Fantastic Focaccia Bread

Name: Fantastic Focaccia Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 165 min
Yield: 10 slices
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons active dry yeast; 1 1/4 cups warm water ((about 38°C/100°F)); 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and levelled); 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 tablespoon salt; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves

165 min 10 slices Medium

All Recipes

Experience the delightful taste of homemade focaccia bread with this simple yet fantastic recipe. Perfect for any occasion!

Prep

20 min

Cook

25 min

Total

165 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Focaccia bread is a staple in Italian cuisine known for its delightful texture and versatile flavour. Often enjoyed as a side dish or appetizer, focaccia is loved for its crisp outside and soft, airy inside. This fantastic focaccia bread recipe is designed for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. The beauty of focaccia lies in its simplicity and the way it can be tailored to suit your taste. Whether you prefer it plain or topped with herbs and olives, this recipe will guide you to create a focaccia that’s truly fantastic. Perfect for sharing or as a stand-alone snack, it's a bread that's sure to impress.

Instructions

Activate the yeast

In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water, then sprinkle yeast over the top. Let stand for 10 minutes until the mixture is frothy.

Pro tip: Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.

Prepare the dough

Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.

Knead the dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if necessary.

Pro tip: Knead with the heels of your hands for best results.

First rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Pro tip: A warm oven (turned off) is a great spot for rising dough.

Shape the focaccia

Punch down the dough and place it on a generously oiled baking sheet. Stretch and press the dough into a rectangle about 1.5 cm (0.6 inches) thick.

Second rise

Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 220°C (425°F).

Add toppings

Make dimples in the dough with your fingers. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt, and distribute rosemary leaves evenly.

Pro tip: For extra flavour, add sliced olives or cherry tomatoes.

Bake the focaccia

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. The focaccia should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

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Tips & Tricks

Use warm water, not hot, to activate the yeast effectively.
Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area.
Generously oil the baking pan for a crisp crust.
Experiment with toppings like rosemary, olives, or cherry tomatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes focaccia bread fantastic?

The combination of a crisp crust, airy interior, and versatile toppings makes focaccia bread fantastic.

How long does focaccia bread last?

Focaccia bread lasts up to two days at room temperature or a month in the freezer.

Can I use different toppings for focaccia?

Yes, you can use various toppings like olives, cherry tomatoes, or cheese to customise your focaccia.

Is focaccia bread difficult to make?

No, focaccia bread is relatively easy to make, especially with this detailed recipe.

How many calories are in a slice of focaccia bread?

There are approximately 180 calories in a slice of this focaccia bread.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your fantastic focaccia bread warm, straight from the oven, with a side of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. It's a wonderful accompaniment to soups, salads, or pasta dishes. If you want to make it ahead, focaccia can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also freeze it for up to a month; simply reheat in the oven to regain its crisp texture.

Nutrition per serving

180

Calories

Protein

Fat

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