Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread is a delightful treat that brings the taste of Italy right to your kitchen. This bread recipe is not only easy to follow but also perfect for various occasions, whether you’re hosting a brunch, enjoying a family dinner, or simply indulging in a quiet evening at home. With its soft texture and rich flavor enhanced by high-quality olive oil, this focaccia will quickly become a favorite in your household.

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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 Homemade Focaccia Bread
• Step 1: Mix Ingredients
• Step 2: Add Olive Oil
• Step 3: Preheat the Oven
• Step 4: Shape the Dough
• Step 5: Prepare for Baking
• Step 6: Bake Your Focaccia
• Step 7: Cool and Slice
• How to Serve Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread
• As a Standalone Snack
• With Breakfast Dishes
• As an Appetizer
• In Salads
• With Soups
• For Sandwiches
• How to Perfect Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread
• Best Side Dishes for Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread
• Reheating Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I add toppings to my focaccia?
• Is it necessary to use bread flour?
• How do I know when my focaccia is done?
• Can I make this recipe vegan?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: The recipe requires just a few basic ingredients, making it accessible for cooks of all levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The use of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil adds depth to the taste, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
• Versatile Uses: Enjoy it on its own, with dips, or as a side to any meal; this focaccia complements many dishes.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings like herbs or vegetables to suit your taste.
• Impressive Presentation: Baked to a golden brown, this bread is visually appealing and sure to impress guests.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread, having the right tools can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking pan
• Plastic wrap
• Whisk or fork
• Oven

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for mixing ingredients without spilling.
• Baking pan: Essential for shaping and baking the focaccia evenly.
• Plastic wrap: Helps cover the dough during refrigeration so it can rise properly.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 500 g (4 cups) bread flour
• 7 g (2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 480 g (2 cups) lukewarm water
• 6 tablespoons high-quality extra-virgin olive oil (divided)

For Topping

• Flaky salt (for topping)
• 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary (optional)

How to Make Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

Step 1: Mix Ingredients

Mix the flour, yeast, and salt in a large bowl; create a well in the center. Pour in lukewarm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 2: Add Olive Oil

Drizzle 30 g of olive oil over the dough; rub to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 18-72 hours. This long rise time helps develop flavor.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Prepare a baking pan with non-stick spray and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Shape the refrigerated dough into a ball and place it in the prepared pan. Allow it to rise uncovered for 3-4 hours until puffy.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Drizzle remaining olive oil on top of the risen dough. Press dimples into the surface using your fingers. Sprinkle flaky salt over it and add rosemary if desired.

Step 6: Bake Your Focaccia

Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on it as baking times may vary slightly based on your oven.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let cool before slicing. Enjoy your homemade focaccia warm or at room temperature!

How to Serve Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread is not only delicious but also very versatile. It can be served in various ways, making it suitable for different occasions and meals.

As a Standalone Snack

• Enjoy it plain with a drizzle of olive oil for dipping.
• Pair with balsamic vinegar for a tangy contrast.

With Breakfast Dishes

• Serve alongside scrambled eggs for a hearty morning meal.
• Use it to make breakfast sandwiches with avocado and tomato.

As an Appetizer

• Cut into small squares and serve with a variety of dips such as hummus or tzatziki.
• Offer it with cheese and charcuterie for an elegant starter.

In Salads

• Tear into pieces and mix into salads for added texture.
• Use as croutons in a Caesar salad to elevate the dish.

With Soups

• Serve warm slices alongside your favorite soup, like minestrone or tomato basil.
• Create a classic Italian meal by pairing it with a bowl of hearty lentil soup.

For Sandwiches

• Use focaccia as the bread base for gourmet sandwiches filled with meats, cheeses, and veggies.
• Try it as a base for panini, pressed with your favorite fillings.

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How to Perfect Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

To make your Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread truly exceptional, consider these tips that enhance texture and flavor.

• Use high-quality ingredients: Opt for premium olive oil and fresh herbs to elevate the taste of your focaccia.
• Allow proper rising time: A longer rise will develop more flavor; try refrigerating the dough overnight.
• Experiment with toppings: Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even caramelized onions to create unique flavors.
• Preheat your baking stone: If you have one, preheating enhances the crust’s texture by ensuring even baking.
• Watch the bake time: Keep an eye on your bread towards the end of baking to achieve that golden brown color without burning.
• Cool before slicing: Letting the bread cool helps maintain its structure and makes slicing easier.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

Pairing your Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread with complementary side dishes can create a complete meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Italian Tomato Salad – Fresh tomatoes tossed in olive oil, basil, and mozzarella for a refreshing side.
2. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add savory depth to your meal.
3. Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce combined with creamy dressing makes a classic pairing.
4. Minestrone Soup – A hearty vegetable soup that complements the soft texture of focaccia perfectly.
5. Olive Tapenade – A flavorful spread that enhances the taste of focaccia when served as an appetizer.
6. Antipasto Platter – A selection of cured meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables creates an enticing starter.
7. Grilled Shrimp Skewers – Smoky shrimp served alongside focaccia brings delightful flavors together.
8. Pasta Primavera – Colorful pasta mixed with fresh vegetables creates a vibrant dish next to focaccia.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread can be simple, but several common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the rise time: Allowing the dough to rise longer enhances its flavor and texture. Avoid rushing this step for better bread.
• Using cold water: Always use lukewarm water when mixing your ingredients. Cold water can inhibit yeast activation, resulting in a dense loaf.
• Overcrowding the pan: Make sure to use an adequately sized baking pan. Overcrowding can prevent proper baking and lead to uneven textures.
• Ignoring olive oil: Don’t skimp on quality olive oil during preparation and topping. It adds flavor and moisture that is essential for delicious focaccia.
• Not dimpling the dough: Pressing dimples into the dough before baking allows it to cook evenly and helps hold toppings better.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

• Wrap cooled focaccia tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag.
• You can freeze it for up to 2 months.

Reheating Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the focaccia for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, flipping once, until crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions you might have about making Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread.

Can I add toppings to my focaccia?

Absolutely! You can experiment with various toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even cheese for added flavor.

Is it necessary to use bread flour?

While bread flour provides the best texture due to its higher protein content, you can also use all-purpose flour if that’s what you have on hand.

How do I know when my focaccia is done?

Your focaccia is ready when it turns golden brown and has a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan if you ensure that any additional toppings are also plant-based.

Final Thoughts

The Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread recipe is not only delightful but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different herbs or toppings based on your preferences. Its simplicity makes it perfect for any occasion, so don’t hesitate to give it a try!