Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

With just a few simple ingredients and time in the refrigerator, you can make Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread at home. This soft, chewy bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or sandwiches. Its irresistible flavor and texture will impress your family and friends every time you serve it!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses basic pantry staples, making it accessible for anyone to try.
• Flavorful Texture: With olive oil and optional rosemary, this focaccia is rich in flavor and has a delightful chew.
• Versatile Uses: Enjoy it as a side dish, sandwich bread, or even toasted with toppings for a snack.
• Make-Ahead Option: The dough can be refrigerated for up to 72 hours, allowing for flexible meal planning.
• Impressive Presentation: The dimples and golden crust create an eye-catching loaf that looks as good as it tastes.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Plastic wrap
• Baking pan (9×13-inch)
• Non-stick spray
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows enough space to mix the dough without mess.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for mixing sticky dough without scratching your cookware.
• Baking pan: A sturdy pan ensures even baking and helps achieve that perfect golden crust.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 500 g (4 cups) bread flour
• 7 g (2 1/4 teaspoons or 1 standard packet) instant yeast
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 480 g (2 cups) lukewarm water (see notes for preparation)
• 6 tablespoons high-quality extra-virgin olive oil, divided

For Topping

• Flaky salt
• 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary (optional)

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How to Make Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

Step 1: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the bread flour. Add the yeast and kosher salt, keeping them on opposite sides of the bowl to avoid direct contact. Use your fingers to mix the dry ingredients together. Create a well in the center and pour in the lukewarm water. Stir with a wooden spoon until a wet, shaggy dough forms.

Step 2: Oil the Dough

Drizzle 30 g (2 tablespoons) of olive oil over the surface of the dough. Use your fingers to rub it over the dough. Gently wiggle the edges to coat them with oil. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 18 hours or up to 72 hours.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Pan

Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray. Drizzle another 30 g (2 tablespoons) of olive oil in the center of the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Remove the dough from refrigeration. Pull edges towards the center while rotating to form a ball. Transfer it to your prepared baking pan, turning to coat all sides with olive oil. Leave uncovered in a warm place for 3-4 hours until nearly filling the pan.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

As you near completion of rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).

Step 6: Dimples and Topping

Drizzle remaining 30 g (2 tablespoons) olive oil over your risen dough. Rub it into the surface before sprinkling chopped rosemary if desired. Press deep dimples into the dough using your fingers. If necessary, stretch it gently to fill corners of the pan. Finally, sprinkle flaky salt over top.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and pulling away from sides of pan. Let cool in pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack using a spatula if needed. Cool for an additional 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

This Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread will surely become a staple at your table!

How to Serve Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

This Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it at breakfast, brunch, or as a snack, there are countless delicious options.

As a Sandwich Base

• Ciabatta-style Sandwiches: Use focaccia as a hearty base for your favorite sandwiches—try it with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for a Caprese twist.
• Breakfast Sandwiches: Slice the focaccia and fill it with scrambled eggs, cheese, and crispy bacon for a delightful breakfast treat.

With Dips and Spreads

• Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar: Drizzle high-quality olive oil mixed with balsamic vinegar for a simple yet flavorful dip.
• Hummus: Serve warm focaccia alongside a bowl of creamy hummus for a satisfying snack.

As an Accompaniment

• Soups and Stews: Pair focaccia with hearty soups or stews to soak up all the flavors.
• Cheese Boards: Include slices of focaccia on cheese boards alongside assorted cheeses, cured meats, and fruits.

Topped with Ingredients

• Bruschetta Style: Top slices of focaccia with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil for a fresh appetizer.
• Herbed Cream Cheese Spread: Spread herbed cream cheese over warm focaccia for an easy yet impressive starter.

How to Perfect Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

To elevate your Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread, keep these essential tips in mind:

• Use Quality Ingredients: Starting with high-quality bread flour and olive oil significantly enhances the flavor of your focaccia.
• Knead Gently: Avoid over-kneading the dough to maintain its soft texture. A gentle mix is all you need.
• Longer Rise Time: Giving the dough more time to rise (up to 72 hours) allows for better flavor development.
• Create Dimples Properly: Pressing deep dimples into the dough helps capture olive oil and seasonings, adding more taste.
• Watch the Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated correctly; too low can lead to undercooked bread while too high may burn the crust.
• Cool Completely Before Slicing: Allowing the bread to cool prevents it from becoming soggy when sliced.

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Best Side Dishes for Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

Focaccia pairs wonderfully with many side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a refreshing salad.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables add color and nutrients to your meal while pairing perfectly with focaccia.
3. Italian Sausage Links: Grilled or baked Italian sausages offer a savory contrast that works well alongside focaccia.
4. Pasta Primavera: A light pasta dish filled with seasonal vegetables enhances any meal featuring focaccia bread.
5. Bruschetta Topping Bar: Set up toppings like diced tomatoes, olives, and cheeses for guests to create their own bruschetta bites using focaccia.
6. Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables creates an enticing spread that complements focaccia beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread can be straightforward, but a few common mistakes can lead to less than perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.

• Mistake: Using cold water – Always use lukewarm water for mixing the dough. Cold water can hinder yeast activation, resulting in poor rising.
• Mistake: Not measuring ingredients accurately – Baking is a science, and precise measurements are crucial. Use a kitchen scale for the best accuracy.
• Mistake: Skipping the refrigeration step – Allowing the dough to rise in the refrigerator enhances flavor and texture. Don’t rush this step; 18 hours is ideal.
• Mistake: Over or under-kneading the dough – Knead just enough to bring it together without overworking it. This ensures a soft and chewy texture.
• Mistake: Baking at the wrong temperature – Preheat your oven thoroughly to 425°F (218°C). An under-heated oven can lead to uneven baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store focaccia in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap for easy access.

Freezing Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

• Freeze focaccia by wrapping it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
• It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds. Be cautious not to make it chewy.
• Stovetop: Warm slices in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes on each side.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread?

The total time includes about 15 minutes of hands-on prep and at least 18 hours of rise time, making it a great option for planning ahead.

Can I customize my Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread?

Absolutely! Feel free to add toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or different herbs to suit your taste.

What should I do if my focaccia bread doesn’t rise?

Ensure that your yeast is fresh and active. Also, make sure you’re using lukewarm water during preparation.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

While bread flour yields chewier focaccia, you can use all-purpose flour. Just be mindful that the texture may differ slightly.

How do I know when my focaccia is done baking?

Look for a golden brown color on top, and check that it’s pulling away from the sides of the pan.

Final Thoughts

Making Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread at home is rewarding and perfect for any occasion. Its soft texture and rich flavor make it versatile enough for breakfast, snacks, or sandwiches. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings or herbs to cater this recipe to your palate!