Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe is a delightful way to elevate your meals, perfect for any occasion from family dinners to casual gatherings. With its crispy exterior and soft interior, this homemade focaccia offers the authentic taste of Italy in just a few simple steps. Imagine pulling a warm loaf from the oven, infused with fragrant rosemary and drizzled with olive oil—it’s an irresistible addition to any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: The recipe requires only a handful of pantry staples, making it easy to whip up whenever you crave fresh bread.
• Versatile Use: Enjoy this focaccia as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a base for sandwiches; its versatility makes it perfect for various meals.
• Hands-Off Time: With most of the preparation being hands-off during the rising stages, you can spend your time on other tasks while the dough works its magic.
• Customizable Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or sea salt for added flavor.
• Impressive Presentation: This bread not only tastes fantastic but also looks stunning. Your guests will be impressed by your baking skills!

Tools and Preparation

To make this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will ensure smooth preparation and baking.

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 is crucial for combining ingredients evenly and allowing enough space for the dough to rise.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even cooking and helps achieve that golden-crisp crust.
• Parchment paper: Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

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 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 mixture. Stir until combined.
3. Pour in the olive oil and mix until a sticky dough forms.

Step 2: Knead and Rise

1. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it gently for about 5 minutes until smooth.
2. Place it back in the mixing bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape and Second Rise

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Grease your baking sheet with olive oil or line it with parchment paper.
3. Punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles before transferring it onto the baking sheet.
4. Stretch the dough into a rectangle shape using your fingers, creating dimples across its surface.

Step 4: Add Toppings

1. Drizzle additional olive oil over the top of the dough.
2. Sprinkle fresh rosemary leaves and coarse sea salt generously.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.
2. Once baked, allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade focaccia bread!

How to Serve Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

This easy focaccia bread recipe is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you want it as an appetizer, a side dish, or part of a meal, there are countless serving options.

As an Appetizer

• Serve warm with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
• Pair with a selection of olives and cheeses for a delightful starter.

With Soups

• Enjoy alongside hearty soups like minestrone or tomato basil for a comforting meal.
• Cut into strips to soak up the broth effectively.

For Sandwiches

• Use slices of focaccia as the base for delicious sandwiches filled with roasted vegetables or grilled chicken.
• Add fresh greens and spreads like pesto for extra flavor.

At Picnics

• Pack slices of focaccia in lunch boxes paired with fresh fruit and salads for an easy picnic treat.
• Wrap individual pieces in parchment paper for convenience.

As a Snack

• Enjoy plain or toasted with herbs as a savory snack throughout the day.
• Spread on some hummus or tapenade for added taste.

How to Perfect Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Achieving the perfect focaccia requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your baking game.

• Use high-quality ingredients: Opt for good quality olive oil and fresh rosemary to enhance flavor.
• Knead well: Ensure you knead the dough until smooth; this helps develop gluten for better texture.
• Let it rise properly: Allow the dough enough time to rise until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for lightness.
• Preheat your oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking to achieve that crispy crust.
• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add toppings like cherry tomatoes or garlic before baking for varied flavors.
• Cool before slicing: Let the focaccia cool slightly before cutting, which will help maintain its structure.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Focaccia pairs wonderfully with various side dishes, making your meal complete. Here are some excellent choices to consider.

1. Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal vegetables in olive oil and herbs, then roast until tender.
2. Caprese Salad: Layer fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze for a refreshing side.
3. Garlic Spinach: Sauté spinach with garlic and olive oil for a quick yet nutritious accompaniment.
4. Chickpea Salad: Mix canned chickpeas with diced cucumbers, red onion, and lemon dressing for protein-packed goodness.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Fill bell peppers with quinoa, black beans, and spices, then bake until soft for a filling option.
6. Greek Salad: Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese dressed simply with olive oil and oregano.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe, it’s crucial to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the final result.

• Using cold water: Cold water can hinder yeast activation. Always use warm water (around 110°F) to ensure the yeast rises properly.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Inaccurate measurements can lead to dense or overly dry bread. Use a kitchen scale for best results.
• Skipping the rising time: Rushing the rising process can result in flat bread. Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size for optimal fluffiness.
• Overcrowding toppings: Too many toppings can weigh down the bread and create uneven textures. Use a moderate amount of toppings for balance.
• Neglecting to drizzle olive oil: Skipping the olive oil drizzle can lead to a dry crust. Always brush or drizzle extra virgin olive oil on top before baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store focaccia in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for freezing.
• Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake wrapped focaccia for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat slices on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds, checking regularly to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, flipping halfway to ensure even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe:

How long does it take to make Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?

The preparation takes about 2.5 hours, mostly allowing time for the dough to rise, plus an additional 25 minutes of baking.

Can I add different herbs and spices?

Absolutely! Customize your Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe with herbs like thyme, oregano, or garlic powder for unique flavors.

What is the best way to serve focaccia?

Focaccia is delightful as an appetizer, side dish, or even sandwich bread. Pair it with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.

Why is my focaccia dense?

A dense texture often results from under-proofing or using cold water. Ensure proper rising time and warm water when preparing your dough.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend; however, adjust liquid amounts as needed since gluten-free flours absorb differently.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or sandwich base, its crispy exterior and soft interior will win over anyone. Feel free to customize with various toppings or herbs according to your taste!