Description
Homemade focaccia brings Italian bakery magic straight to kitchen counters with golden, herb-kissed bread that whispers Mediterranean charm. Crisp exterior and pillowy interior promise delightful bites that transport your senses to sunny Italian landscapes with each delectable slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 (0.25 ounces) packet active-dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
Liquids and Oils:
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 2 teaspoons sugar or honey
- 2 teaspoons flaky sea salt
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Activate yeast by combining warm water, sugar, and dry yeast in a mixing bowl. Allow the mixture to develop a frothy texture for 5-10 minutes, indicating active fermentation.
- Incorporate flour, olive oil, and salt into the yeast mixture. Knead the dough vigorously for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and develops a consistent texture.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, ensuring complete surface coverage. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm environment for approximately 1 hour, or until the volume doubles.
- Gently stretch and shape the risen dough into a rectangular form on a baking sheet. Allow the dough to rest and relax for 20 minutes, which helps develop better texture.
- Create signature focaccia dimples using fingertips, pressing deliberately across the surface. Drizzle generously with additional olive oil, then sprinkle fresh rosemary and coarse sea salt evenly.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Bake the focaccia for 20 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and edges become crispy. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing to preserve texture and moisture.
Notes
- Choose high-protein bread flour for a chewier, more authentic texture that mimics traditional Italian focaccia.
- Create deeper flavor complexity by letting the dough slow-rise overnight in the refrigerator, developing richer yeast characteristics.
- Experiment with alternative toppings like caramelized onions, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes to personalize your focaccia and match different meal styles.
- Use a digital thermometer to check internal bread temperature, ensuring perfect doneness without overdrying the delicate crumb structure.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 35-40 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg