Focaccia Recipe

Description

Focaccia is a flavorful and versatile Italian bread that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s often seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano, though you can customize it with any toppings you like. This bread is perfect for dipping in olive oil, making sandwiches, or simply enjoying with a little butter.

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Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 1 tbsp honey or sugar
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
• ¼ cup fresh rosemary (optional)
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme (optional)

For Topping:

• 1-2 tbsp olive oil
• Coarse sea salt
• Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
• Garlic (optional, thinly sliced)

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Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, honey (or sugar), and active dry yeast. Stir gently to dissolve and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
3. Add the yeast mixture and ¼ cup of olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough for about 3-4 minutes.
5. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
7. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and gently stretch it out to fill the entire pan. If you prefer thicker focaccia, you can divide the dough into two smaller portions and make two smaller loaves.
8. Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rise for an additional 20-30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 4: Add the Toppings

9. After the dough has rested, use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface of the dough.
10. Drizzle olive oil generously over the top and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Add optional toppings such as fresh rosemary, thyme, and sliced garlic.

Step 5: Bake the Focaccia

11. Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
12. If you like a crispier crust, you can bake it a few minutes longer.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

13. Once baked, remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. You can serve it warm or at room temperature.

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Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 6g
• Sugar: 2g
• Fiber: 2g

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Tips & Variations

• Herb Variations: Experiment with other herbs like oregano, basil, or sage.
• Cheese Topping: Add grated Parmesan or mozzarella on top for extra flavor.
• Topping Options: Try adding olives, sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, or roasted garlic for more flavor variety.
• For Extra Crispy Crust: Brush the top of the dough with olive oil twice—once before baking and once halfway through the bake time.
• Make-Ahead: The dough can be prepared the night before, and after the first rise, stored in the fridge overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

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Saving & Storage

• Room Temperature: Focaccia is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it at room temperature for 1-2 days in a sealed container.
• Refrigeration: To keep it longer, wrap the focaccia in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Focaccia freezes well for up to 1 month. To reheat, wrap it in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.