Focaccia bread is a classic Italian flatbread known for its chewy texture, olive oil-infused crust, and savory toppings.
This homemade focaccia recipe yields a soft, airy interior with a crispy exterior, making it perfect for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or enjoying on its own.
With just a few simple ingredients and some patience for the dough to rise, you can create a flavorful and aromatic loaf of focaccia bread right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- All-purpose flour
- Active dry yeast
- Salt
- Olive oil
- Water
For Topping (Optional)
- Fresh rosemary
- Sea salt
- Cherry tomatoes
- Olives
- Garlic cloves
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil.
Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Press the dough into a rectangle or square shape, about 1 inch thick.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the shaped dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
Step 7: Add Toppings (Optional)
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Using your fingertips, make dimples all over the surface of the dough.
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with toppings like fresh rosemary, sea salt, cherry tomatoes, olives, or minced garlic.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutritional Facts
A serving of focaccia bread (1/8 of the loaf) contains approximately:
Calories: 200
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 0g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Sodium: 300mg
FAQ
1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. However, you may need to adjust the amount and skip the activation step.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
3. Can I freeze focaccia bread?
Yes, you can freeze focaccia bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw it at room temperature before reheating.
4. How long does focaccia bread stay fresh?
Focaccia bread is best enjoyed fresh on the day it’s made. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days.
5. Can I customize the toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different toppings such as caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, or grated Parmesan cheese to suit your taste preferences.