Focaccia Recipe: Golden & Flavorful Delights

Here’s a mouthwatering recipe that will leave your taste buds dancing. Focaccia, with its golden crust and airy texture, is like a warm hug for your stomach. Imagine pulling apart a piece, the aroma of fresh herbs filling the air, while drizzles of olive oil glisten on the surface. This bread doesn’t just smell heavenly; it tastes like happiness baked into every bite.

I remember the first time I made focaccia. It was a rainy Sunday afternoon, and my kitchen transformed into a sanctuary of flour clouds and bubbling yeast. As I kneaded the dough, I felt like an Italian nonna channeling all her love into this simple creation. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a picnic in the park, focaccia is the perfect companion for any occasion, promising an explosion of flavor that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients for focaccia

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of your focaccia; opt for a high-quality brand to achieve that perfect chewy texture.
• Warm Water: Make sure it’s around 110°F (43°C) – too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold will leave it sluggish!
• Active Dry Yeast: A little packet of magic that helps your dough rise beautifully.
• Olive Oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance flavor and keep the bread moist.
• Salt: Essential for flavor; it balances out the sweetness from the bread and enhances overall taste.
• Fresh Herbs (Rosemary or Thyme): These add an earthy note; fresh is best but dried works in a pinch.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make focaccia

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a bowl, combine warm water with active dry yeast and let it sit for about five minutes until frothy. This means your yeast is alive and kicking!

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Then pour in your activated yeast mixture along with two tablespoons of olive oil. Stir until it forms a shaggy dough.

Step 3: Knead Like You Mean It

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about ten minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Trust me; this workout is worth every calorie you burn!

Step 4: Let It Rise

Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size – about one hour should do it if you’ve been nice to your yeast.

Step 5: Shape Your Focaccia

Once risen, punch down the dough (take out any frustration), then spread it onto an oiled baking sheet. Use your fingers to create dimples across its surface – these are essential for holding all those delicious toppings!

Step 6: Time to Bake!

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Drizzle olive oil over your shaped focaccia and sprinkle with fresh herbs and sea salt before popping it into the oven for about twenty-five minutes or until golden brown.

Transfer to plates and share with friends (or don’t – no judgment here) as you bask in the glory of having created something utterly delightful! Enjoy warm with butter or alongside soups or salads; this focaccia can do no wrong!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing your dough and letting it rise while you prepare your toppings. Once it’s risen, spread it into a baking pan, add your toppings, and let it rise again before baking until golden brown. This sequence ensures a perfectly airy texture.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out herbs or add cheese for extra flavor. You can experiment with toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even caramelized onions to suit your taste buds. The possibilities are endless!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your focaccia fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For reheating, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore its crispy edges.

I remember the first time I made focaccia for friends; they devoured it like it was a slice of heaven! Their compliments still make me smile. It was a magical moment in my culinary journey that solidified my love for baking bread.

FAQs

What is focaccia?

Focaccia is a flat Italian bread known for its deliciously soft texture and rich flavor. Typically seasoned with olive oil, salt, and herbs, it often features toppings like olives, tomatoes, or onions. This versatile bread can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even used for sandwiches. Its ease of preparation makes focaccia a favorite among bakers of all skill levels.

How do I store leftover focaccia?

To keep your leftover focaccia fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider freezing it. Just slice the focaccia before freezing for easy thawing later. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, warm the slices in the oven for that freshly baked taste.

Can I customize my focaccia toppings?

Absolutely! One of the best aspects of focaccia is its adaptability. You can experiment with various toppings such as rosemary, garlic, cheese, or seasonal vegetables. Whether you prefer a classic version or something more adventurous, the dough’s mild flavor complements countless ingredients beautifully.

How long does it take to make focaccia from scratch?

Making focaccia from scratch typically takes around 2 to 3 hours from start to finish. This includes time for preparing the dough, letting it rise, and baking it to perfection. While the process requires some patience, the delightful aroma and taste will make every minute worth it.

Looking to expand your recipe collection? Check out these tasty recipes for your next culinary adventure.

Conclusion for focaccia

In summary, making focaccia is a rewarding experience that combines simple ingredients with rich flavors. This beloved Italian bread offers endless customization options through various toppings and seasonings. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or stored for later use, focaccia remains a crowd-pleaser at any meal. So roll up your sleeves and start baking; your taste buds will thank you!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Focaccia Bread Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savor this delightful focaccia bread, known for its golden crust and airy texture—perfect as a side dish or a base for sandwiches.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt

For Topping:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme)
• Sea salt to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. 1. Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water with active dry yeast. Let it sit for about five minutes until frothy.
2. 2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture along with two tablespoons of olive oil. Stir until it forms a shaggy dough.
3. 3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about ten minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. 4. Let It Rise: Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—about one hour.
5. 5. Shape Your Focaccia: Once risen, punch down the dough and spread it onto an oiled baking sheet. Use your fingers to create dimples across its surface.
6. 6. Prepare to Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Drizzle two tablespoons of olive oil over the shaped focaccia and sprinkle with fresh herbs and sea salt.
7. 7. Bake: Bake for about twenty-five minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to plates and serve warm.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (60g)
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg