Oh my gosh, let me tell you about making simple focaccia bread! It’s seriously one of my favorite things to whip up in the kitchen. The best part? It’s so easy! You don’t need any fancy equipment or skills, just a bowl and your hands. The aroma that fills your home while it bakes is absolutely magical, and the texture? Soft, fluffy, and oh-so-delicious. Plus, you can customize it with any toppings you love, from rosemary to olives or even sun-dried tomatoes. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked on making your own focaccia again and again!
Ingredients for Simple Focaccia Bread
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your focaccia, giving it that lovely structure. Make sure to spoon it into your measuring cup for accuracy.
- 1 1/2 cups warm water: You want it warm to the touch, not hot! This helps activate the yeast and gets the dough rising beautifully.
- 2 teaspoons salt: This adds flavor to your bread and balances out the sweetness of the dough.
- 1 packet active dry yeast: This is what makes your focaccia rise! Make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Use a good quality olive oil for that rich, delicious flavor. It also helps keep the bread moist.
- Fresh rosemary: This is my favorite herb to top the focaccia, but honestly, feel free to experiment with whatever fresh herbs you love!
- Coarse sea salt for topping: A sprinkle of this on top before baking gives that perfect finishing touch and a delightful crunch.
How to Prepare Simple Focaccia Bread
Alright, let’s get right into the fun part of making your focaccia! Trust me, it’s easier than you think, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious loaf of bread ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Mixing the Dough
First up, grab a medium bowl and mix together the warm water and the active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets all bubbly and frothy. This means your yeast is alive and kicking! Next, add in the flour, salt, and olive oil. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to combine everything until it all comes together into a shaggy dough. Don’t stress about it being perfect right now!
Kneading the Dough
Now, it’s time to knead! Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 to 10 minutes. You want it to be smooth and elastic—just like a soft pillow! If it’s sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour, but only a bit at a time. You’ll know it’s ready when it springs back after you poke it. It’s a great little test!
Letting the Dough Rise
Once your dough is kneaded, place it in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. You want it to double in size, so find a cozy corner of your kitchen! While it’s rising, you can be daydreaming about all the delicious toppings you’ll add later.
Preparing for Baking
When your dough has risen, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grab a greased baking sheet and gently spread the dough onto it, using your fingers to press it out. Here comes the fun part: make those dimples with your fingers all over the surface of the dough! This helps hold the olive oil and toppings later. Sprinkle fresh rosemary and coarse sea salt on top for that perfect flavor boost.
Baking the Focaccia
Pop your focaccia into the oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s a beautiful golden brown and your kitchen smells like a slice of heaven. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into it. I promise, the wait will be worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can have fresh focaccia ready in just a couple of hours, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or unexpected guests.
- Simple Ingredients: All you need is basic pantry staples—no fancy ingredients here! It’s an accessible recipe for anyone to try.
- Versatile Uses: Enjoy it as a side with soups and salads, or turn it into delicious sandwiches. The possibilities are endless!
- Customizable Toppings: Whether you love herbs, cheese, or even roasted veggies, you can mix and match toppings to suit your taste.
- Fun to Make: The process of kneading and shaping the dough is incredibly satisfying, and it’s a great activity to do with family or friends.
- Impressive Results: Your homemade focaccia will look and smell amazing, making it a showstopper at any meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Focaccia keeps well, so you can make it in advance and enjoy it throughout the week.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh yeast: Always check the expiration date on your yeast! Fresh yeast is crucial for a good rise, so if you’re unsure, do a quick proof test to see if it bubbles.
- Don’t rush the rising: Letting the dough rise until it doubles in size is essential. If your kitchen is cold, try placing it in a warm spot, like near the oven or under a cozy blanket!
- Experiment with toppings: While rosemary is classic, don’t be afraid to get creative. Try adding garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of parmesan for extra flavor.
- Keep an eye on baking time: Every oven is different! Start checking your focaccia a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking.
- Let it cool: Patience is key! Allow your focaccia to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the texture settle and makes it easier to cut.
- Store properly: If you have leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this delicious focaccia bread! Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and their brands. This information is an estimate, so it’s always best to check your labels if you’re keeping a close eye on your intake.
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 5g
Enjoy your focaccia guilt-free, knowing it’s a delicious addition to your meals! Just remember to indulge in moderation, and you’ll be all set to savor every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Absolutely! Whole wheat flour will give your focaccia a nuttier flavor and a denser texture. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the hydration slightly, as whole wheat flour absorbs more water.
How do I know if my yeast is still good? Great question! You can check by mixing the yeast with warm water and a pinch of sugar. If it bubbles and froths after about 5–10 minutes, it’s alive and ready to go! If not, it’s time to get a fresh packet.
Can I make focaccia in advance? Yes, you can! Focaccia is perfect for meal prep. Just bake it, let it cool, and then store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze it for longer storage.
What toppings can I use besides rosemary? The sky’s the limit! You can use garlic, olives, cherry tomatoes, caramelized onions, or even cheese. Get creative and mix in your favorite flavors! Just remember to keep the toppings balanced so they don’t overwhelm the dough.
How do I reheat leftover focaccia? To reheat, just pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will help it regain that lovely soft texture and warm aroma. You can also wrap it in foil to keep it moist!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s chat about what to do with any leftover focaccia (if you have any, that is!). Storing it properly is key to keeping that lovely texture and flavor intact. Once your focaccia has cooled completely, wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just slice it first, then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. It’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer. Just remember to label it so you don’t forget about that delicious bread hiding in there!
Now, when it comes to reheating, you have a couple of options. If you want to warm it up in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and place your focaccia on a baking sheet. Heat it for about 10 minutes or until it’s warmed through. This method really helps revive that soft texture and brings back the delightful aroma. You can also wrap it in foil to keep it moist while reheating.
If you’re in a hurry, you can pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, or it might get a bit chewy. Either way, you’ll love enjoying your focaccia again, whether it’s fresh out of the oven or warmed up!
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Simple Focaccia Bread to Elevate Your Home Baking Joy
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple recipe for soft, homemade focaccia bread.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Fresh rosemary
- Coarse sea salt for topping
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until combined.
- Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Spread the dough onto a greased baking sheet.
- Make dimples in the dough with your fingers.
- Top with rosemary and coarse salt.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Let it cool before slicing.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for more flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- This bread is great for sandwiches or as a side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: simple focaccia bread
