Welcome, friends! Today, we're diving into an amazing recipe that's sure to add warmth to your kitchen and delight to your taste buds: gluten-free focaccia bread. Focaccia, a beloved Italian flatbread, is known for its fluffy texture, crispy edges, and savory flavors. But what if you're following a gluten-free diet? No worries! You don't have to miss out on this delicious treat. Our recipe keeps the heart and soul of traditional focaccia intact while ensuring it's completely gluten-free.
It's perfect for sharing with friends, enjoying with a hearty soup, or just snacking on straight from the oven. Ready to embark on a baking journey? Tie on your apron, and let's get started!
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
What makes this gluten-free focaccia bread recipe a star is its perfect blend of taste and texture that caters to everyone, even those without dietary restrictions. Often, gluten-free breads suffer from a lack of softness or a 'cardboard' feel. Not this one! Our focaccia boasts a crispy crust and a tender, airy inside, thanks to the right balance of gluten-free flour and other key ingredients. We've carefully chosen each element to ensure that the bread maintains moisture and elasticity without the gluten. It's flavorful and satisfying, with all the characteristic herbs and olive oil infusion you love in traditional focaccia.
There's also a deep sense of fulfillment in making your own bread, especially one that's often crossed off the list for those with gluten sensitivity. By following this recipe, you're not just baking bread; you're also inviting joy and inclusivity into your kitchen. This focaccia is ideal for diverse gatherings, ensuring everyone can enjoy it without worry. Moreover, it's incredibly versatile. Serve it as a side, turn it into sandwiches, or use it as a pizza base! It’s not just about meeting dietary needs; it’s about not compromising on taste and experience. That’s the beauty of this recipe. So, gather your ingredients, and prepare for the delightful smells and tastes of homemade gluten-free focaccia!
Ingredients
Gluten-free flour: This is the primary ingredient for your focaccia structure, ensuring that it's suitable for those avoiding gluten. Substitute: a mix of rice, tapioca, and potato flour.
Olive oil: Adds richness and moisture, giving the focaccia its iconic texture and flavor. Substitute: for a different flavor, you can use avocado oil.
Yeast: Essential for helping the bread rise and creating a fluffy texture. Substitute: you can use a gluten-free baking powder for a yeast-free option, but the texture will differ.
Olives: They provide a briny, deep flavor that is characteristic of many focaccia recipes. Substitute: Sun-dried tomatoes or roasted garlic can offer a different, yet delicious taste.
Rosemary: This herb adds a fragrant aroma and earthy flavor, enhancing the bread's overall taste profile. Substitute: Thyme or oregano also pair wonderfully with this type of bread.
Tips
- Ensure the water is lukewarm to activate the yeast properly; too hot or too cold can inhibit it.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area to expedite the rising process.
- Do not replace olive oil with less flavorful oils as it's integral to the taste and texture.
- Press your fingers into the top of the dough before baking to create traditional focaccia dimples.
- Feel free to add other herbs or seasonings on top before baking for additional flavor.
How to Serve
Focaccia bread can be a versatile addition to many meals. Its airy texture infused with the rich flavors of olive oil and herbs complements a wide range of dishes. Whether used as a side or a base for various toppings, its distinctly Mediterranean flair enhances the dining experience.
- As a side dish: Serve your focaccia alongside soups or salads, soaking up flavors or adding a textured contrast to your meal.
- Sandwich bread: Slice it horizontally and use it as a robust, flavorful bread for all kinds of sandwiches, filled with meats, cheeses, or roasted vegetables.
- Appetizer or snack: Serve slices of focaccia with a selection of dips, cheeses, and cold cuts as a part of an antipasto platter.
Similar Recipes
Gluten Free Focaccia Bread
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups gluten-free flour
- 1 packet gluten-free yeast about 2 ¼ teaspoons
- 1 cup warm water about 110 degrees Fahrenheit
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- ¼ cup olive oil plus extra for drizzling
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup olives pitted and sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary or 2 teaspoons dried
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Stir in ¼ cup of olive oil, gluten-free flour, and 1 teaspoon of salt until the dough comes together.
- Knead the dough in the bowl until smooth, about 5 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour.
- Cover with a cloth and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Transfer the dough to a greased baking sheet, pressing it out to about a 1-inch thickness.
- Press the olives and rosemary into the top of the dough, drizzle with more olive oil, and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- Ensure the water is lukewarm to activate the yeast properly; too hot or too cold can inhibit it.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area to expedite the rising process.
- Do not replace olive oil with less flavorful oils as it's integral to the taste and texture.
- Press your fingers into the top of the dough before baking to create traditional focaccia dimples.
- Feel free to add other herbs or seasonings on top before baking for additional flavor.