Bread Machine Focaccia: Fluffy and Flavorful

Name: Bread Machine Focaccia: Fluffy and Flavorful
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 130 min
Yield: 8 slices
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cup warm water (about 37°C (98°F)); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 3 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and levelled); 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped); 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt

130 min 8 slices Easy

All Recipes

Discover an easy way to make deliciously airy focaccia using your bread machine.

Prep

10 min

Cook

30 min

Total

130 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Focaccia is a classic Italian flatbread known for its rich olive oil flavour and airy texture. Making focaccia from scratch can seem daunting, but with a bread machine, it becomes an approachable and rewarding task. This recipe is perfect for those who love the idea of homemade bread but are short on time or experience. The bread machine does the heavy lifting, mixing and kneading the dough to perfection. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a complete novice, this bread machine focaccia is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Servings

For the dough

For the topping

Instructions

Prepare the dough

Add the warm water, olive oil, sugar, salt, flour, and yeast to your bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select the dough cycle and start.

Pro tip: Ensure water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.

First rise

Once the dough cycle is complete, let the dough rise in the machine until doubled in size, about 60-90 minutes.

Pro tip: Check the dough after 30 minutes; it should be smooth and elastic.

Prepare the baking pan

Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with olive oil. Transfer the dough to the pan and gently stretch it to fit, pressing it into the corners.

Pro tip: Use your fingertips to create dimples in the dough for an authentic texture.

Second rise

Cover the pan with a damp cloth and let the dough rise again in a warm place for 20-30 minutes until slightly puffy.

Pro tip: Place the pan in a warm, draft-free area.

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) while the dough is rising.

Pro tip: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking for even cooking.

Add toppings

Drizzle the dough with olive oil and sprinkle with rosemary and sea salt. Use your fingers to gently press the toppings into the dough.

Pro tip: Don't press too hard; you don't want to deflate the dough.

Bake the focaccia

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are crispy.

Pro tip: The focaccia should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

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Tips & Tricks

Use high-quality olive oil for a richer flavour.
Sprinkle coarse sea salt on top for extra crunch.
Customize with your favourite herbs and toppings.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your freshly baked focaccia warm, sliced into squares, and enjoy it as a side for soups, stews, or salads. Pair it with a selection of cheeses and olives for a delightful appetizer. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze the focaccia slices individually and reheat them in the oven before serving.