Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe for Beginners
There's something truly magical about making your own bread. Whether it's the warmth of the kitchen, the tantalizing aroma filling your home, or the first taste of freshly baked bread, homemade baking is a joy. Today, let's delve into an easy focaccia bread recipe that's perfect for beginners. Focaccia is an Italian flatbread known for its soft, chewy texture and delightful dimples, often seasoned with olive oil, herbs, and sea salt. This recipe will guide you through the process, ensuring that even those new to baking can create this culinary delight.
Ingredients You'll Need
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp of granulated sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 packet (7g or 2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 3/4 cups warm water
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for greasing and drizzling
- Fresh rosemary (or dried if fresh is unavailable)
- Coarse sea salt for finishing
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating focaccia bread is a simple process, but it requires some patience for the dough to rise. Here's how you can make your own:
1. Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let this sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is your yeast proofing, which ensures that your yeast is active.
2. Mix the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center, and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead in the stand mixer for about 5-7 minutes.
3. First Rise
- Lightly oil a large bowl with olive oil, place the dough in it, turning to coat it with oil. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
4. Prepare for Baking
- After the first rise, punch down the dough to release the air. Transfer it to an oiled baking tray (about 9x13 inches) and stretch it to fit the tray.
- Cover it again and let it rest for another 15-20 minutes while you preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
5. Create Dimples and Season
- Press your fingertips into the dough to create dimples all over. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, letting it pool in the dimples.
- Sprinkle with chopped rosemary and coarse sea salt. If you like, you can also add sliced garlic, olives, or cherry tomatoes.
| Step | Action | Approximate Time |
|---|---|---|
| Yeast Activation | Proof Yeast | 5-10 minutes |
| Mixing Dough | Mix & Knead Dough | 10-15 minutes |
| First Rise | Dough Doubles | 1 hour |
| Second Rise | Rest Dough in Pan | 15-20 minutes |
| Baking | Bake Focaccia | 20-25 minutes |
💡 Note: Remember, the dough will be quite sticky at first, which is normal. Don’t add too much extra flour when kneading, as it will make the focaccia dense rather than light and airy.
6. Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the focaccia is golden brown on top. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
7. Cooling and Serving
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Cut into squares or triangles to serve.
What makes this recipe special for beginners is the simplicity of ingredients, the forgiving nature of the dough, and the stunning results with relatively minimal effort. Focaccia is versatile; it can be enjoyed plain, with olive oil for dipping, or used for sandwiches.
Your journey into baking doesn't have to be intimidating. With this easy focaccia bread recipe, you're now equipped to create a delightful bread that's as fun to make as it is to eat. The entire process teaches you key baking techniques like yeast activation, kneading, and proofing, preparing you for more complex recipes in the future.
Can I make focaccia with different toppings?
+
Absolutely! Focaccia can be customized with a wide range of toppings. Common choices include olives, cherry tomatoes, caramelized onions, or even a sprinkle of cheese like parmesan or feta. Just ensure that wetter toppings are added after the dimples are created to avoid making the dough too soggy.
Why does my focaccia not rise?
+
Your focaccia might not rise if the yeast was expired, the water for activating the yeast was too hot or too cold, or if you’ve added too much salt which can inhibit yeast activity. Make sure you’re using active dry yeast and follow the proofing process correctly.
How can I store focaccia?
+
Focaccia is best eaten fresh but can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container. To extend its life, wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to a month. Reheat in the oven for best results.
