Focaccia

Focaccia is a beloved Italian bread known for its rich flavor and delightful texture. With its crispy crust and soft, airy interior, it’s perfect for dipping in olive oil or serving alongside soups and salads. Making focaccia at home might seem daunting, but with a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create a bakery-worthy loaf that will impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the world of focaccia and discover how to make this delightful bread from scratch!

Why Focaccia is Worth Your Time

Focaccia is more than just bread; it’s a canvas for creativity. You can customize it with various toppings, from herbs and spices to vegetables and cheeses. Its versatility makes it a great addition to any meal, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy family night in. Plus, the aroma of freshly baked focaccia wafting through your kitchen is worth every minute spent preparing it. This bread doesn’t just fill your stomach; it fills your home with warmth and love.

Shopping List

• 4 3/4 cups bread flour (576g) – This high-gluten flour provides the perfect chew and structure.
• 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (14g) – Essential for flavor and strengthening the dough.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar or honey (8g) – A touch of sweetness that helps activate the yeast.
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast (5g) – This allows for a quicker rise.
• 2 cups warm water (454g), (90F to 110F) – Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour.
• 2 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (30g) – Adds richness and flavor to the dough.
• Extra virgin olive oil – For drizzling and greasing.
• Flaky sea salt – For topping, adds a delightful crunch.
• Fresh rosemary sprigs, coarsely chopped (optional) – Offers a fragrant, earthy flavor.

What’s in the Gear List

• Mixing Bowl – A large bowl for mixing your dough ingredients.
• Whisk or Wooden Spoon – For combining your dry ingredients and mixing the dough.
• Baking Sheet – A large baking sheet to shape and bake your focaccia.
• Parchment Paper – Optional, for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
• Kitchen Towel – To cover the dough while it rises, keeping it warm and moist.

Stepwise Method: Focaccia

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour, kosher salt, granulated sugar or honey, and instant yeast until well combined. This ensures that the yeast is evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Step 2: Add Warm Water and Olive Oil

Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the warm water and 2 1/2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil. Use a wooden spoon to mix until a rough dough forms. The dough will be sticky and shaggy, which is perfect for focaccia!

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes. You want to develop gluten, so the dough should become smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.

Step 4: First Rise

Grease a large bowl with olive oil, place the dough inside, and cover it with a kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Once the dough has risen, grease a baking sheet with olive oil. Gently punch down the dough to release the air and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Using your fingers, stretch and press the dough into the pan, making dimples across the surface.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the dough again with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes. This allows it to become airy and light, perfect for that characteristic focaccia texture.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help achieve a crispy crust.

Step 8: Add Toppings

Drizzle the surface of the dough with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. If desired, add coarsely chopped fresh rosemary or any other toppings you love, such as cherry tomatoes or olives.

Step 9: Bake

Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy with your favorite dip, soup, or on its own!

Texture-Safe Substitutions

• All-Purpose Flour – Can be used instead of bread flour, although the texture may be slightly less chewy.
• Sea Salt – If kosher salt isn’t available, substitute with sea salt in a 1:1 ratio.
• Honey or Agave Syrup – Use in place of granulated sugar for a different sweetness profile.
• Fresh Herbs – Feel free to experiment with thyme, oregano, or basil instead of rosemary.

Chef’s Rationale

The key to perfect focaccia lies in the dough hydration and the quality of the ingredients. Using bread flour with a higher protein content helps create a chewy texture, while the warm water activates the yeast, allowing for a good rise. The extra virgin olive oil adds depth of flavor and moisture, making each bite irresistible. Focaccia is forgiving; it thrives with experimentation, so don’t hesitate to try different toppings or flavors!

Make Ahead Like a Pro

If you want to prep focaccia in advance, you can refrigerate the dough after the first rise. Simply punch it down, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and proceed with the second rise before baking. This method enhances the flavor and texture, resulting in even more delicious focaccia!

Quick Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour for focaccia?

Yes, you can substitute part of the bread flour with whole wheat flour. However, it will change the texture slightly, making it denser. Adjust the hydration by adding a bit more water if needed.

What can I serve with focaccia?

Focaccia pairs beautifully with olive oil for dipping, balsamic vinegar, soups, salads, or as a sandwich base. Get creative!

How do I store leftover focaccia?

Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven to restore its texture.

Can I make focaccia in a bread machine?

Absolutely! Follow your bread machine’s instructions for dough preparation, and then shape and bake it in the oven for that perfect crust.

Try These Next

• Rosemary Focaccia – A classic with fragrant rosemary.
• 30-Minute Pizza Dough – Quick and easy pizza alternative.
• Easy Vegan Bread – A simple recipe for a fluffy loaf.
• Herb and Cheese Focaccia – A cheesy twist on the classic.

Bring It Home

Focaccia is not just a recipe; it’s an experience. The joy of kneading dough, the anticipation of watching it rise, and the satisfaction of pulling a golden, fragrant loaf from the oven are all part of the magic. Whether you keep it simple or load it up with your favorite toppings, focaccia is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and let’s make some focaccia that will bring the taste of Italy right to your home!