Focaccia Bread: A Delightful Recipe for Every Home Baker
If you’re a bread lover, then you’re in for a treat with this simple yet mouthwatering Focaccia Bread recipe. Focaccia is a soft and chewy Italian bread that’s incredibly versatile and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, making Focaccia is a delightful journey that will fill your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread.
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious Focaccia Bread:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups of warm water (around 110°F or 45°C)
- 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast (or one packet)
- 5 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt
For Toppings (optional):
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Coarse sea salt
- Cherry tomatoes
- Sliced olives
- Sliced red onions
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation Time:
Before you start, remember that making Focaccia takes some time, mainly due to the dough rising. The whole process will take about 2 hours and 30 minutes, including prep and baking time.
Preparation Steps:
1. Proofing the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, mix the warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Sprinkle the yeast over the water-sugar mixture. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This shows that the yeast is active.
2. Making the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour mixture.
- Mix everything together until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You can use your hands or a stand mixer with a dough hook.
3. First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl.
- Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
- Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
4. Shaping the Focaccia:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Grease a baking sheet or a rectangular baking pan (around 9×13 inches) with olive oil.
- Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air.
- Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet and press it evenly to fill the pan.
- Cover it and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes.
5. Adding Toppings:
- Using your fingertips, make dimples all over the dough.
- Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
- If desired, add rosemary sprigs, cherry tomatoes, olives, sliced onions, or Parmesan cheese on top.
6. Second Rise:
- Cover the pan again and let it rise for another 15-20 minutes while your oven finishes preheating.
7. Baking:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the Focaccia is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Cooling and Serving:
- Remove the Focaccia from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes in the pan.
- Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice it into squares or wedges and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks:
- You can customize your Focaccia with your favorite toppings like roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, or even caramelized onions.
- Experiment with different herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil for added flavor.
- For a crispy crust, place a pan with water on the bottom rack of your oven while baking.
- Leftover Focaccia can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for a day or two. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
In conclusion, making homemade Focaccia Bread is a rewarding experience that anyone can enjoy. With simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create a bread that’s perfect for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, or simply savoring on its own. So, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake your way to bread heaven with this delightful Focaccia recipe!
Focaccia Bread recipe(youtube)- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1SbogCdUTQ