Description
This Homemade Focaccia Bread recipe is a classic Italian flatbread that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, flavored with fresh rosemary and sea salt. Perfect as a side dish or for sandwiches, this recipe walks you through making the dough from scratch using simple ingredients and baking it to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Toppings
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
- Additional olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Mix Dough Base: Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Mix well with a wooden spoon or use a stand mixer equipped with a dough hook attachment for ease.
- Incorporate Remaining Flour: Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour, mixing continuously until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and forms a cohesive mass.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and generously oil a baking sheet to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Shape The Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air pockets and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Gently stretch and press it to evenly cover the surface of the pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the dough with a kitchen towel again and let it rise for another 30 minutes to develop a lighter texture.
- Create Dimples: Using your fingers, press down all over the dough to create characteristic dimples that help keep the oil and toppings in place while baking.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle olive oil over the surface, then sprinkle with fresh rosemary and sea salt for enhanced aroma and flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the focaccia is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the focaccia to cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy your homemade focaccia bread!
Notes
- For a crispier crust, you can preheat a baking stone in the oven before placing the dough on it.
- Experiment with toppings such as olives, caramelized onions, or cherry tomatoes for variations.
- Use room temperature water (about 100°F or 38°C) to activate the yeast effectively without killing it.
- Make sure to knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, which contributes to the bread’s structure.
- Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
