Fresh Focaccia Bread

Fresh Focaccia Bread: The Ultimate Homemade Delight

This recipe is one of my favorites and I have made it countless times. When it comes to a bread that’s soft, fluffy on the inside, and perfectly crisp on the outside, focaccia is the clear winner.

Whether you’re serving it as a side to your favorite pasta, dipping it in olive oil, or enjoying it on its own, this focaccia will elevate any meal.

Fresh Focaccia Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)

• 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)

• 2 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp sugar

• Fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage ( for topping)

• Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)

• Optional: sliced olives, cherry tomatoes, garlic, or Parmesan (for added flavor)

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy. This means the yeast is active and ready to work.

2. Make the Dough:In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Once your yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the flour mixture, followed by the olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

3. Knead the Dough:Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour as needed. If it’s too dry, add a tiny bit more water. You can also do this in a kitchen aid mixer with a paddle attachment. 

4. First Rise:Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the rising process by placing the bowl in an oven with the light on (no heat!).

5. Prepare the Pan:Preheat your oven to 400°F . While the oven is heating up, drizzle a bit of olive oil into a 9x13-inch baking pan or a similar-sized sheet pan. Gently punch down the risen dough and transfer it to the pan. Use your fingers to stretch and press the dough out to fill the pan, creating dimples with your fingertips as you go. This step is key for getting that signature focaccia texture!

6. Second Rise:Cover the pan with a clean cloth and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes, until it becomes puffy and fills the pan.

7. Top with Flavor:Once the dough has risen, drizzle a generous amount of olive oil over the top. Sprinkle with fresh rosemary (or any herb of your choice), and finish with a pinch of coarse sea salt. You can also add sliced olives, cherry tomatoes, or roasted garlic at this point for extra flavor.

8. Bake the Focaccia:Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. The top should be crispy, and the inside will be soft and airy.

9. Cool and Serve:Once baked, remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack. Slice and enjoy while warm! It’s perfect on its own or served with a side of olive oil for dipping.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve your focaccia alongside a bowl of balsamic vinegar and olive oil for dipping. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra flavor.

• Use slices of focaccia to make delicious sandwiches. Think turkey and cheese, or roasted vegetables with hummus.

• Cut into small squares and serve as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next dinner party or holiday gathering.

• Herb Compound butter is always a great accompaniment.

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Enjoy!