Simple Focaccia Bread Recipe: A Baker’s Delight

Making focaccia bread at home might seem daunting, but with this Simple Focaccia Bread Recipe, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to achieve bakery-worthy results. Forget the complicated techniques and expensive ingredients; this guide breaks down the process into manageable steps, making it perfect for even novice bakers. Imagine the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen – that’s the magic we’re aiming for! Now, let’s dive into the world of simple focaccia bread making.

If you’re looking for more quick bread options, our quick focaccia bread recipe might be just what you need.

What Makes Focaccia So Special?

Focaccia is more than just bread; it’s a blank canvas for culinary creativity. Its signature dimpled surface, created by pressing your fingers into the dough, holds pools of olive oil, creating a delightful texture and flavor. This simple act transforms a basic dough into something truly special. Unlike other breads, focaccia’s charm lies in its rustic simplicity. Think of it as a warm, inviting hug in bread form!

Gathering Your Ingredients for a Simple Focaccia Bread Recipe

Before we get started, let’s gather our ingredients. The beauty of this simple focaccia bread recipe is that it requires only pantry staples:

• 4 cups bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 ½ cups warm water
• ¼ cup olive oil (plus extra for drizzling and dimpling)
• Your favorite toppings (rosemary, sea salt, olives, etc.)

Mixing and Kneading: The Foundation of Your Focaccia

In a large bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for a few minutes until the yeast blooms and gets foamy, like a tiny bubbly spa. This shows that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. Then, add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty! This is where the real fun begins. If you’ve ever made pizza dough, the process is quite similar. The kneading helps develop the gluten, which gives the focaccia its characteristic chewiness.

The First Rise: Patience is Key

Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. This first rise is crucial for developing the flavor and texture of the focaccia. Think of it as the dough’s beauty sleep!

Simple Focaccia Bread Dough Rising

Shaping and Dimpling: The Artistic Touch

Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. This might feel a little aggressive, but it’s necessary for the next step. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Stretch the dough to fit the pan, creating an even layer.

Now, for the signature focaccia move: dimpling! Using your fingers, create deep indentations all over the surface of the dough. This not only adds visual appeal but also creates pockets for the olive oil to pool, resulting in a deliciously crispy crust. This step allows you to personalize your focaccia and makes it truly unique.

Similar to the techniques used in a recipe for sourdough bread, proper kneading is key to a great texture.

The Second Rise and Flavor Infusion

Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle with your favorite toppings. I love the classic combination of rosemary and sea salt, but feel free to get creative! Olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and even caramelized onions are fantastic additions. Cover the focaccia and let it rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise allows the flavors to meld and intensify.

Dimpled Focaccia Dough with Rosemary and Sea Salt

Baking to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be irresistible! Once baked, remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

If you’re looking for other ways to use bread flour, check out our compilation of bread flour recipes.

Enjoying Your Homemade Focaccia

This simple focaccia bread recipe yields a wonderfully versatile bread that can be enjoyed in countless ways. Serve it as an appetizer with dips, as a side to soups and salads, or even as the base for a delicious sandwich. The possibilities are endless!

Freshly Baked Focaccia Bread on Cutting Board

Tips and Tricks for Focaccia Success

• Hydration is Key: The amount of water you need might vary depending on your flour and climate. Add the water gradually and adjust as needed to achieve a soft, slightly sticky dough. A dough that’s too dry will result in a dense focaccia.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your focaccia while it bakes. It should be golden brown, not dark brown. Overbaking will make it dry and hard.

Many easy bread recipes focus on simplicity, much like this focaccia recipe.

• Experiment with Toppings: Have fun with it! Try different herbs, spices, vegetables, or even cheeses. The only limit is your imagination.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?: While you can use all-purpose flour, bread flour will yield a chewier, more flavorful focaccia due to its higher protein content.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?: Yes, you can make the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

For those intrigued by the world of sourdough, a sourdough focaccia bread recipe offers a delightful twist.

• How do I store leftover focaccia?: Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

This simple focaccia bread recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious, homemade bread doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create a culinary masterpiece that will impress your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and experience the joy of baking your own focaccia! Share your baking adventures and focaccia creations with us – we’d love to hear about them!