Easy, homemade Focaccia is a delightful bread that brings the warmth of Italian cuisine to your kitchen. With its soft and fluffy texture, this Focaccia is perfect for any occasion—from family dinners to casual gatherings. The aromatic toppings of garlic, rosemary, and oregano elevate its flavor, making it an irresistible appetizer that pairs well with various dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Preparation: This Focaccia recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
- Flavorful Toppings: The combination of garlic, rosemary, and oregano creates a fragrant and savory experience that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy this Focaccia on its own or as a side with soups, salads, or dips—its uses are endless!
- Perfect for Sharing: With servings for six people, this bread is great for gatherings or family meals, inviting everyone to indulge together.
- Customizable Recipe: Feel free to experiment with different toppings like olives or sun-dried tomatoes to suit your palate.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Focaccia bread, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric mixer
- 9 x 13 (22cm x 33cm) baking pan
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Ensures thorough mixing of the dough ingredients in just one minute.
- Baking pan: A good-quality pan helps achieve the perfect golden crust while allowing the bread to rise properly.
Ingredients
Easy, homemade Focaccia with garlic, rosemary and oregano toppings. This Focaccia bread recipe is soft, fluffy and great as an appetizer.
For the Dough:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (to drizzle onto the pan)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
For the Toppings:
- 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes (or kosher salt)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary
- 1 tablespoon chopped oregano
How to Make Focaccia
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a 9 x 13 (22cm x 33cm) pan. This will help create a crispy bottom crust as the Focaccia bakes.
Step 2: Mix the Dough Ingredients
Combine all of the dough ingredients in a mixing bowl. Beat at high speed with an electric mixer for 60 seconds until well combined.
Step 3: Let It Rise
Scoop the sticky batter into the prepared pan. Cover it and let it rise at room temperature for around 60 minutes. While waiting for the dough to rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 4: Poke the Dough
Once risen, gently poke the dough all over with your index finger. This creates dimples that help hold onto the flavorful toppings.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Drizzle it lightly with olive oil. Then sprinkle with sea salt flakes, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and oregano.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown—about 30 minutes. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about five minutes before turning it out onto a rack. Cut into pieces and serve warm or at room temperature.
Enjoy this delicious Focaccia at your next meal!
How to Serve Focaccia
Focaccia is a versatile bread that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you want it as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as a base for your favorite sandwich, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
As an Appetizer
- Serve warm with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
- Pair with a selection of cheeses for a delightful cheese board.
In Sandwiches
- Use slices of focaccia as the bread for delicious sandwiches filled with meats, cheeses, and veggies.
- Create a Caprese sandwich with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.
With Soups and Salads
- Enjoy focaccia alongside a hearty soup to soak up the flavors.
- Serve with a fresh garden salad for a light lunch or dinner option.
As a Snack
- Toast slices of focaccia with garlic butter for a crunchy treat.
- Top focaccia with spreads like hummus or pesto for an easy snack.
How to Perfect Focaccia
Making perfect focaccia requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your bread turns out fluffy and flavorful every time.
- Use warm water: Warm water helps activate the yeast quickly, promoting better rising.
- Don’t rush the rise: Allow the dough to rise fully. This step is crucial for achieving that soft texture.
- Add toppings generously: Don’t be shy with garlic, herbs, and sea salt; they enhance flavor significantly.
- Preheat your oven: A hot oven ensures that your focaccia bakes evenly and gets that perfect crust.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add other toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or different herbs to customize your focaccia.
Best Side Dishes for Focaccia
Focaccia pairs beautifully with various side dishes. Here are some excellent options to complement this delicious bread.
- Bruschetta: Chopped tomatoes mixed with basil and garlic on toasted bread; great for freshness.
- Antipasto Platter: A mix of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables; perfect for sharing.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze; light and refreshing.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies tossed in olive oil and herbs; adds color and nutrition.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp: Juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic butter; deliciously decadent when dipped in focaccia.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine topped with creamy dressing and croutons; provides a nice crunch alongside soft focaccia.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Focaccia at home can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your bread turns out perfectly.
- Using cold water: Cold water can hinder yeast activation. Always use warm water to help the yeast rise properly.
- Skipping the rise time: Rushing through the rising process can lead to dense bread. Allow your dough to rise fully for a light and fluffy texture.
- Overcrowding the toppings: Adding too many toppings can weigh down the bread. Stick with a few key ingredients for best results.
- Not preheating the oven: Baking in a cold oven can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven before adding the dough.
- Ignoring baking time: Each oven is different, so keep an eye on your Focaccia. Bake until golden brown for perfect doneness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Focaccia in an airtight container.
- It will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Focaccia
- Wrap Focaccia tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Focaccia
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds, but this may make it chewy.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Focaccia.
What type of flour is best for Focaccia?
All-purpose flour is ideal for making Focaccia as it provides a good balance of protein and gluten structure, resulting in soft and fluffy bread.
Can I add other toppings to my Focaccia?
Absolutely! You can customize your Focaccia with various toppings such as olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or different herbs according to your preference.
How do I know when my Focaccia is done?
Your Focaccia is ready when it turns a beautiful golden brown color and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Is it possible to make gluten-free Focaccia?
Yes! Just substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure that you also use a corresponding gluten-free yeast.
Final Thoughts
This homemade Focaccia recipe is not only easy but also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it as an appetizer or customize it with your favorite toppings. The soft, fluffy texture combined with aromatic herbs makes it a delightful treat that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try and explore endless possibilities!
Easy Homemade Focaccia
Easy homemade Focaccia is a delightful Italian flatbread that brings warmth and flavor to any meal. With its soft and fluffy texture, this simple recipe is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or as a delicious snack. Topped with aromatic garlic, rosemary, and oregano, this Focaccia not only looks beautiful but also offers a savory taste that pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or can be enjoyed on its own. Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced cook, this easy focaccia recipe will have everyone asking for seconds!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves about six people 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for the pan)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (for the dough)
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes (or kosher salt)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary
- 1 tablespoon chopped oregano
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Drizzle olive oil into a 9" x 13" baking pan.
- Mix Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, olive oil, salt, flour, and yeast. Beat at high speed for about 60 seconds until well mixed.
- Rise: Transfer the dough into the prepared pan. Cover and let rise for approximately 60 minutes at room temperature while preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Poke: Once risen, poke dimples in the dough with your fingers.
- Toppings: Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt flakes, minced garlic, rosemary, and oregano.
- Bake: Bake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 162
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 236mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
