Homemade Focaccia Bread

Name: Homemade Focaccia Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast; 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C); ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling); 2 teaspoons sea salt

Recipe By:

Ava Mack

Posted:

February 14, 2025

Updated:

February 14, 2025

Pin54

54 Shares

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Have you ever experienced the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen? This sensory delight is what makes Homemade Focaccia Bread such a beloved recipe. The crispy crust and soft interior create an irresistible combination that invites everyone to gather around the table to share in the warmth and comfort it brings.

Imagine pulling apart a piece of warm focaccia, its olive oil-soaked surface glistening under the light. It’s perfect for dipping in balsamic vinegar or serving as a side dish to your favorite meals. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering with friends, this delightful homemade focaccia is sure to elevate any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Focaccia Bread

Simple and Versatile: Making homemade focaccia bread is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients. You can customize it with various toppings like herbs, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences.

Perfect for Any Occasion: This delicious bread is ideal for many occasions—from casual weeknight dinners to elegant gatherings. It pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or as part of an antipasto platter.

Impressive Aroma: The smell of fresh focaccia baking in your oven will fill your home with an inviting aroma that draws everyone in. It’s the kind of scent that brings back fond memories and creates new ones.

Healthier Alternative: Homemade focaccia can be made healthier by using whole grain flour or incorporating ingredients like seeds and herbs. You control the ingredients and can opt for less salt compared to store-bought options.

Recipe preparation

Ingredients for Homemade Focaccia Bread

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality all-purpose flour for a light and fluffy texture; you may substitute some with whole wheat flour for added nutrition.

Instant Yeast: Instant yeast allows for quicker rising times without needing proofing; it’s convenient and produces consistent results.

Warm Water: The water should be around 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast without killing it; use a thermometer for precision.

Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds flavor and moisture; reserve some for drizzling before baking.

Salt: Sea salt enhances flavor; don’t skip it as it balances the sweetness of the dough.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Homemade Focaccia Bread

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, and salt. Stir in warm water and two tablespoons of olive oil until fully combined. The dough will be sticky but should come together into a ball.

Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour as needed while ensuring not to over-knead.

First Rise: Place the kneaded dough back into the bowl lightly greased with olive oil. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let rise in a warm area for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

Shape the Dough: After rising, punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles. Transfer it onto an oiled baking sheet or pan and stretch out into your desired shape (round or rectangular), aiming for about 1-inch thickness.

Add Toppings: Drizzle remaining olive oil over the surface of the dough and use your fingers to make dimples all over. Sprinkle sea salt and any desired toppings like rosemary or cherry tomatoes on top before letting it rest again for about 30 minutes.

Bake Your Focaccia: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and drizzle more olive oil if desired before slicing into squares or rectangles. Enjoy warm!

Serving and storing

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Use Quality Ingredients: Opting for fresh ingredients will significantly enhance flavor; consider using organic flour and high-quality olive oil for better results.

Knead Gently: Avoid over-kneading your dough as this can make it tough; you want just enough kneading to develop gluten without compromising softness.

Experiment with Toppings: Get creative by adding various toppings like cheese, garlic cloves, or even nuts; each addition will bring unique flavors that refresh every batch of focaccia you bake.

Store Properly: To keep leftover focaccia fresh longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil once cooled completely; this prevents staleness while maintaining moisture.

By following these guidelines on making homemade focaccia bread successfully at home, you will create something truly special that delights both family and friends alike!

Serving Suggestions

This Homemade Focaccia Bread is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar

Dipping your freshly baked focaccia in high-quality olive oil mixed with balsamic vinegar is a delightful experience. The bread absorbs the flavors, enhancing its natural taste while adding a tangy twist. This combination makes for an elegant appetizer or a simple snack that highlights the bread’s texture.

Soups and Stews

Serve your focaccia alongside hearty soups or stews to create a comforting meal. The bread’s airy structure allows it to soak up rich broths beautifully, making it perfect for sopping up every last drop of your favorite dish. Whether it’s minestrone or chicken noodle soup, focaccia completes the dining experience.

Sandwiches

Use slices of focaccia as a base for delicious sandwiches. Layer your favorite meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables between two pieces for a satisfying lunch option. The flavorful crust and soft interior provide an excellent contrast to the fillings, creating a memorable sandwich.

Salads

Pair homemade focaccia with fresh salads for a light yet filling meal. The bread adds substance without overpowering the flavors of the greens and dressings. Croutons made from leftover focaccia can also enhance any salad with their unique texture and taste.

FAQs

What is Homemade Focaccia Bread?

Homemade focaccia bread is an Italian flatbread known for its crispy crust and soft, airy interior. It typically features olive oil, herbs, and salt, offering a delectable flavor profile. This versatile bread can be enjoyed plain or topped with various ingredients such as olives, tomatoes, or cheese.

How do I store Homemade Focaccia Bread?

To keep your homemade focaccia bread fresh, store it at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider freezing it. Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.

Can I make Homemade Focaccia Bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare homemade focaccia bread ahead of time! After baking, allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. You can also freeze unbaked dough; just ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. Thaw before baking when you’re ready to enjoy.

What toppings work best on Homemade Focaccia Bread?

Many toppings complement homemade focaccia bread beautifully. Popular choices include rosemary, garlic, olives, cherry tomatoes, and sea salt. You can also experiment with cheese or nuts for added flavor and texture. Feel free to get creative with seasonal ingredients!

Conclusion

Homemade focaccia bread is not only simple to make but also incredibly versatile. Enjoy it as an appetizer dipped in olive oil or pair it with hearty soups for comfort food at its finest. Slice it into sandwiches for lunch or serve alongside fresh salads for a balanced meal. With its crispy crust and soft interior, this Italian flatbread elevates any dining experience. Store leftovers properly to relish its flavors later on or even freeze some dough for future enjoyment. Get ready to impress family and friends with this delicious bread that brings warmth and joy to any table!