Recipe | Focaccia Bread

Welcome to the world of focaccia where aromatic herbs, soft pillowy crusts, and drizzles of olive oil collide. Today we’re going to roll up our sleeves, and dive into the delicious art of making focaccia bread!

Focaccia is an Italian flatbread known for its soft, airy texture and signature dimpled surface. An amazing feature about focaccia bread is its versatility. You can elevate even the simplest of focaccia recipes with an array of toppings by letting your creativity flow in the kitchen.

Whether you prefer to stick with classic combinations like sea salt and rosemary, or get adventurous with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions, with a blank canvas like focaccia, the possibilities are endless. Let your creativity and your tastebuds run wild as you customize your focaccia.

The simple yet flavorful recipe will reward you with a delightful combination of savory toppings, fluffy interior and a hint of olive oil that is sure to leave your friends and family wanting more. So gather your ingredients, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will have you baking homemade masterpieces in no time!

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 2 cups lukewarm water
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves
• Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling on top)
• 4 tablespoons olive oil, plus some to drizzle
• Toppings and inclusions (e.g., cherry tomatoes, onions, olives, etc.)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat your oven, or SimplyBread Oven to 450°.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients of flour, instant yeast and salt, and mix well. Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients, and add in your lukewarm water and 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Combine your ingredients by hand or with a stand mixer until a sticky dough forms.
3. Transfer your dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Grease another bowl with a little drizzle of olive oil before placing your dough inside. Cover your bowl with a kitchen towel, and let the dough rise in a warm location for anywhere between 1-6 hours. (The longer you proof your dough for, the more flavor and texture you’ll taste in your focaccia)
5. Prepare your cookware by greasing your baking sheet with butter, or lining it with parchment paper to prevent your focaccia from sticking.
6. Once your dough has risen, transfer it to your prepared baking sheet, and gently stretch and press your dough into the shape of the baking sheet. Use your fingertips to give indentations and dimples all over the surface of the dough. This will give your focaccia its signature look and texture.
7. Generously drizzle olive oil over the surface of your dough, making sure the oil fills the dimples. Sprinkle the top of your dough with coarse sea salt and rosemary leaves, pressing them lightly into the dough. Add any additional toppings or chopped herbs to your dough.
8. Place your baking sheet into the preheated oven, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until your focaccia’s crust is golden brown.
9. Remove your baking sheet from the oven, and let cool in the pan before transferring your focaccia to a cooling rack.
10. Slice up your focaccia, serve, and enjoy!

Enjoy your homemade focaccia as a flavorful appetizer, sandwich bread, or alongside your favorite dish!

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