Focaccia bread, with its characteristic dimpled surface and rich olive oil flavor, is a true Italian classic. This Focaccia Bread Recipe will guide you through the process of creating this rustic, flavorful bread right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and the results absolutely delicious. So grab your ingredients and let’s get baking!
Table Of Contents
After mastering this basic focaccia bread recipe, you can explore variations like a simple focaccia bread recipe for an even quicker approach.
Understanding the Magic of Focaccia
Focaccia’s beauty lies in its simplicity. The dough, a basic combination of flour, water, yeast, and olive oil, transforms into a wonderfully airy and flavorful bread. The key is the high hydration of the dough, which gives focaccia its signature open crumb. Don’t be afraid of the slightly sticky dough – it’s a sign you’re on the right track! The dimples, created by pressing your fingers into the dough, not only hold delicious pools of olive oil and herbs but also contribute to the bread’s characteristic texture.
Essential Ingredients for Your Focaccia Bread Recipe
- 4 cups all-purpose 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)
- Flaky sea salt, rosemary sprigs, or other desired toppings
Focaccia Bread Ingredients Setup
Step-by-Step Focaccia Bread Recipe
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Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This indicates the yeast is alive and kicking! If your yeast doesn’t foam, it’s time for a new batch.
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Combine dry ingredients: Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
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Add olive oil: Gradually incorporate the olive oil into the dough, mixing until it’s well combined. The dough will be sticky – don’t worry, that’s how it should be!
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Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Think of this as a gentle workout for your gluten, building strength and structure for your bread.
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First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Focaccia Dough Rising
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Shape and second rise: Lightly oil a 9×13 inch baking pan. Gently stretch the dough to fit the pan. Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface of the dough. Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle with flaky sea salt and your favorite toppings, like rosemary sprigs. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
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Cool and enjoy!: Let the focaccia cool slightly in the pan before slicing and serving. This beautiful bread is perfect on its own, dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, or as a side to your favorite Italian dishes.
Tips for Perfect Focaccia
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Hydration is key: Don’t be tempted to add more flour if your dough feels sticky. The high hydration contributes to focaccia’s airy texture. If you’re finding it really difficult to work with, lightly oil your hands instead of adding flour.
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Don’t skimp on the olive oil: Olive oil is essential for flavor and texture. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best results.
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Get creative with toppings: Focaccia is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Try adding cherry tomatoes, caramelized onions, olives, or different herbs. The possibilities are endless!
A rosemary focaccia bread recipe is a classic choice if you enjoy fragrant herbs.
Troubleshooting Your Focaccia
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Dough isn’t rising: Make sure your yeast is fresh and that your water is the correct temperature (lukewarm, not too hot or too cold).
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Focaccia is too dense: This could be due to over-kneading or not enough hydration. Next time, try kneading the dough for a shorter time and make sure you’re using enough water.
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Focaccia is too flat: Make sure you give the dough enough time to rise and that your oven is preheated to the correct temperature.
For those who prefer a quicker method, consider exploring a quick focaccia bread recipe.
Baked Focaccia Bread
Exploring Focaccia Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic focaccia bread recipe, there are many delicious variations to explore. Consider trying a sourdough focaccia for a tangy twist. For a gluten-free option, explore the world of wheat-free focaccia baking.
If you’re interested in trying a sourdough version, you might want to check out this sourdough focaccia bread recipe. And if you’re following a gluten-free diet, there are also excellent resources available like this wheat free focaccia bread recipe.
Conclusion
Baking focaccia is a rewarding experience, culminating in a delicious, rustic bread that will impress your family and friends. With this focaccia bread recipe, you have all the tools you need to bake a beautiful and flavorful loaf. So roll up your sleeves, get your hands in the dough, and enjoy the process of creating this Italian masterpiece. Don’t forget to share your baking triumphs (and any questions you might have!) in the comments below.
