Indulge in the delightful world of focaccia bread, a classic Italian favorite that boasts a pillowy texture and a crisp crust. This focaccia recipe is not only simple to make but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with various toppings like herbs, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or as a side to your favorite meals, this bread will elevate any dining experience. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade treat!
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- Fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme)
- Sea salt for topping
- Optional: olives, cherry tomatoes, or garlic
Servings and Cooking Time
This focaccia recipe yields approximately 12 servings. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, with an additional 1 hour of rising time and 25-30 minutes of baking.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 piece) contains approximately:
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
This nutritional value is based on one serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and yeast.
- Make a well in the center and add olive oil and warm water.
- Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a towel.
- Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Transfer the dough to a greased baking pan and stretch it to fit.
- Use your fingers to make dimples in the surface of the dough.
- Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt and herbs.
- Add any additional toppings like olives or tomatoes.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Alternative Ingredients
For a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Additionally, feel free to replace olive oil with avocado oil or incorporate different herbs based on your preference.
Serving and Pairings
Focaccia is delicious on its own or served with dipping oils. It pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or as a side to grilled meats. You can also use it for sandwiches or enjoy it with cheese and charcuterie.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using cold water can inhibit yeast activation.
- Not allowing enough rising time will yield a dense bread.
- Overworking the dough can make it tough.
- Not using enough olive oil can lead to dryness.
- Skipping the dimpling step will affect texture.
Helpful Tips
- Experiment with different toppings for variety.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area.
- Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- Consider adding garlic or cheese into the dough for extra flavor.
FAQs
Can I make focaccia without yeast?
While traditional focaccia relies on yeast for leavening, you can make a quick version using baking powder, though the texture will differ.
What can I use instead of olive oil?
You can substitute olive oil with avocado oil or melted butter, but keep in mind the flavor will change slightly.
How can I tell when my focaccia is done baking?
Focaccia is done when it’s golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Can I add cheese to my focaccia?
Yes, adding cheese like mozzarella or parmesan on top before baking enhances the flavor and creates a delicious crust.
How do I prevent focaccia from getting too crusty?
To keep focaccia soft, ensure you use enough olive oil and cover it while cooling to retain moisture.
Conclusion
Focaccia bread is a delightful addition to any meal, combining simplicity with irresistible flavor. This recipe offers an easy way to impress your guests or enjoy a comforting homemade treat. With endless topping possibilities, you can make it your own. Enjoy baking and savoring this Italian classic!
Focaccia Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- Fresh herbs rosemary or thyme
- Sea salt for topping
- Optional: olives cherry tomatoes, or garlic
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and yeast.
- Make a well in the center and add olive oil and warm water.
- Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a towel.
- Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Transfer the dough to a greased baking pan and stretch it to fit.
- Use your fingers to make dimples in the surface of the dough.
- Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt and herbs.
- Add any additional toppings like olives or tomatoes.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
