Description
This easy-to-make Focaccia Bread recipe yields a soft, airy Italian flatbread with a golden, crispy crust infused with fresh herbs and olive oil. Perfect for snacks, appetizers, or sandwiches, it features simple pantry ingredients and a straightforward baking process suitable for beginners and customizable to your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar (use agave or maple syrup for vegan version)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
Optional Toppings
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Thyme, oregano, or basil (for herb medley)
- Sliced olives and cherry tomatoes (for Mediterranean twist)
- Shredded mozzarella, parmesan, or feta cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture: Dissolve the active dry yeast and honey (or sugar) in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy to ensure the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and sea salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir together until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This helps develop gluten for the characteristic chewy texture.
- First Rise: Lightly oil a bowl, place the dough inside, and cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape and Second Rise: Gently press the dough into a greased baking pan or sheet, spreading it evenly. Use your fingertips to create dimples all over the surface. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle fresh rosemary and sea salt, then let it rise again for 30-45 minutes.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and crisp. Watch carefully during the last 5 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to help activate the yeast and encourage even rising.
- Don’t skip making the dimples as they trap olive oil and herbs, enriching the flavor.
- Opt for high-quality extra virgin olive oil for superior aroma and crust color.
- Be patient with the rising times to ensure a soft, airy crumb.
- Adjust the amount of sea salt sprinkled on top to avoid over-salting.
- For vegan option, replace honey with agave or maple syrup.
- For gluten-free version, substitute flour with a gluten-free bread flour blend.
- If using instant yeast, omit proofing step and mix directly with flour; adjust rising times accordingly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/10 of loaf)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: focaccia, Italian bread, flatbread, homemade bread, herb bread, easy bread recipe, gluten-free focaccia, vegan focaccia
