Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful way to bring the flavors of Italy into your home, this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe is just what you need. There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen. This recipe is a beloved favorite in our family, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to make and requires minimal hands-on time!

Imagine pulling a golden-brown focaccia from the oven, its crispy edges beckoning you to take a bite. Paired with olive oil for dipping or served alongside your favorite soup or salad, this bread is sure to impress. Let’s get started on this delicious journey!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few steps and mostly hands-off time, you’ll find that making focaccia at home is simpler than you think!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves warm, fluffy bread! It’s a great way to involve your kids in the kitchen and teach them a fun baking skill.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, focaccia adds that special touch to any meal.
• Make Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready, making meal prep a breeze.
• Delicious Flavor: Infused with fresh rosemary and drizzled with olive oil, each bite is packed with flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up this easy homemade focaccia bread recipe, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you will need:

For the Bread

• 4 cups (500g) bread flour or all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast or instant yeast
• 2 teaspoons (10g) salt
• 1 3/4 cups (415ml) warm water
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
• Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)

Variations

One of the best things about focaccia is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

• Add Toppings: Sprinkle on toppings like cherry tomatoes, olives, or caramelized onions before baking for an extra burst of flavor.
• Herb Swap: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or basil if rosemary isn’t your favorite.
• Cheesy Delight: Add some grated cheese on top before baking for a cheesy twist that’ll make it irresistible.
• Sweet Option: For a dessert version, try adding honey and cinnamon to the dough and top with nuts.

How to Make Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by mixing the warm water and yeast in a large bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step activates the yeast, ensuring that your focaccia rises beautifully.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In the same bowl, add the bread flour and salt. Mix until combined; then pour in the olive oil. Stir until everything comes together into a sticky dough. Don’t worry if it feels messy; that’s part of the charm!

Step 3: First Rise

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This rising time develops flavor and texture—don’t skip it!

Step 4: Shape & Second Rise

Once risen, gently deflate the dough and transfer it onto an oiled baking sheet. Press it out into an even rectangle. Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface—this is where all that delicious olive oil will pool! Cover again and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 5: Preheat & Bake

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Drizzle more olive oil over the top of your dough, sprinkle with coarse sea salt and fresh rosemary leaves. Bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 6: Cool & Enjoy

Once baked, allow your focaccia to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm as an appetizer or side dish; you’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears!

And there you have it—an Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your home! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Making focaccia is a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll achieve the perfect loaf every time!

• Use high-quality olive oil: A good extra virgin olive oil not only adds flavor but also enhances the texture of your focaccia. It makes the crust crispy and gives it that rich Mediterranean taste.
• Let it rise in a warm place: Yeast loves warmth! Allowing your dough to rise in a slightly warm area helps activate the yeast properly, resulting in a fluffier bread. Cover it with a damp cloth to retain moisture.
• Don’t skimp on the dimples: When you’re ready to bake, gently press your fingers into the dough to create dimples. This not only creates beautiful aesthetics but also helps hold onto seasonings and garnishes, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
• Experiment with toppings: While rosemary is traditional, feel free to get creative! Try adding olives, cherry tomatoes, or even caramelized onions before baking for a unique twist on this classic bread.
• Cool before slicing: After baking, let your focaccia cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the interior to set properly and keeps it from becoming gummy when sliced.

How to Serve Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Serving focaccia can be just as fun as making it! Its versatility allows you to enjoy it as an appetizer, snack, or even part of a main course. Here are some delightful ways to present your homemade focaccia.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkle additional fresh herbs like thyme or basil over the top after baking for an aromatic touch.
• Balsamic glaze: Drizzle balsamic reduction over slices before serving for a sweet and tangy contrast that elevates the dish.

Side Dishes

• Marinated olives: A bowl of marinated olives makes for an excellent pairing. Their briny flavor complements the bread beautifully.
• Caprese salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil make a refreshing side that enhances the Italian theme.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition to your meal while balancing out the flavors of focaccia.
• Hummus or tapenade: Serve with creamy hummus or savory tapenade for dipping. These spreads add richness and flavor that perfectly match the bread’s texture.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas based on your mood or occasion. Enjoy your delicious homemade focaccia bread!

Make Ahead and Storage

This easy focaccia bread recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, and store it for later use, making it a convenient choice for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the focaccia to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
• Store at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Freezing

• Slice the focaccia into individual pieces for easy thawing.
• Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• Label the bag with the date and type of bread.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove the focaccia from the fridge or freezer and unwrap.
• Place it directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes if refrigerated, or 20-25 minutes if frozen, until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that you might find helpful!

Can I make this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe without yeast?

While yeast is essential for achieving that fluffy texture, you can try using baking powder as a substitute. However, the flavor and texture will differ from traditional focaccia.

How long does this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe take to prepare?

The total time is about 2.5 hours for preparation (most of which is hands-off rising) and an additional 25 minutes for baking.

What can I serve with focaccia?

Focaccia pairs beautifully with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. You can also enjoy it alongside soups, salads, or as part of a charcuterie board!

Can I add toppings to my Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add toppings like cherry tomatoes, olives, or caramelized onions before baking to customize your focaccia bread to your taste!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this easy focaccia bread recipe as much as I do! The delightful aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s baking is just one of the many joys of homemade bread. Whether you’re serving it with dinner or enjoying it on its own, this focaccia will surely impress. Happy baking, and don’t hesitate to share your creations!