Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe is your ticket to creating a delightful Italian flatbread at home. Perfect for any occasion, this focaccia is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. With its aromatic rosemary and rich olive oil, it makes an excellent appetizer or side dish. Whether for a family dinner or a festive gathering, this focaccia will impress everyone at the table. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a must-try recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This recipe is simple, requiring minimal hands-on time.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or even sandwich bread.
• Aromatic Flavors: The combination of rosemary and olive oil creates an irresistible aroma.
• Perfectly Textured: Enjoy a crispy crust with a soft and fluffy interior.
• Customizable Toppings: Add olives, tomatoes, or cheese for extra flavor variations.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your focaccia journey, gather your tools. These essential items will help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor in your bread.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Kitchen towel
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows for easy combining of ingredients without spilling.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even heat distribution for perfectly baked focaccia.
• Parchment paper: Using parchment helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Ingredients

To make this easy homemade focaccia bread, you’ll need the following simple 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 Flavor

• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
• Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)

How to Make Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In your mixing bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture.
3. Mix until a dough forms; it should be slightly sticky.

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 a lightly greased bowl.
• Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Focaccia

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Gently punch down the risen dough and transfer it to the baking sheet.
4. Stretch it out into a rectangle or circle.

Step 5: Second Rise

• Cover the shaped dough with a towel again and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 6: Add Toppings

1. Drizzle olive oil over the top of the dough.
2. Use your fingers to dimple the surface deeply.
3. Sprinkle fresh rosemary leaves and coarse sea salt generously on top.

Step 7: Bake

• Bake in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Enjoy your freshly baked focaccia bread as an incredible addition to any meal!

How to Serve Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

SAVE THIS!

Focaccia bread is incredibly versatile and can be served in various delicious ways. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your meal experience with this easy focaccia bread recipe.

As a Sandwich Base

• You can slice the focaccia horizontally and fill it with your favorite deli meats, cheeses, and veggies for a satisfying sandwich.

Dipped in Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar

• A classic Italian way to enjoy focaccia is by dipping it into a mix of high-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This simple yet flavorful combination enhances the bread’s taste.

Served with Soups

• Pair your focaccia with a warm bowl of soup. The crispy crust is perfect for dipping and soaking up delicious broth.

Topped with Fresh Tomatoes and Basil

• For a fresh twist, top slices of focaccia with diced tomatoes, basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil. This makes for a refreshing appetizer or side dish.

Accompanied by Cheese Platters

• Serve focaccia alongside an assortment of cheeses. Its mild flavor complements both hard and soft cheeses beautifully.

As an Appetizer with Spreads

• Cut the focaccia into bite-sized pieces and serve it with spreads like hummus or tapenade for a delightful starter at parties.

How to Perfect Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

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

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  Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your water and olive oil are at room temperature before mixing. This helps yeast activate properly.

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  Knead Thoroughly: Kneading helps develop gluten, giving the bread its structure. Aim for about 10 minutes of kneading until smooth.

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  Let It Rise in a Warm Place: Find a warm spot in your kitchen for the dough to rise. A cozy environment promotes better fermentation.

  
  
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  Add Extra Toppings: Feel free to customize your focaccia by adding toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or cheese before baking for added flavor.

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  Experiment with Seasonings: Besides rosemary, try other herbs or spices like thyme or garlic powder to give your focaccia unique flavors.

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  Check for Doneness: The focaccia should be golden brown on the top when it’s done baking. Tap on the bottom; it should sound hollow.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Focaccia pairs well with many side dishes that complement its flavor profile. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. 
   

   Caprese Salad: This classic Italian salad features fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a refreshing addition.

2. 
   

   Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables adds color and nutrition to your meal while balancing the carb-heavy focaccia.

3. 
   

   Italian Meatballs: Juicy meatballs in marinara sauce create a hearty pairing that makes every bite satisfying.

4. 
   

   Bruschetta: Toasted slices of bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil make for an exciting appetizer alongside focaccia.

5. 
   

   Antipasto Platter: Create a vibrant platter filled with cured meats, olives, cheese, and marinated vegetables—perfect for sharing.

6. 
   

   Creamy Potato Salad: A chilled potato salad provides creaminess that contrasts nicely with the airy texture of focaccia bread.

7. 
   

   Garlic Butter Shrimp: Quick-cooked shrimp coated in garlic butter offer bold flavors that enhance the overall dining experience.

8. 
   

   Mixed Green Salad: A light salad made with mixed greens, nuts, and vinaigrette balances out the richness of focaccia beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Using the wrong flour: Using all-purpose flour instead of bread flour can result in a denser texture. Stick with bread flour for the best rise and chew.
• Skipping the kneading step: Neglecting to knead the dough properly can prevent gluten from developing, leading to a flat bread. Knead until smooth and elastic for optimal structure.
• Not allowing enough rising time: Rushing the rising process can yield a heavy loaf. Give your dough ample time to rise until it doubles in size for that light, airy texture.
• Overcrowding toppings: Adding too many toppings will weigh down the dough. Keep it simple with just olive oil and rosemary or a few other favorites.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Baking at too low a temperature will cause the focaccia to dry out. Ensure your oven is preheated to 425°F (220°C) for a crispy crust.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• To maintain freshness, place parchment paper between layers if stacking them.

Freezing Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

• Wrap the focaccia tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the focaccia for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and heat on medium power in short bursts of 15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this delicious bread:

Can I use whole wheat flour for this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute up to half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for added flavor and nutrition.

How do I know when my focaccia is done baking?

The focaccia should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

What toppings work well with Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?

Besides rosemary, try adding olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or garlic for more flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe is naturally vegan since it contains no eggs or dairy products.

Final Thoughts

This easy focaccia bread recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy homemade Italian bread. Its crispy exterior and soft interior make it versatile as an appetizer or side dish. Customize it with your favorite herbs or toppings to make it uniquely yours. Give it a try—you’ll love how simple yet satisfying it is!

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