Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe is a delightful way to bring a taste of Italy into your home. Perfect for any occasion, whether as a side dish for dinner or an appetizer for gatherings, this bread offers a crispy exterior and a soft, airy inside. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can impress family and friends with minimal effort.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses basic pantry staples like flour, yeast, and olive oil, making it easy to whip up anytime.
• Quick Preparation: With most of the time spent letting the dough rise, you can get other tasks done while waiting.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it plain, topped with herbs, or served alongside dips; it fits any meal perfectly.
• Perfect for Sharing: Cut it into pieces for gatherings or serve whole as a centerpiece. It’s great for parties!
• Authentic Italian Flavor: Infused with fresh rosemary and olive oil, each bite transports you straight to Italy.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Kitchen towel

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily without spilling.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even cooking and makes transferring the bread simple.
• Kitchen towel: Covering the dough while it rises keeps it warm and helps it rise effectively.

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 warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add in the flour and salt. Mix until a sticky dough forms.

Step 2: Knead and Rise

1. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface.
2. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth.
3. Place in an oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 90 minutes or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Focaccia

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Gently punch down the risen dough and transfer it onto an oiled baking sheet.
3. Stretch the dough to fit the baking sheet’s shape.

Step 4: Add Toppings

1. Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface of the dough.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle coarse sea salt and rosemary on top.

Step 5: Bake

1. Place in preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
2. Once baked, remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe, perfect for any meal or occasion!

How to Serve Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Focaccia bread is versatile and can elevate any meal. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or alongside your favorite dishes, this bread is sure to impress. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy your easy focaccia bread.

As a Standalone Snack

• Enjoy it warm: Freshly baked focaccia is delightful on its own, especially when drizzled with olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt.
• Pair with dips: Serve focaccia with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, or hummus for a flavorful snack.

With Soups and Salads

• Accompany a hearty soup: Focaccia pairs beautifully with creamy tomato soup or minestrone.
• Serve alongside salads: A fresh salad with vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of focaccia.

As Sandwich Bread

• Create tasty sandwiches: Use slices of focaccia for delicious panini or gourmet sandwiches filled with your favorite ingredients.
• Make sliders: Cut the focaccia into smaller pieces for perfect bite-sized sliders.

At Gatherings and Parties

• As a party appetizer: Cut into squares and serve with various toppings like cheese, prosciutto, or roasted vegetables.
• Offer at brunch: Include focaccia as part of a brunch spread alongside eggs and pastries.

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How to Perfect Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Creating the perfect focaccia requires some tips and tricks to ensure it turns out fluffy and flavorful. Here are some key insights to enhance your baking experience.

• Use high-quality flour: The type of flour affects texture; bread flour provides better structure than all-purpose flour.
• Hydrate the dough properly: Ensure the water is warm but not hot; this helps activate the yeast without killing it.
• Don’t rush the rising time: Allowing the dough to rise adequately will result in a light and airy focaccia.
• Add toppings wisely: Fresh herbs, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes can elevate flavor; don’t overload the bread.
• Preheat your baking pan: Heating the pan before adding the dough helps create a crispy crust.
• Experiment with flavors: Try garlic, cheese, or herbs mixed into the dough for different variations.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Focaccia serves as an excellent accompaniment to various dishes. Here are some top side dishes that pair well with this Italian flatbread.

1. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic makes a refreshing starter.
2. Caprese Salad: Slices of mozzarella and tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze complement focaccia beautifully.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add color and nutrition alongside focaccia.
4. Pasta Primavera: A light pasta dish featuring fresh vegetables makes for a satisfying combination.
5. Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled items provides diverse flavors.
6. Garlic Butter Shrimp: Juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic butter create an indulgent treat that works well with bread.
7. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful peppers filled with rice or meat add heartiness to your meal alongside focaccia.
8. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in creamy dressing pairs nicely with the soft texture of focaccia.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making focaccia bread can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to help you succeed.

• Not using warm water – It’s crucial to use warm water (about 110°F) when activating the yeast. Cold water may inhibit yeast growth, leading to dense bread.
• Skipping the rise time – Patience is key! Allowing the dough enough time to rise develops flavor and texture. Skipping this step results in a less airy focaccia.
• Overcrowding toppings – Adding too many toppings can weigh down the bread. Stick to a few key ingredients like rosemary and sea salt for best results.
• Neglecting to oil your pan – A well-oiled baking pan prevents sticking and helps achieve that crispy crust. Don’t skip this important step!
• Using old flour or yeast – Fresh ingredients make all the difference. Check expiration dates on your flour and yeast to ensure optimal results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store focaccia in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture.

Freezing Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F and reheat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop – Warm slices in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making the Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe.

What is focaccia bread?

Focaccia is an Italian flatbread, often seasoned with olive oil and herbs, known for its soft texture and crispy crust.

How can I customize my Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?

You can add various toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or garlic to create different flavor profiles.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! The ingredients in this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe are naturally vegan-friendly.

How do I know when my focaccia is done baking?

The focaccia should be golden brown on top, with a crispy crust. You can also tap the bottom; it should sound hollow when fully baked.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It makes a perfect side dish or appetizer for any meal. With endless customization options, you can experiment with different flavors to suit your taste buds. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

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• Author: Lia
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italy with this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe. With a crispy exterior and a soft, airy interior, this homemade Italian flatbread is perfect for any occasion—from family dinners to casual gatherings. Made with simple pantry ingredients like flour, yeast, and olive oil, you can whip up this delightful bread in no time. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Enjoy it plain, topped with fresh herbs, or alongside your favorite dips. Impress your guests or treat yourself to a warm slice straight from the oven—either way, this focaccia is sure to be a hit!

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Ingredients

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

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit until frothy (about 5 minutes).
2. Add flour and salt to the mixture; stir until a sticky dough forms.
3. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until smooth.
4. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 90 minutes or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down the dough and stretch it onto an oiled baking sheet.
6. Create dimples on the surface with your fingers; drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle sea salt and rosemary on top.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown; let cool slightly before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (75g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 370mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg