Focaccia is a delicious Italian flatbread known for its soft, airy texture and aromatic flavors. It can be enjoyed on its own, dipped in olive oil, or used for sandwiches. Making focaccia at home is easier than you might think! Here’s a straightforward recipe to help you create the best homemade focaccia bread that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
– 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons instant yeast
– 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
– 2 teaspoons salt
– 1 ¾ cups (420ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
– ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
– 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves (or your favorite herbs)
For Topping:
– Coarse sea salt (such as Maldon or fleur de sel)
– Additional herbs (like thyme or oregano) for flavor (optional)
– Sliced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted garlic (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar (if using), and salt. Mix well.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the warm water and olive oil into the flour mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you prefer, you can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.
Step 2: First Rise
- Let Dough Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape the Focaccia
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Generously grease a 9×13 inch (23x33cm) baking sheet with olive oil. You can also use a round pizza pan or any other similar baking dish.
- Stretch the Dough: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to the greased baking sheet and spread it out to fit the pan. Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface of the dough.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle more olive oil over the top, sprinkle with coarse sea salt, and add fresh rosemary leaves or your preferred toppings. If using other toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or garlic, sprinkle them on now.
Step 4: Second Rise
- Let it Rise Again: Cover the dough again and let it rest for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. This allows it to puff up a bit more.
Step 5: Bake the Focaccia
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Bake: Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it is golden brown and crispy on the edges. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Cool: Once baked, remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and Enjoy: Cut the focaccia into squares or wedges, and serve it warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with olive oil for dipping, soups, or as a base for sandwiches.
Tips for the Best Focaccia
– Experiment with Flavors: Customize your focaccia by adding different herbs, cheeses, or other toppings according to your taste.
– Use High-Quality Olive Oil: The flavor of the olive oil significantly impacts the end product, so choose a good-quality extra virgin olive oil.
– Don’t Rush the Rising Time: Allowing the dough to rise properly helps develop flavor and a perfect texture, so give it the time it needs.
Conclusion
Making homemade focaccia is a rewarding and delicious endeavor, perfect for sharing with friends and family. With its rustic charm and delightful taste, freshly baked focaccia is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy the process, and bon appétit!