Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe

Making your own focaccia bread at home is a rewarding experience, and this easy homemade focaccia recipe is the perfect introduction to baking fresh, fluffy, and flavorful bread. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious, warm loaf of focaccia that’s perfect for any meal. The bread itself has a slightly crispy crust and a soft, pillowy interior, making it a great choice for serving with dips, as a sandwich base, or simply enjoyed with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Focaccia is an Italian bread that’s incredibly versatile and easy to customize. Whether you prefer it with fresh rosemary, garlic, or even sun-dried tomatoes, this recipe can be adapted to suit your tastes. The preparation time is minimal, though it does require patience for the dough to rise, which only enhances the final result. The aroma of freshly baked focaccia filling your home is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a loaf of focaccia that will rival any bakery’s offering.

The recipe is beginner-friendly but provides an impressive outcome that will make you feel like a pro baker. Whether you’re looking to pair it with a meal, serve it as an appetizer, or enjoy it on its own, this focaccia bread will quickly become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients

This focaccia recipe uses basic pantry staples like flour, yeast, olive oil, and rosemary, making it easy to whip up without any special ingredients.

2. Versatile Flavor Options

You can easily customize the flavors by adding garlic, olives, or other herbs like thyme or basil, creating a variety of focaccia styles to suit your preferences.

3. Quick and Easy

With just a couple of rising times and a short baking period, you can have freshly baked focaccia in under three hours—perfect for a busy day when you want to bake something special.

4. Delicious Aroma

The smell of warm, freshly baked focaccia with rosemary and olive oil will fill your kitchen, making it irresistible to everyone in your household.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, bringing it to a party, or enjoying a slice on its own, focaccia is a versatile bread that works for any meal or snack.

Ingredients

• Bread flour or all-purpose flour
• Active dry yeast or instant yeast
• Salt
• Warm water
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh rosemary leaves
• Coarse sea salt

Variations

• Garlic Focaccia: Add minced garlic to the dough or sprinkle over the top before baking for a rich, aromatic flavor.
• Olive Focaccia: Incorporate chopped olives into the dough for a Mediterranean twist.
• Tomato and Basil Focaccia: Add sliced tomatoes and fresh basil leaves on top of the dough before baking.
• Cheese Focaccia: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or mozzarella on top before baking for a cheesy crust.
• Gluten-Free Focaccia: Swap the flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free version of this recipe.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Mixing and Kneading the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast. Add the warm water and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 2: First Rise

Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 3: Shaping and Dimpling the Focaccia

Grease a baking sheet with olive oil. Gently stretch the dough to fit the pan, then use your fingertips to create the signature dimples all over the surface of the dough.

Step 4: Second Rise

Cover the dough and let it rise again for about 30 minutes, allowing it to puff up slightly before baking.

Step 5: Topping and Baking

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Drizzle the focaccia generously with olive oil, then sprinkle with coarse sea salt and fresh rosemary. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Warm Water: Make sure the water is warm but not hot, as it helps activate the yeast. Too hot, and it could kill the yeast.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: When kneading, be gentle. Overworking the dough can result in a dense texture rather than the light, airy crumb focaccia is known for.
• Let the Dough Rise Fully: Don’t rush the rise times. Giving the dough time to rise will ensure the focaccia is light and fluffy.
• Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is preheated to the right temperature before baking. This will help the focaccia bake evenly.
• Oil the Pan Generously: Grease your baking sheet well to prevent the focaccia from sticking and to create a crispy, golden bottom.

How to Serve

Focaccia is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm as a side dish with soup or salad, or use it as a base for sandwiches. It’s also great with a simple drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt for a quick snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Focaccia is best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Freezing

Focaccia freezes well. Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat leftover focaccia, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, all-purpose flour will work, though bread flour provides a chewier texture.

2. Can I use fresh yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute fresh yeast. Use about 20g of fresh yeast for every 7g of dry yeast.

3. Can I make this focaccia recipe without rosemary?

Absolutely! You can skip the rosemary or substitute it with other herbs like thyme or oregano.

4. How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should be about double in size when it’s ready to shape and bake.

5. Can I add cheese to the focaccia dough?

Yes, you can add cheese to the dough for extra flavor. Parmesan, mozzarella, or a mix works well.

6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Let it come to room temperature before baking.

7. What temperature should my oven be for focaccia?

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for the best results.

8. Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?

Yes, dried rosemary works fine, though the flavor won’t be as vibrant as fresh rosemary.

9. How can I make my focaccia extra crispy?

For an extra crispy crust, drizzle olive oil generously before baking and after baking for added flavor and texture.

10. Can I freeze focaccia?

Yes, focaccia freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This easy homemade focaccia bread recipe is the perfect way to bring a slice of Italy into your kitchen. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you can enjoy the aroma and taste of freshly baked focaccia in no time. Whether you’re serving it with a meal, using it for sandwiches, or simply enjoying it with a drizzle of olive oil, this focaccia will quickly become a go-to favorite. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

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