Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe: Soft & Flavorful

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Introduction

Focaccia bread is a simple yet incredibly flavorful Italian bread that can elevate any meal. Whether you’re serving it alongside a fresh salad, using it to make sandwiches, or enjoying it on its own, focaccia bread offers a perfect balance of softness, flavor, and texture. Its signature golden crust, infused with olive oil and herbs, makes it a favorite for many.

The best part about making focaccia bread at home? It’s surprisingly easy! With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create this delicious, aromatic bread right in your own kitchen. This homemade focaccia bread recipe is perfect for beginners or seasoned bakers, as it doesn’t require any special equipment or complicated techniques.

Whether you’re looking for an easy appetizer, a side dish, or just a comforting homemade bread, this recipe will give you the perfect result every time. Once you taste it, you’ll wonder why you’ve never made focaccia before! Let’s dive into the details and learn how to bake the perfect loaf of focaccia bread.

Why You Will Love Making This Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking homemade bread, and focaccia bread is no exception. Here are several reasons why this recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen:

  1. Easy to Make: This focaccia bread recipe requires minimal ingredients and is perfect for beginner bakers. The dough comes together quickly, and the long rise ensures a light, airy texture without a lot of hands-on time.
  2. Versatile: Focaccia is a blank canvas for flavor. You can customize it with your favorite toppings, such as rosemary, garlic, olives, or even sun-dried tomatoes. Plus, it’s easy to make it your own with just a few tweaks.
  3. Perfect Texture: The combination of olive oil and a gentle rise gives focaccia its signature soft, fluffy texture. The crispy golden crust on top contrasts wonderfully with the moist, airy interior.
  4. Great for Sharing: Focaccia is perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re serving it as part of an Italian dinner spread or as a snack with a dip, it’s always a hit.
  5. Store Well: Focaccia bread stays fresh for a few days when stored properly, making it great for meal prep or for having fresh bread available whenever you want a quick snack.

Whether you’re a bread-baking pro or just starting out, this easy focaccia bread recipe will give you impressive results every time. Ready to get baking?

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Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried)
  • Coarse sea salt for topping (optional)

Directions & Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and stir gently. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy. This step ensures that your yeast is active and ready to rise.
  2. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture along with 1/4 cup olive oil. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle it with a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.
  4. First rise: Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough inside, turning it once to coat it with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
  5. Shape the dough: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Turn the dough out onto a greased 9×13-inch baking sheet or pizza pan. Use your fingers to stretch and press the dough into the edges of the pan.
  6. Second rise: Cover the dough with a towel and let it rise for another 20-30 minutes, allowing it to puff up slightly.
  7. Add toppings: Drizzle olive oil over the top of the dough and use your fingers to make dimples in the surface of the bread. Sprinkle with fresh rosemary and coarse sea salt, or add any other toppings you desire.
  8. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and crisp on the edges.
  9. Cool and serve: Once baked, remove the focaccia from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Slice into squares or strips and serve warm with your favorite dips, soups, or salads.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Sodium: 350mg

*Note: Nutritional values are approximate and based on a serving size of one slice (1/12 of the recipe).

Variations

One of the best things about focaccia is that it’s so customizable! Here are some fun variations to try:

  • Garlic & Herb Focaccia: Add minced garlic along with fresh rosemary to infuse extra flavor into the dough. You can also add thyme, basil, or oregano for a more herbaceous twist.
  • Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the dough for a Mediterranean-inspired focaccia.
  • Cheese Focaccia: Top your focaccia with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese for a cheesy version. You can also mix some grated cheese directly into the dough for an even richer flavor.
  • Sweet Focaccia: If you want a sweeter version, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking or add honey and fruit like figs after it comes out of the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. The difference is that instant yeast doesn’t need to be activated in warm water first, so you can simply mix it directly into the flour.

Q: How do I store leftover focaccia?
A: To store leftover focaccia, wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat it in the oven for a few minutes to bring back its freshness.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make focaccia gluten-free. Be sure to check that your yeast is also gluten-free.

Pro Tips by Elisa

  • Use a generous amount of olive oil: Don’t be shy with the olive oil! It’s key to achieving that golden crust and adding flavor.
  • Don’t overwork the dough: Focaccia should be light and airy, so avoid overkneading the dough. It’s okay if it’s a little bit shaggy before the first rise.
  • Add toppings after the second rise: For the best flavor, add your herbs, salt, or other toppings just before baking. This helps them stick and infuses the dough with flavor.
  • Make dimples: The dimples not only make the focaccia visually appealing, but they also help the oil and toppings infuse the bread as it bakes.

Serving Suggestions

Focaccia is incredibly versatile and can be served in so many ways. Here are a few ideas:

  • With dips: Serve focaccia with balsamic vinegar and olive oil for dipping, or pair it with hummus, pesto, or a tomato basil dip.
  • As a side: Focaccia pairs beautifully with Italian dishes like pasta, soup, or salad.
  • For sandwiches: Slice the focaccia and fill it with your favorite sandwich fillings, such as grilled vegetables, deli meats, or mozzarella cheese.

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