Focaccia is a delicious, Italian-style bread that’s soft and flavorful with a crispy crust. Here’s a simple recipe you can try:
Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (or dried, chopped)
- Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
Directions:
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture and 2 tbsp olive oil. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
- First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a damp cloth. Let it rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Shape the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a well-oiled baking sheet (about 9×13 inches) and stretch the dough to fit the pan. Use your fingers to gently press indentations all over the surface.
- Second rise: Cover the dough with a cloth again and let it rise for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Add toppings: After the second rise, drizzle a little olive oil on top of the dough. Sprinkle the rosemary and coarse sea salt over the surface. You can also add other toppings like garlic, olives, or cherry tomatoes if you like.
- Bake: Place the focaccia in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before cutting into squares or slices.
Enjoy your homemade focaccia warm, with some extra olive oil for dipping! Would you want any variations on this recipe?