Quick Focaccia Bread Recipe: Simple, Speedy, and Delicious

Making delicious, bakery-worthy bread at home doesn’t have to be a day-long affair. This Quick Focaccia Bread Recipe proves it! With just a few simple ingredients and a surprisingly short rise time, you can have a warm, fragrant, and unbelievably tasty focaccia gracing your table in a fraction of the time it takes for traditional bread recipes. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is your ticket to focaccia heaven. Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen, the satisfying dimples created by your fingertips, and the irresistible taste of freshly baked bread. Ready to get started?

Similar to a basic recipe for italian bread, focaccia utilizes simple ingredients, but its unique texture and flavor profile set it apart. This quick focaccia recipe eliminates lengthy proofing times, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or impromptu gatherings. Forget complicated kneading techniques; this dough comes together effortlessly. We’ll guide you through each step, providing tips and tricks to achieve perfect results every time. So, ditch the store-bought bread and embrace the joy of homemade focaccia!

Mastering the Quick Focaccia Dough

What’s the secret to a quick focaccia bread recipe? The secret lies in utilizing a higher percentage of yeast and a shorter proofing time. This allows the dough to rise quickly without compromising the airy texture and delicious flavor. We’ll be using instant yeast, which doesn’t require pre-activation, making the process even faster.

Ingredients for Quick Focaccia

• 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 ½ cups warm water
• ¼ cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling and pan
• Flaky sea salt, for topping
• Fresh rosemary sprigs, for topping (optional)

Mixing and Kneading the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Gradually add the warm water, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. Add the ¼ cup of olive oil and continue kneading for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should be slightly sticky but not overly wet. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Kneading Quick Focaccia Dough

The Quick Rise: The Heart of the Quick Focaccia Bread Recipe

How long does focaccia need to rise? Traditional focaccia recipes often call for a lengthy rise, sometimes up to several hours. However, this quick focaccia recipe significantly reduces the rising time. Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with olive oil. Transfer the dough to the pan and gently stretch it to fit the pan. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.

Creating the Characteristic Dimples

Once the dough has risen, it’s time for the fun part – creating the signature focaccia dimples! Drizzle the dough generously with olive oil. Using your fingertips, press deeply into the dough, creating dimples all over the surface. This not only creates those beautiful pockets that hold the flavorful toppings but also helps the focaccia bake evenly.

Creating Dimples in Focaccia Dough

Flavorful Toppings for Your Quick Focaccia

What makes focaccia so delicious? While the simple dough is the foundation, the toppings truly elevate this bread. Sprinkle the dimpled dough with flaky sea salt and fresh rosemary sprigs, if desired. Get creative with your toppings! Consider adding thinly sliced red onions, cherry tomatoes, roasted garlic cloves, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The possibilities are endless!

You might find the tips on choosing the right salt for baking, discussed in our article on What type of salt is best for bread baking and why?, beneficial in enhancing the flavor of your focaccia. Understanding the nuances of different salts can significantly impact the final taste.

Baking Your Quick Focaccia

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The bottom should sound hollow when tapped. Let the focaccia cool slightly in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Or, if you can’t resist, enjoy it warm, straight from the oven!

Baked Quick Focaccia with Rosemary

Serving and Enjoying Your Quick Focaccia Bread

This quick focaccia bread recipe is perfect for so many occasions. Serve it as a side with soups, salads, or pasta dishes. It’s also fantastic as a sandwich bread or simply enjoyed on its own with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The versatility of focaccia truly makes it a winner.

For those exploring diverse flatbread options, our collection of vegan flatbread recipes might spark your interest. These recipes offer a delightful array of flavors and textures, perfect for expanding your culinary repertoire.

Sliced Quick Focaccia Ready to Serve

FAQ about Quick Focaccia

Q: Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

A: Yes, you can use active dry yeast, but you’ll need to activate it first. Dissolve the yeast in the warm water with a pinch of sugar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy before adding it to the dry ingredients.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the dough up to the first rise and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bring it back to room temperature before continuing with the recipe.

Q: How do I store leftover focaccia?

A: Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.

This quick focaccia bread recipe is a game-changer. It brings the joy of homemade bread to your table without the lengthy wait. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the simplicity, and enjoy the delicious rewards of this quick and easy focaccia. Share your focaccia creations with us – we’d love to see your baking masterpieces!