Imagine a fluffy, airy bread with a crisp exterior, bursting with the flavors of olive oil, fresh herbs, and your favorite toppings. That's focaccia, a beloved Italian flatbread that adds a touch of gourmet to any meal.
It's versatile and can be served as a side dish, turned into a sandwich, or enjoyed on its own. Making focaccia might seem daunting, but it's actually quite simple.
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
Why This Recipe Works
If you are looking to level up your baking game, then this easy focaccia recipe is for you.
To begin with, if you've never made bread before, this simple recipe is a great place to start. The ingredients are simplistic, and there is no technical know-how required to create a loaf of savory focaccia.
It's vegan and vegetarian, and also can be adapted in many different ways. Whether you eliminate the olives or experiment with making gluten-free focaccia, there is plenty of room for you to make this recipe to your liking.
A classic focaccia is also versatile enough to pair with a variety of dishes. It can be served with a side of delicious pasta to sop all of the extra sauce or used to make a hearty and flavorful sandwich. The options on what to serve this Italian focaccia with are endless.
Ingredients
Yeast:
This easy focaccia recipe uses dry active yeast. To yield the best results, follow the instructions on the package.
Sugar:
Sugar is used in this traditional focaccia to activate the yeast and aid in the dough's rising. If you prefer not to use sugar, you can substitute it with honey, maple syrup, or even a small amount of fruit juice, such as apple or grape juice, which also contains natural sugars that can activate the yeast.
Flour:
All-purpose flour is commonly used in focaccia recipes due to its versatility and moderate protein content, which helps achieve a tender yet slightly chewy texture. However, you can experiment with alternative flours like bread flour or whole wheat flour for variations in texture and flavor. Rice flour, tapioca flour, and potato starch can be used as well if you are hoping to make a gluten-free focaccia.
Rosemary:
Rosemary is added to this classic focaccia bread for its distinct earthy flavor and aromatic fragrance, which enhances the bread's overall taste. However, if rosemary isn't available or preferred, you can experiment with other herbs, such as thyme, oregano, basil, or sage.
Olive Oil:
Olive oil plays a crucial role in focaccia recipes, contributing to both flavor and texture. It not only adds richness and depth but also creates a tender crumb and a crispy crust. While olive oil is the traditional choice for focaccia, you can experiment with other oils like avocado oil or melted butter for different flavor profiles.
Black Olives:
Black olives are added to this traditional focaccia recipe because they provide a burst of savory goodness throughout each bite, complementing the olive oil and herbs. If black olives aren't available or preferred, you can substitute them with other varieties, such as green olives, or Kalamata olives. However, ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, garlic, cherry tomatoes, or cheese can add a different flavor profile.
How to Make Focaccia
Step One:
Add yeast, sugar, flour, and water to a bowl and stir to combine. Set aside.
Step Two:
Combine flour, salt, and rosemary in a bowl. Stir to incorporate.
Step Three:
Stir your wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
Step Four:
Drizzle the oil on top of your dough and knead to incorporate.
Step Five:
Cover your dough ball with a clean towel and rest until it has doubled in size, approximately 1-2 hours.
Step Six:
Punch the dough ball to remove any air, then use your fingers to shape it into the bottom of a greased baking dish.
Step Seven:
Top your loaf with black olives, then add salt and rosemary to taste.
Step Eight:
Bake for 20 minutes at 375F. Remove from the oven with the top is golden brown.
Step Nine:
Serve while warm, and enjoy!
Tips
- Kneading the dough is crucial for developing gluten, which gives focaccia its characteristic chewy texture. Knead the dough until it's smooth and elastic, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5-7 minutes with a stand mixer.
- Focaccia is known for its olive oil-rich crust, which adds flavor and helps create a crispy exterior. Don't be shy about drizzling olive oil over the dough before baking, and consider brushing more oil on top once it's baked for added richness.
- Once the dough has risen, handle it gently to avoid deflating it. Use your fingertips to dimple the dough, creating those characteristic pockets that soak up olive oil and add texture to the finished focaccia.
What to Serve With Focaccia
Focaccia pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes and accompaniments, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Its savory flavor and fluffy texture make it an excellent companion to soups, stews, and salads, adding depth and richness to each bite.
For a Mediterranean-inspired spread, pair focaccia with hummus, tzatziki, or baba ganoush for a flavorful combination of textures and flavors. Alternatively, enjoy it as a side to pasta dishes or roasted meats, soaking up any savory sauces or juices for a satisfying meal experience.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast to make Italian focaccia?
Yes, you can often substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in bread recipes. However, you may need to adjust the amount used and skip the proofing step. Consult your recipe or yeast packaging for specific instructions.
How do I achieve a crispy crust on my artisanal focaccia?
To achieve a crispy crust, make sure to preheat your baking pan or stone in the oven before placing the shaped focaccia dough on top. Additionally, drizzling or brushing olive oil generously over the dough before baking helps create a crispy exterior.
How long can leftover focaccia be kept fresh?
Leftover focaccia can typically be kept fresh for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It can also be frozen for longer-term storage for up to 3 months.
More Bread Recipes
Don't you just love the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from your kitchen? Dive into our collection of artisanal bread recipes, featuring step-by-step instructions and helpful tips.
Focaccia
Ingredients
- 14 ounces yeast
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 ⅓ cups water
- 3 cups flour
- 4 teaspoons salt divided in ½
- 4 teaspoons rosemary divided in ½
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ cup black olives pitted and sliced
Instructions
- Add yeast, sugar, flour, and water to a bowl and stir to combine. Set aside.
- Combine flour, salt, and rosemary in a bowl. Stir to incorporate.
- Stir your wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
- Drizzle the oil on top of your dough and knead to incorporate.
- Cover your dough ball with a clean towel and rest until it has doubled in size, approximately 1-2 hours.
- Punch the dough ball to remove any air, then use your fingers to shape it into the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- Top your loaf with black olives, then add salt and rosemary to taste.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 375F. Remove from the oven with the top is golden brown.
- Serve while warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- Kneading the dough is crucial for developing gluten, which gives focaccia its characteristic chewy texture. Knead the dough until it's smooth and elastic, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5-7 minutes with a stand mixer.
- Focaccia is known for its olive oil-rich crust, which adds flavor and helps create a crispy exterior. Don't be shy about drizzling olive oil over the dough before baking, and consider brushing more oil on top once it's baked for added richness.
- Once the dough has risen, handle it gently to avoid deflating it. Use your fingertips to dimple the dough, creating those characteristic pockets that soak up olive oil and add texture to the finished focaccia.