Focaccia turns your kitchen into a sunlit Italian piazza with every warm, steamy slice. Soft, pillowy dough bakes into golden, crisp edges, showered with rosemary and sea salt. Each airy pocket drinks up fragrant olive oil, brightened with garlic and a touch of lemon zest for a fresh, tangy lift. Simple and comforting, it’s perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying quietly on your own, bringing a little Mediterranean breeze to the table.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This focaccia
- It’s incredibly soft and fluffy, making every bite a delight.
- The crispy edges add a satisfying crunch that you’ll crave.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings for a personal touch.
- Perfect for sandwiches, dipping, or enjoying on its own.
focaccia
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: In a bowl, mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt together until well combined.
- Step 2: Add water and 50ml of olive oil to the dry mixture; stir until a soft dough forms.
- Step 3: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Step 4: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1–1.5 hours until it has doubled in size.
- Step 5: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) so it’s nice and hot for baking.
- Step 6: Oil a baking sheet, then transfer the dough onto it and gently press it out to a thickness of 1–2cm.
- Step 7: Drizzle the surface with olive oil, dimple it with your fingertips, and sprinkle with rosemary and coarse salt.
- Step 8: Bake for 20–25 minutes until the focaccia is golden brown and smells heavenly.
- Step 9: Cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade focaccia!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 |
| Fat | 5g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbs | 30g |
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make your delicious focaccia!
- 500g strong white bread flour – the base for your dough
- 7g instant yeast – to help your focaccia rise
- 10g salt – for flavor
- 1 tsp sugar – to activate the yeast
- 350ml lukewarm water – for hydration
- 50ml extra-virgin olive oil – plus extra for drizzling
- Fresh rosemary – for that aromatic touch
- Coarse sea salt – for sprinkling on top
How to Make Focaccia
This easy homemade bread recipe will have you baking like a pro in no time! With a preparation time of about 15 minutes, a cooking time of 20–25 minutes, and a resting time of 1–1.5 hours, you’ll be enjoying warm, fluffy focaccia in just a couple of hours.
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt together until well combined.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Add water and 50ml of olive oil to the dry mixture; stir until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Step 4: Let It Rise
Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1–1.5 hours until it has doubled in size.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) so it’s nice and hot for baking.
Step 6: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Oil a baking sheet, then transfer the dough onto it and gently press it out to a thickness of 1–2cm.
Step 7: Add Toppings
Drizzle the surface with olive oil, dimple it with your fingertips, and sprinkle with rosemary and coarse salt.
Step 8: Bake the Focaccia
Bake for 20–25 minutes until the bread is golden brown and smells heavenly.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade focaccia!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Bread |
| Cuisine | Italian |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Extra Time | 90 minutes (resting) |
| Total Time | 130 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 8 |
| Best Served | Warm with olive oil and herbs! |
Pro Tips for Making focaccia
- Use high-quality olive oil for rich flavor.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for best results.
- Experiment with toppings like herbs or garlic for extra taste.
- Don’t rush the baking; a golden crust is key.
- Allow it to cool slightly before slicing for perfect texture.
How to Serve this focaccia
- Enjoy warm, drizzled with olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Pair with a fresh salad for a light lunch.
- Use as a base for sandwiches with your favorite fillings.
- Serve alongside a bowl of marinara or hummus for dipping.
- Top with fresh herbs, tomatoes, or olives for a gourmet touch.
- Slice into cubes and serve as an appetizer with cheese and veggies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your focaccia later is easy!
Storing Leftovers
- Let the bread cool completely before storing.
- Wrap in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container.
- Store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing
- Wrap cooled focaccia tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- For best quality, slice before freezing for easy use.
Reheating
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Wrap focaccia in aluminum foil to retain moisture.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- For a crispy crust, remove foil for the last 5 minutes.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What makes focaccia different than bread?
Focaccia is a type of Italian flatbread that is known for its unique texture and flavor. Unlike regular bread, it is typically thicker, has a dimpled surface, and is often topped with olive oil, herbs, and other ingredients. This gives it a soft, chewy interior and a crispy exterior, making it a delightful addition to any meal or a perfect snack on its own.
2. How unhealthy is focaccia bread?
Focaccia can be considered a treat rather than a staple, as it is often made with a good amount of olive oil, which adds flavor but also calories. However, when enjoyed in moderation, this bread can be part of a balanced diet. You can also make healthier versions by using whole wheat flour or reducing the amount of oil and salt. It’s all about balance and enjoying it as an occasional indulgence!
3. What is the secret to good focaccia?
The secret to great focaccia lies in the dough and the baking process. Using high-quality ingredients, allowing the dough to rise properly, and not skimping on the olive oil are key. Additionally, creating those signature dimples in the dough before baking helps to hold onto toppings and enhances the texture. Finally, baking it at a high temperature ensures a crispy crust while keeping the inside soft and airy.
4. What is the difference between focaccia and ciabatta?
Focaccia and ciabatta are both Italian breads, but they have distinct differences. It is flat and often topped with various ingredients, while ciabatta is a rustic loaf with a chewy crust and an open crumb structure. Ciabatta is typically shaped into a loaf and is great for sandwiches, whereas focaccia is more versatile as a side dish or appetizer. Both are delicious in their own right!
Final Thoughts
Making focaccia is like a warm hug for your taste buds! With its soft, crispy texture and delightful flavors, this homemade bread is sure to bring smiles to your table. So roll up your sleeves, get your hands doughy, and enjoy the simple joy of baking. You’ll be amazed at how rewarding it is to share this delicious treat with loved ones!