Jamie Oliver's Focaccia Bread Recipe

This focaccia bread recipe by Jamie Oliver is simple and rewarding, perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers. With its soft, airy texture and golden crust, this bread is ideal for serving with meals or enjoying on its own.

The recipe utilizes basic ingredients and straightforward techniques, allowing you to create delicious homemade focaccia that can be customized with various toppings like herbs, olives, or tomatoes.

Overview of Focaccia Bread

Focaccia bread is a delightful Italian staple known for its airy texture and golden crust. This rustic bread is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, especially when topped with fresh herbs and coarse sea salt.

The dimples created on the surface of the dough serve both a functional and aesthetic purpose, allowing olive oil to pool and infuse the bread with flavor. Each bite reveals a soft, fluffy interior that pairs perfectly with a variety of meals or can be enjoyed on its own.

Ingredients for a Perfect Focaccia

Creating focaccia requires a few simple ingredients that come together to form a delicious loaf. The foundation is strong white bread flour, which provides the necessary structure and chewiness.

Alongside flour, sea salt and dried yeast are essential for flavor and leavening. Warm water activates the yeast, while olive oil adds richness and moisture. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme elevate the taste, making each bite aromatic and satisfying.

Preparation Steps

The preparation of focaccia is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all levels. Start by mixing the flour and salt in a large bowl, then dissolve the yeast in warm water before combining everything.

Kneading the dough is a crucial step, ensuring it becomes smooth and elastic. After the first rise, the dough is shaped and allowed to rise again, which enhances its texture. This process is essential for achieving that light and fluffy interior.

Baking the Focaccia

Once the dough has risen, it’s time to prepare it for baking. Preheating the oven ensures a crispy crust, while dimpling the surface allows for the perfect amount of olive oil and seasoning to penetrate the bread.

Baking for 20-25 minutes results in a beautifully golden-brown focaccia that is hard to resist. The aroma wafting from the oven will surely entice anyone nearby.

Serving Suggestions

Focaccia can be served warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for various occasions. It pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or as a side to a main dish.

For a simple yet delightful snack, enjoy it with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. The combination of flavors is sure to impress guests at any gathering.

Storage and Enjoyment

To keep focaccia fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. For longer storage, consider freezing slices and reheating them in the oven.

This bread not only satisfies cravings but also brings a touch of Italian charm to any meal. Whether shared with family or savored alone, focaccia is a delightful addition to any dining experience.

Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

Golden-brown focaccia bread topped with herbs and sea salt on a wooden board.

This focaccia bread features a light and fluffy interior with a crispy exterior, infused with olive oil and topped with sea salt. The preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a total time of around 2 hours, including rising time, and it yields one large loaf.

Ingredients

500g strong white bread flour
10g sea salt
7g dried yeast
300ml warm water
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
Fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme) for topping
Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the bread flour and sea salt. In a separate bowl, dissolve the dried yeast in warm water. Once frothy, mix it into the flour mixture along with the olive oil.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Shape the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer it to a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Stretch it out gently to fit the tray.
Second Rise: Cover the dough again and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F). Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface of the dough. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh herbs and coarse sea salt.

Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours

Servings: 8 slices
Calories: 180kcal
Fat: 5g
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 28g

Jamie Oliver’s Focaccia Bread Recipe