Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread is a simple yet delicious Italian recipe that showcases the beauty of baking with minimal ingredients. This bread is perfect for various occasions, whether served at breakfast alongside eggs or as a delightful side dish for dinner. Its soft, chewy texture and rich flavor from high-quality olive oil make it a standout choice. Plus, it’s easy to customize with herbs or toppings, ensuring it appeals to everyone’s taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of active prep time, you can create a loaf that tastes gourmet.
• Flexible Flavor: Customize your focaccia with various toppings such as herbs, olives, or cheese for added depth.
• Impressive Appearance: The golden-brown crust and rustic dimples make this bread visually stunning for any table setting.
• Perfect for Sharing: Cut into pieces, this bread is ideal for gatherings or family meals, encouraging everyone to dig in.
• Versatile Uses: Enjoy it on its own, as a sandwich base, or alongside soups and salads.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. These essential items will help you achieve the best results with your Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking pan
• Plastic wrap
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Non-stick spray

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl allows for easy mixing of ingredients without spills.
• Baking pan: A good-quality pan ensures even heat distribution for a perfectly baked focaccia.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 500 g (4 cups) bread flour
• 7 g (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 480 g (2 cups) lukewarm water
• 6 tablespoons high-quality extra-virgin olive oil (divided)

For Topping

• Flaky salt
• 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary (optional)

How to Make Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Create a well in the center where you’ll add the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Add Water and Form Dough

Pour lukewarm water into the well and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Ensure all dry ingredients are incorporated.

Step 3: Incorporate Olive Oil and Refrigerate

Drizzle 30 g of olive oil over the dough. Rub it in gently to coat the surface. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 18 to 72 hours to develop flavor.

Step 4: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Prepare your baking pan by spraying it with non-stick spray and drizzling some olive oil on the bottom.

Step 5: Shape and Rise

Shape the chilled dough into a ball. Place it in the prepared pan and allow it to rise uncovered for about 3–4 hours at room temperature until doubled in size.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

After rising, drizzle the remaining olive oil over the dough. Use your fingers to press dimples into its surface. Sprinkle flaky salt on top along with rosemary if desired.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Once done, let it cool before slicing into pieces.

This Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread will soon become your go-to recipe! Enjoy its delightful taste and aroma fresh out of the oven!

How to Serve Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re serving it as part of a meal or as a snack, these serving suggestions will help elevate your experience.

As an Appetizer

• Dipping Oils: Serve warm focaccia with a mix of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
• Cheese Platter: Pair with a selection of cheeses like brie, goat cheese, or aged cheddar.

With Soups and Salads

• Savory Soups: Enjoy slices with hearty soups such as minestrone or tomato basil.
• Fresh Salads: Complement a light garden salad by tearing pieces of focaccia to add texture.

For Sandwiches

• Focaccia Sandwiches: Use the bread as a base for delicious sandwiches filled with meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
• Bruschetta: Top toasted focaccia with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella for a delightful bruschetta.

On Charcuterie Boards

• Charcuterie Addition: Include focaccia on your charcuterie board to pair perfectly with cured meats and pickled vegetables.
• Herb Toppings: Enhance the presentation by adding sprigs of fresh herbs on top.

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How to Perfect Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

To ensure your Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread turns out perfect every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use High-Quality Olive Oil: A good olive oil enhances the flavor significantly, making your focaccia extra delicious.
• Let it Rise Properly: Allowing the dough to rise longer gives it better flavor and texture. Don’t rush this step!
• Experiment with Toppings: Try different toppings like olives or sun-dried tomatoes to add variety.
• Preheat Your Oven Well: An adequately preheated oven helps achieve that perfect golden crust.
• Don’t Skip the Dimples: Pressing dimples into the dough before baking creates pockets for oil and toppings, enhancing flavor.
• Cool Before Slicing: Let the bread cool slightly before slicing to maintain its texture and moisture.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze complement focaccia beautifully.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted veggies adds color and nutrition to your meal.
3. Garlic Butter Shrimp: These flavorful shrimp make for an elegant pairing that’s sure to impress guests.
4. Italian Sausage Pasta: A hearty pasta dish with Italian sausage ties in well with the flavors of focaccia.
5. Antipasto Platter: Combine various cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables for a delightful spread.
6. Greek Salad: This refreshing salad offers a crunchy contrast to soft focaccia while keeping things light.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread can be a joy, but there are common pitfalls that may affect the final product. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Neglecting dough hydration – Focaccia needs a wet dough. If it’s too dry, the bread won’t rise correctly. Always ensure your water-to-flour ratio is right.
• Rushing the rise time – Allowing the dough to rise adequately enhances flavor and texture. Don’t skip or shorten this step; patience pays off!
• Skipping quality olive oil – The flavor of your focaccia comes from the olive oil used. Invest in high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best taste.
• Over-baking or under-baking – Keep an eye on the baking time for golden brown perfection. An oven thermometer can help ensure your oven is at the correct temperature.
• Not using enough salt on top – Flaky salt adds both flavor and texture to your focaccia. Don’t forget to sprinkle it generously before baking.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store focaccia in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• If exposed to air, it may become stale quickly.

Freezing Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing much flavor.

Reheating Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat slices for about 20 seconds. Be cautious not to overdo it, as it can become chewy.
• Stovetop: Lightly toast slices in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread:

How do I know when my focaccia is done?

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

Can I use different herbs in my focaccia?

Absolutely! You can customize your focaccia by adding various herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil for different flavors.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftover focaccia can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated for longer freshness.

What toppings work well with focaccia?

Experiment with toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even cheese to enhance your focaccia’s flavor profile.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan-friendly since it doesn’t include any eggs or dairy products.

Final Thoughts

Making Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread is not just simple but also incredibly rewarding. Its soft and chewy texture pairs well with many meals, making it a versatile choice. Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or herbs; the options are endless! Try this recipe today and enjoy freshly baked bread that will delight everyone at your table.