This savory focaccia bread is a delicious Italian flatbread known for its soft texture and flavorful toppings. It’s perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a base for sandwiches.
The recipe is simple and allows for various toppings, such as herbs, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes, making it easy to customize to your taste.
Homemade Savory Focaccia Bread
This focaccia bread is a delightful Italian flatbread that stands out with its golden, crispy crust and soft, airy interior.
The dough is generously infused with olive oil, enhancing its flavor and texture.
Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or the base for a sandwich, this bread is sure to impress.
Ingredients for Flavorful Focaccia
To create this savory bread, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients.
All-purpose flour, salt, sugar, active dry yeast, warm water, and olive oil form the foundation of the dough.
Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme add a fragrant touch, while coarse sea salt provides a satisfying crunch.
The Art of Making Focaccia
Making focaccia is a straightforward process that involves a few key steps.
Start by activating the yeast in warm water mixed with sugar, allowing it to froth and signal readiness.
Then, combine the flour and salt, add the yeast mixture, and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Rising to Perfection
Letting the dough rise is crucial for achieving that light, airy texture.
After the first rise, which takes about an hour, the dough should double in size.
Once it’s ready, transfer it to a greased baking sheet and stretch it into shape, allowing it to rise again for another 30 minutes.
Adding Toppings for Extra Flavor
Before baking, the dough is dimpled with fingers, creating little pockets for olive oil and toppings.
Drizzle olive oil generously, sprinkle coarse sea salt, and add fresh herbs or optional toppings like olives or sun-dried tomatoes.
This step not only enhances the flavor but also adds visual appeal.
Baking and Serving Suggestions
Bake the focaccia until it turns golden brown, which typically takes about 20-25 minutes.
Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before cutting into squares.
Serve warm or at room temperature, perfect for dipping in olive oil or alongside your favorite dishes.
Homemade Savory Focaccia Bread
This focaccia features a golden, crispy crust with a soft and airy interior. The dough is infused with olive oil and topped with fresh herbs, making it a delightful addition to any meal. The recipe takes about 2 hours from start to finish and serves 8.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 3/4 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- Fresh rosemary or thyme for topping
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
- Optional toppings: sliced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Grease a baking sheet with olive oil. Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to the baking sheet. Stretch and press it into a rectangle.
- Second Rise: Cover the dough again and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Add Toppings: Use your fingers to create dimples in the dough. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with coarse sea salt, and add fresh herbs and any optional toppings.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing.
- Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature, perfect for dipping in olive oil or serving alongside your favorite dishes.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 8 slices
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
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