Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious way to elevate your meals, this easy focaccia bread recipe is just what you need! There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. This recipe is a favorite of mine because it brings that authentic Italian taste right to your kitchen without any fuss. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a comforting side for dinner on a busy weeknight, this focaccia is perfect.

Imagine serving warm, golden-brown focaccia sprinkled with coarse sea salt and fresh rosemary alongside your favorite dishes. It’s not only delightful but also a fun baking project to share with loved ones. Let’s dive into making this simple yet satisfying bread!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With minimal hands-on time, you can enjoy delicious focaccia without spending all day in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves warm bread! It’s perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Versatile Use: Serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or even a sandwich base—focaccia fits right in anywhere.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake it fresh when needed, making meal prep a breeze.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up this tasty focaccia bread, you’ll want some simple, wholesome ingredients. They come together beautifully to create that soft inside and crispy outside we all adore. Here’s what you need:

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)

Variations

One of the best things about this focaccia recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are some delicious ideas:

• Add Your Favorite Herbs: Mix in chopped basil or oregano for an aromatic twist.
• Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle grated parmesan or mozzarella on top before baking for a cheesy version.
• Veggie Boost: Top with sliced tomatoes or olives for added flavor and texture.
• Garlic Lover’s Treat: Press whole garlic cloves into the dough before baking for a mouthwatering garlic infuse.

How to Make Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

First things first! In a large bowl, mix together your flour, yeast, and salt. Then, pour in the warm water and olive oil. The warmth of the water helps activate the yeast, ensuring your focaccia rises beautifully. Stir until everything comes together into a shaggy dough.

Step 2: Let It Rise

Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours. This step is crucial—the dough will puff up nicely, creating that fluffy texture we love in focaccia.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Transfer it to an oiled baking sheet and stretch it out gently with your fingers until it fills the pan. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly shaped; that rustic look is part of its charm!

Step 4: Add Toppings

Now comes the fun part! Drizzle some olive oil over the surface and use your fingers to make dimples all over the dough. This helps catch any toppings you want to add later. Scatter fresh rosemary leaves and sprinkle coarse sea salt generously on top—this adds so much flavor!

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake your focaccia for about 25 minutes or until golden brown on top. The smell will be irresistible! Allow it to cool slightly before slicing—if you can resist!

Enjoy serving this easy focaccia bread recipe at any meal; it’s sure to become one of your go-to recipes!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Making focaccia at home can be a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you’ll be on your way to creating the perfect loaf!

• Use warm water: Ensuring the water is warm (around 110°F or 43°C) helps activate the yeast effectively, leading to a better rise and fluffier texture.
• Don’t rush the rising: Allowing your dough to rise until it doubles in size is crucial for developing flavor and texture. Patience here will reward you with an airy focaccia.
• Experiment with toppings: While rosemary is traditional, feel free to add other toppings like sliced olives or cherry tomatoes. They add extra flavor and a beautiful presentation.
• Drizzle generously with olive oil: Adding extra virgin olive oil before baking not only enhances flavor but also creates that lovely crispy crust we all adore.
• Use coarse sea salt: Sprinkling coarse sea salt on top before baking gives a delightful crunch and elevates the overall taste of your focaccia.

How to Serve Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Focaccia bread is wonderfully versatile, making it perfect for various occasions! You can serve it as an appetizer, alongside main dishes, or even as a sandwich base.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkling fresh herbs such as basil or thyme adds color and freshness, enhancing both the look and taste of your focaccia.
• Balsamic glaze: A drizzle of balsamic glaze gives a sweet-tart contrast that complements the savory bread beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Caprese salad: Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil create a refreshing side that pairs perfectly with focaccia’s texture.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring out natural sweetness and add nutrition, making them an excellent companion to this flatbread.
• Olive tapenade: This savory spread made from olives, capers, and garlic brings a burst of flavor that works wonderfully when enjoyed with warm focaccia.
• Lentil soup: A hearty lentil soup serves as a comforting main dish that balances well with the lightness of focaccia.

Enjoy crafting this easy focaccia recipe in your kitchen; it’s bound to impress family and friends alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

This easy focaccia bread recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and enjoy it fresh throughout the week. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious focaccia.

Storing Leftovers

• Item: Allow the focaccia to cool completely.
• Item: Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Item: Store it at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

• Item: Once cooled, cut the focaccia into slices or keep it whole.
• Item: Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Item: Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Item: For whole focaccia, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Item: Place the focaccia directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Item: For slices, you can reheat them in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this easy focaccia bread recipe!

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour in this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?

Yes, all-purpose flour can be used instead of bread flour. The texture may be slightly different but will still yield delicious results.

How long does it take to make this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe from start to finish?

The total time is about 2 hours and 55 minutes, which includes preparation, rising, and baking time.

Can I add toppings other than rosemary?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your focaccia with toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even garlic for added flavor.

What if I don’t have fresh rosemary?

If fresh rosemary isn’t available, you can use dried rosemary. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so use about one-third of the amount.

Can I make this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the bread flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Be sure to check that your yeast is also gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this easy focaccia bread recipe! It’s not just about baking; it’s about creating something wonderful that you can share with friends and family. Enjoy every bite of this delightful Italian bread, and let it inspire future meals. Happy baking!