Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

With Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread, you can create a soft, chewy delight right in your kitchen. This bread is not only simple to make but also incredibly versatile. Enjoy it for breakfast, serve it at brunch, or use it as the base for delicious sandwiches. Its unique texture and flavor will impress your family and friends every time!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Dough
• For Topping
• How to Make Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread
• Step 1: Mix the Dough
• Step 2: Oil the Dough
• Step 3: Prepare the Baking Pan
• Step 4: Shape the Dough
• Step 5: Preheat the Oven
• Step 6: Dimples and Topping
• Step 7: Bake the Bread
• How to Serve Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread
• As Part of a Charcuterie Board
• For Breakfast
• As Sandwiches
• Dipped in Soups
• How to Perfect Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread
• Best Side Dishes for Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread
• Reheating Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make my Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread extra fluffy?
• Can I customize my Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread toppings?
• What should I do if my Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread doesn’t rise?
• Can I make Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread vegan?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: All you need are a few pantry staples to make this focaccia bread.
• Long Rise Time: The slow fermentation process enhances the flavor without requiring constant attention.
• Customizable Toppings: Get creative with toppings like herbs, cheese, or olives for added flair.
• Perfect for Sharing: This large loaf is ideal for gatherings or family meals.
• Great for Leftovers: Use any leftover bread for sandwiches or toasted snacks.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential 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 sturdy bowl helps combine ingredients evenly without spilling.
• Wooden spoon: It’s perfect for mixing and won’t scratch your bowls.
• Baking pan: A good quality pan ensures even baking and easy removal of the focaccia.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 500 g (4 cups, spoon and leveled) 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, for topping
• 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 on opposite sides of the bowl to prevent direct contact initially. Use your fingers to mix the dry ingredients together, then create a well in the center. Pour in the lukewarm water and 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 the oil over the dough. Gently wiggle the dough from the edges of the bowl to coat the sides and bottom with oil. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 18 hours, up to 72 hours.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Pan

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

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Remove the dough from the fridge. Use your fingers to pull the edges of the dough towards the center while rotating the bowl, forming it into a ball. Transfer it to your prepared baking pan, turning it a few times to coat its entire surface in olive oil. Leave uncovered to rise in a warm place for 3-4 hours until it nearly fills the pan.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

Towards the end of this second rise, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).

Step 6: Dimples and Topping

Drizzle remaining olive oil over the dough. Rub it over its surface, then sprinkle with chopped rosemary if using. Press straight down into dough to create deep dimples all over; gently stretch it to fill corners if needed. Sprinkle flaky salt on top.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and pulling away from sides of pan. Let cool in pan for 5 minutes before transferring carefully to a wire rack using a large metal spatula if needed. Allow cooling for another 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade focaccia!

How to Serve Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

Serving Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread is a delightful experience that can elevate any meal. This bread’s soft texture and rich flavor make it perfect for various occasions, whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a cozy dinner at home.

As Part of a Charcuterie Board

• Cheeses: Pair with soft cheeses like brie or strong cheeses like aged cheddar for a delightful contrast.
• Cured Meats: Salami, prosciutto, and other cured meats complement the bread’s flavor wonderfully.
• Olives and Pickles: Add a tangy twist by including marinated olives or pickles.

For Breakfast

• With Eggs: Serve alongside scrambled eggs or an omelet for a hearty breakfast.
• As Toast: Lightly toast slices and top with avocado or your favorite spread.

As Sandwiches

• Paninis: Use focaccia as the base for delicious panini, filled with fresh ingredients.
• Breakfast Sandwiches: Layer with eggs, cheese, and bacon for a satisfying morning meal.

Dipped in Soups

• Tomato Soup: The fluffy texture of focaccia is perfect for soaking up rich tomato soup.
• Chili: Pair with a bowl of hearty chili for added comfort on chilly days.

How to Perfect Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

To achieve the best results when making Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread, keep these tips in mind:

• Bold Flour Choice: Use high-quality bread flour for optimal structure and chewiness.
• Bold Proper Rising: Allow sufficient time for the dough to rise; plan for at least 18 hours in the refrigerator.
• Bold Dimples Matter: Create deep dimples before baking to enhance texture and allow olive oil to seep in.
• Bold Oven Temperature: Preheat your oven well to ensure even baking and a golden crust.
• Bold Experiment with Toppings: Try various toppings like garlic, herbs, or even cheese to customize your focaccia.

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Best Side Dishes for Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a refreshing contrast.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized add depth to your meal.
3. Pasta Primavera: Light pasta tossed with fresh vegetables complements the focaccia beautifully.
4. Garlic Butter Shrimp: Succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic butter create a rich pairing.
5. Mixed Greens Salad: A simple salad dressed in vinaigrette balances the richness of focaccia.
6. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: This classic pairing enhances the flavors while providing comforting warmth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect your results.

• Using cold water: Always use lukewarm water for the dough. Cold water slows down the yeast activation, leading to poor rising.
• Skipping the oil: Don’t forget to coat your dough with olive oil before refrigeration. This helps prevent sticking and keeps the texture soft.
• Not letting it rise enough: Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until it fills the pan. Insufficient rising can result in dense bread.
• Overcrowding toppings: Be careful not to overload with toppings. Less is more; it ensures even baking and maintains the focaccia’s structure.
• Not creating dimples: Forgetting to dimple the dough means missing out on those delightful pockets of air and flavor. Make sure to create deep dimples before baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store focaccia in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• • Container: Use an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.

Freezing Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

• • Duration: You can freeze focaccia for up to 3 months.
• • Container: Place cooled focaccia in a freezer bag or wrap it in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.

Reheating Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap focaccia in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: For quick reheating, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place focaccia in the skillet for a few minutes on each side until warm and slightly crispy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread extra fluffy?

To achieve an airy texture, ensure proper hydration by using lukewarm water and allowing sufficient rising time for the dough.

Can I customize my Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread toppings?

Absolutely! Experiment with toppings such as olives, sun-dried tomatoes, cheese, or herbs according to your taste preferences.

What should I do if my Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread doesn’t rise?

If your dough doesn’t rise, check if your yeast is fresh. Additionally, ensure you’re using lukewarm water and placing it in a draft-free warm area.

Can I make Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread vegan?

Yes! To make this recipe vegan, simply omit any dairy-based toppings or adjust as needed without affecting the base recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for sandwiches, snacks, or as a side dish. Feel free to customize it with various herbs and toppings to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

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