Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe will elevate your home baking game, bringing the delightful flavors of Italy right into your kitchen. With its crispy exterior and soft, airy interior, this focaccia is perfect for any occasion—whether as a side dish to complement your meal or as a star appetizer at gatherings. Its simple ingredients and straightforward process make it accessible for bakers of all levels, ensuring you can impress friends and family with minimal effort.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Dough
• For Topping
• How to Make Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
• Step 1: Prepare the Dough
• Step 2: First Rise
• Step 3: Shape the Dough
• Step 4: Second Rise
• Step 5: Add Toppings and Bake
• How to Serve Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
• As an Appetizer
• With Soups and Salads
• For Sandwiches
• At Parties or Gatherings
• How to Perfect Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
• Best Side Dishes for Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
• Reheating Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What makes this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe unique?
• Can I customize my Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?
• How do I know when my focaccia is done?
• Why is my Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe dense?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Most of the time is hands-off while the dough rises, allowing you to focus on other tasks.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it with olive oil for dipping, use it for sandwiches, or pair it with soups and salads.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of rosemary and olive oil creates a fragrant and delicious flavor profile that everyone will love.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to experiment with toppings like garlic, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes for a personal touch.
• Perfect for Sharing: With eight servings per batch, this focaccia is ideal for family dinner or friendly gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Gather these essential items before you start your focaccia bread journey.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Kitchen towel

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows sufficient space for mixing ingredients without spilling.
• Baking sheet: This flat surface ensures even cooking and makes transferring the bread easy.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and aids in easy cleanup after baking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect dough consistency.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 4 cups (500g) bread flour or all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast or instant yeast
• 2 teaspoons (10g) salt
• 1 3/4 cups (415ml) warm water
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling

For Topping

• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
• Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)

How to Make Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.

Step 2: First Rise

1. Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a kitchen towel.
2. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Gently punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles.
3. Transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press it out into an even rectangle or circle.

Step 4: Second Rise

1. Cover the shaped dough with a towel again and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Bake

1. After rising, drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the top of the dough.
2. Sprinkle fresh rosemary leaves and coarse sea salt on top.
3. Bake in preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Now you have an amazing Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe ready to be served! Enjoy this delightful creation fresh out of the oven!

How to Serve Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Focaccia bread is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. This easy focaccia bread recipe makes for a delightful appetizer or side dish, perfect for any meal or gathering.

As an Appetizer

• Serve warm with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
• Pair with marinated olives or antipasto for a flavorful starter.

With Soups and Salads

• Enjoy alongside a hearty soup like minestrone, enhancing the meal’s flavors.
• Serve with a fresh salad, such as Caprese salad, to create a light and refreshing combination.

For Sandwiches

• Use slices of focaccia as the base for delicious sandwiches; fill with meats, cheeses, and veggies.
• Create a focaccia panini by grilling filled pieces until crispy and warm.

At Parties or Gatherings

• Cut into bite-sized squares for easy sharing at parties.
• Top with assorted herbs or toppings to create a variety platter that guests will love.

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How to Perfect Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

To ensure your focaccia comes out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use warm water: Activate the yeast effectively by using warm water around 110°F (43°C).
• Knead gently: Mix the dough until just combined; over-kneading can lead to tougher bread.
• Let it rise well: Allow the dough to rise in a warm area until it doubles in size for better flavor and texture.
• Add toppings wisely: Experiment with toppings like garlic or cherry tomatoes, but don’t overload them to maintain structure.
• Preheat your oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking to achieve that golden crust.
• Cool before slicing: Let the bread cool slightly before cutting to ensure it holds its shape and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Focaccia is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with various dishes. Here are some excellent side options to complement your meal.

1. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and garlic creates a fresh contrast.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies seasoned and roasted adds vibrant colors and flavors.
3. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing offers a creamy counterpart to the focaccia.
4. Pasta Primavera: Light pasta dishes with fresh vegetables complement the richness of focaccia well.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with quinoa or rice provide heartiness alongside the bread.
6. Meatballs: Savory Italian-style meatballs in marinara sauce make for a comforting pairing.

Enjoy your homemade easy focaccia bread recipe alongside these delicious sides!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making focaccia bread can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Ignoring Dough Consistency: If your dough is too sticky or too dry, it won’t rise properly. Adjust the flour or water accordingly until you achieve a soft, elastic texture.
• Not Using Fresh Yeast: Old yeast can lead to flat bread. Always check the expiration date on your yeast package and store it correctly.
• Skipping the First Rise: Allowing your dough to rise initially develops flavor and texture. Don’t rush this process; give it a full hour or until doubled in size.
• Overcrowding the Pan: If you place too much dough in one pan, it will not cook evenly. Use an appropriate-sized baking sheet for even cooking and browning.
• Neglecting Toppings: Focaccia is known for its toppings, so don’t skip them! Olive oil and sea salt enhance flavor, while herbs like rosemary add freshness.
• Cutting Too Soon: Allow your focaccia to cool slightly before slicing. This prevents a gummy texture and ensures clean cuts.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

• Wrap focaccia tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat slices on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds, but this may make the crust less crispy.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes per side for a crispy finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about this easy focaccia bread recipe.

What makes this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe unique?

This recipe stands out due to its simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time. You achieve authentic Italian flavor with just a few pantry staples.

Can I customize my Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or cheese for extra flavor. Customize based on what you enjoy!

How do I know when my focaccia is done?

Your focaccia should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. A thermometer reading of 200°F (93°C) indicates it’s fully baked.

Why is my Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe dense?

A dense bread may result from not allowing enough time for rising or using expired yeast. Ensure proper rising times and fresh ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This easy focaccia bread recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect as an appetizer or side dish, and you can easily customize it with your favorite toppings. Try making it today and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of homemade focaccia!