Italian Focaccia Bread Recipe

5 from 1 vote

The secret to achieving that authentic taste and texture lies in the simple yet flavorful ingredients. Extra-virgin olive oil, salt, fresh herbs, and even toppings such as cherry tomatoes or olives add a burst of flavor to each bite.

Course Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Italian

Keyword Bread, Foccacia

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 25

Resting Time 3

Total Time 4

Servings People

Calories 142kcal

Equipment

1 Mixing bowl
1 Baking sheet

Ingredients

4 cups All-purpose flour
2 tsp Active dry yeast
1 tsp Sugar
2 tsp Salt
2 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil
1 ½ cup Warm water
Fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme (optional)
Toppings such as cherry tomatoes, olives, or caramelized onions (optional)

Instructions

In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
Stir the ingredients together until a sticky dough forms. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a greased baking sheet and flatten it with your hands to create a rectangular shape.
Using your fingers, gently press indentations into the dough. Drizzle olive oil over the top and sprinkle with salt. If desired, sprinkle fresh herbs over the dough for added flavor.
Let the dough rise for an additional 30 minutes, allowing it to become slightly puffy.
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, or until it turns golden brown.
Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Notes

Tips and Tricks for Baking Perfect Focaccia Bread

Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor. The olive oil not only adds richness but also helps create a moist and tender crumb.
For a more pronounced flavor, consider adding garlic or onion powder to the dough.
Experiment with different toppings such as sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, or even cheese to create unique flavor combinations.
Don't skip the step of letting the dough rise. This allows the gluten to develop and gives the bread a light and airy texture.
If you prefer a softer crust, brush the baked focaccia with melted butter or olive oil as soon as it comes out of the oven.

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