soups or served on its own with dipping oil.

Ingredients

• Bread flour or all-purpose flour
• Active dry yeast or instant yeast
• Salt
• Warm water
• Extra virgin olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
• Fresh rosemary leaves
• Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Variations

1. Garlic Focaccia: Add finely minced garlic to the dough or sprinkle chopped garlic on top before baking for a savory twist.
2. Herb Focaccia: Mix different fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or sage into the dough or as a topping.
3. Cheese Focaccia: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or mozzarella on top before baking for an added cheesy flavor.
4. Olive Focaccia: Add pitted olives to the dough or on top for a Mediterranean touch.
5. Sweet Focaccia: For a sweeter version, add a drizzle of honey or sprinkle sugar on top with some cinnamon.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Mixing and Kneading the Dough

In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 2 1/4 teaspoons of yeast. Add 1 3/4 cups of warm water and 1/4 cup of olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Once mixed, knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 2: First Rise

Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.

Step 3: Shaping and Dimpling the Focaccia

Once the dough has risen, grease a baking sheet with olive oil. Gently stretch the dough to fit the pan, making sure it covers the surface. Use your fingertips to create dimples all over the surface of the dough, which will give it its characteristic texture and allow the toppings to soak in.

Step 4: Second Rise

Cover the dough and allow it to rise again for about 30 minutes. This will make it even fluffier and lighter.

Step 5: Topping and Baking

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Drizzle the dough generously with olive oil, then sprinkle with coarse sea salt and fresh rosemary leaves. Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the top is slightly crispy.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Warm Water: Be sure the water is warm, not hot, as too much heat can kill the yeast. Aim for about 100-110°F (37-43°C).
• Kneading: Knead the dough well to develop the gluten, which will result in a fluffy and airy texture.
• Toppings: You can add toppings such as garlic, olives, or Parmesan before baking for added flavor.
• Rise Time: Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for the best results. If your kitchen is cool, you can place the bowl in the oven with just the light on.
• Olive Oil: Generously drizzle the dough with olive oil before baking for that deliciously crispy crust.

How to Serve

Focaccia bread is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. Serve it warm alongside pasta, soup, or salad, or slice it into squares to use as sandwich bread. It also makes a fantastic appetizer when paired with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. You can also serve it with cheese and meats for a simple antipasto platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover focaccia can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. To maintain its softness, you can wrap it in a kitchen towel before storing.

Freezing

To freeze focaccia, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven for 5-10 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat leftover focaccia, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the bread for about 5-10 minutes until it’s heated through and the crust is crispy again.

FAQs

1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for bread flour, but bread flour will give the focaccia a slightly better texture.

2. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can. Just dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water first and let it sit for about 5 minutes before mixing it with the flour.

3. Can I add garlic to the dough?

Absolutely! You can either add minced garlic directly to the dough or sprinkle it on top before baking.

4. How thick should the focaccia dough be when I shape it?

The dough should be about 1 inch thick when you stretch it to fit the baking sheet.

5. Can I use a different type of oil for the focaccia?

While extra virgin olive oil is traditional and adds great flavor, you can use vegetable or canola oil if that’s what you have on hand.

6. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

7. How can I make the focaccia crust crunchier?

To get a crunchier crust, bake the focaccia on the bottom rack of your oven, or use a pizza stone for more even heat distribution.

8. Can I freeze focaccia dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze focaccia dough after the first rise. Just let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and proceed with shaping and the second rise before baking.

9. How do I know when the focaccia is done baking?

The focaccia is done when it is golden brown on top and the edges are slightly crisp. You can also tap the bottom of the bread—if it sounds hollow, it’s ready.

10. Can I use a different topping besides rosemary?

Yes, you can experiment with other toppings such as olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions to suit your tastes.

Conclusion

Making focaccia bread at home is easier than you might think, and the result is a fragrant, flavorful, and soft loaf that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you’re dipping it in olive oil or enjoying it as a sandwich, this easy homemade focaccia bread recipe will quickly become a family favorite. With simple ingredients, minimal effort, and a deliciously soft texture, you’ll want to bake this again and again!

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