How To Make Delicious and Easy Focaccia Bread: A Step-by-Step Guide
Focaccia, with its irresistible texture and versatility, is a crowd-pleaser. This guide provides a simple, step-by-step recipe to make this delightful Italian bread at home. We'll cover everything from ingredient selection to achieving that perfect, bubbly crust.
Ingredients You'll Need:
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For the Dough:
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water (around 105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing the pan
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For the Topping:
- Coarse sea salt
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)
- Other herbs (optional, e.g., thyme, oregano)
Step-by-Step Focaccia Recipe:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it stand for about 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic. If the mixture doesn't foam, your yeast might be dead, and you'll need a fresh batch.
Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Adding a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, might be necessary if the dough is too sticky.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Prepare the Pan
Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with olive oil.
Step 6: Shape the Focaccia
Gently punch down the risen dough and transfer it to the prepared pan. Use oiled hands to stretch and spread the dough evenly into the corners of the pan.
Step 7: Dimple the Dough
Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface of the dough. This is crucial for that characteristic focaccia texture.
Step 8: Second Rise
Drizzle the focaccia with olive oil, and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt and any desired herbs. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, until almost doubled again.
Step 9: Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the focaccia cool slightly in the pan before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm, with dips or on its own!
Tips for the Perfect Focaccia:
- Use good quality olive oil: This significantly impacts the flavor of your focaccia.
- Don't over-knead the dough: Over-kneading can result in a tough focaccia.
- Proof in a warm place: A warm environment helps the yeast work efficiently, leading to a better rise.
- Experiment with toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Sun-dried tomatoes, olives, onions, and different herbs all make delicious additions.
This recipe provides a solid foundation for making delicious focaccia. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own! Happy baking!
