Homemade Focaccia Bread

Have you ever tasted a piece of warm, freshly baked focaccia bread? The aroma wafts through the air as it comes out of the oven, inviting you to take that first bite. With its golden crust and soft, airy interior punctuated with aromatic herbs and a drizzle of olive oil, homemade focaccia bread is a culinary delight that can elevate any meal or stand alone as a snack.

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This recipe not only brings the authentic taste of Italy to your kitchen but also provides an opportunity to create cherished memories with family and friends. Imagine the joy of sharing slices at a picnic or serving it alongside a hearty soup during chilly evenings. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can master this delectable bread that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Focaccia Bread

• Flavor Versatility: Customize your focaccia with various toppings like rosemary, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even cheese for unique flavor combinations.
• Simple Ingredients: This recipe requires only basic pantry staples such as flour, water, yeast, and salt—making it easy to whip up at any time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, focaccia adds a special touch to every meal.

Ingredients for Homemade Focaccia Bread

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

• All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality all-purpose flour for the best texture; it helps create that chewy yet soft crumb.
• Water: Ensure the water is lukewarm (around 110°F or 43°C) to activate the yeast effectively.
• Active Dry Yeast: Fresh yeast will help your dough rise beautifully; check expiration dates before using.
• Salt: Sea salt enhances flavor; avoid table salt as it can inhibit yeast activity if added in excess.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for drizzling on top and mixing into the dough for rich flavor.

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

How to Make Homemade Focaccia Bread

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about five minutes until frothy. Add salt and two tablespoons of olive oil before gradually adding flour while stirring with a wooden spoon.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Transfer the mixture onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about eight minutes until smooth and elastic. Form it into a ball and place it in an oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth.

Step 3: Allow Dough to Rise

Let the dough rise in a warm area until doubled in size—approximately one hour. This step is crucial for achieving that airy texture.

Step 4: Shape Your Focaccia

Once risen, punch down the dough gently to remove excess air. Transfer it to an oiled baking sheet. Use your fingers to stretch it out evenly into a rectangle or circle about half an inch thick.

Step 5: Add Toppings

Drizzle olive oil generously over the surface of the dough. Use your fingers to create dimples across the top. Sprinkle with sea salt and any desired toppings like herbs or olives.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for approximately twenty-five minutes or until golden brown on top. Allow cooling slightly before slicing into squares.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with more olive oil if desired for the perfect finishing touch.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always check expiration dates on yeast; fresh ingredients yield better results.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add garlic powder or different herbs in addition to traditional rosemary for added depth.
• Control Baking Time: Keep an eye on your focaccia towards the end of baking time; ovens can vary significantly.

Serving Suggestions

This Homemade Focaccia Bread is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• Olive oil and balsamic vinegar: Drizzle a mixture of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a simple yet delicious dip that enhances the bread’s flavor.
• Soups and stews: Serve your focaccia alongside hearty soups or stews to soak up the rich broth, creating a comforting meal.
• Cheese platter: Add slices of focaccia to a cheese platter for a delightful contrast to the creamy textures and savory flavors of cheeses.

FAQs

What makes Homemade Focaccia Bread special?

Homemade Focaccia Bread stands out due to its unique texture and flavor. The dough is often infused with herbs like rosemary, which adds a fragrant aroma. Its airy, crispy exterior combined with a soft interior creates an enjoyable eating experience. You can customize it with various toppings, such as olives or sun-dried tomatoes, making each loaf unique. The process of making focaccia is relatively simple, allowing even novice bakers to achieve bakery-quality results at home.

How do I store leftover Homemade Focaccia Bread?

To store leftover Homemade Focaccia Bread, wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This will keep the bread fresh for up to three days at room temperature. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider freezing it. Slice the focaccia into portions, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw at room temperature or warm it in the oven for a few minutes to regain its original texture.

Can I add toppings to my Homemade Focaccia Bread?

Yes! Toppings are one of the best features of Homemade Focaccia Bread. You can experiment with various ingredients such as sea salt, herbs, cherry tomatoes, olives, or even cheese. Adding toppings before baking allows them to meld into the bread’s surface, enhancing both flavor and presentation. Just ensure not to overload your dough; balance is key for optimal texture and rise.

Is Homemade Focaccia Bread suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! Freezing homemade focaccia is an excellent way to preserve its freshness. After baking and cooling your focaccia, slice it into portions. Wrap each piece securely in plastic wrap and then place them inside an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat it again, remove as many slices as you need from the freezer and allow them to thaw naturally or reheat in the oven for that fresh-baked taste.

Conclusion for Homemade Focaccia Bread

Homemade Focaccia Bread offers a delightful blend of simplicity and flavor that elevates any meal. With its crispy crust and soft interior, this bread serves well as an appetizer or side dish. Remember to experiment with various toppings that cater to your taste preferences while keeping storage techniques in mind for leftovers.

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Homemade Focaccia Bread

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• Author: Emma Taylor
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Homemade Focaccia Bread is a delightful Italian treat that brings warmth and flavor to your table. With its golden, crispy crust and soft, airy center, this versatile bread can elevate any meal or stand alone as a delicious snack. Infused with aromatic herbs and drizzled with rich olive oil, this easy recipe invites creativity—customize it with toppings like rosemary, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes to suit your taste. Whether served warm alongside a hearty soup, used for sandwiches, or enjoyed simply with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, this focaccia will impress family and friends alike.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups lukewarm water
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine lukewarm water and yeast; let sit until frothy (about 5 minutes).
2. Stir in salt and olive oil, then gradually add flour until mixed.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth; place in an oiled bowl and cover.
4. Let rise in a warm area until doubled (approximately 1 hour).
5. Punch down the dough, transfer to an oiled baking sheet, and stretch into shape.
6. Create dimples on top, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle salt and toppings as desired.
7. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes until golden brown.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg