Have you ever wanted to experience the intoxicating aroma of fresh bread baking in your kitchen? This Focaccia Bread Recipe is your ticket to that delightful experience. It’s soft, airy, and topped with fragrant herbs and a drizzle of olive oil, making it the perfect side for any meal or a standalone snack.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm piece of focaccia, its golden crust giving way to a fluffy interior, with the flavors of rosemary and sea salt dancing on your palate. This recipe is not just about baking bread; it’s about creating a culinary masterpiece that fills your home with warmth and comfort.
Embracing the Aroma of Freshly Baked Focaccia
There’s something uniquely comforting about the scent of fresh bread wafting through your kitchen. The Focaccia Bread Recipe invites you into a world of warmth and culinary joy, where each rise of the dough brings you closer to a delightful experience.
Picture indulging in a piece of focaccia with its golden crust giving way to a fluffy interior. The fragrant rosemary and a touch of sea salt play a harmonious tune on your taste buds, transforming a simple loaf into a memorable treat. This recipe allows you to create not just bread, but a true masterpiece that fills your home with delicious aromas.
Understanding the Ingredients
The magic of focaccia lies in its simplicity. The combination of all-purpose flour, warm water, and instant yeast forms the foundation of this bread. Adding salt enhances the flavor, while olive oil contributes to the richness and tenderness of the loaf.
Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme elevate the taste, offering a fresh burst of flavor that complements the bread perfectly. Sprinkling coarse sea salt on top adds a delightful crunch and a hint of flavor that makes each bite enjoyable.
Crafting the Dough
Creating focaccia begins with mixing the dough. The warm water and yeast work together to create a bubbly mixture that signals it’s time to add the flour and salt. Kneading the dough transforms it, making it smooth and elastic, which is essential for the perfect texture.
Allowing the dough to rise is a critical step. A warm, covered environment helps the dough double in size, creating the airiness that focaccia is known for. This is the moment where patience truly pays off, resulting in a light and airy bread.
Shaping and Topping
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape it. Gently pressing the dough into a baking sheet creates dimples that hold the olive oil and toppings wonderfully. The act of dimpling not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also enhances the flavor absorption.
Drizzling olive oil and adding fresh herbs along with a sprinkle of sea salt gives the focaccia its signature look and taste. Letting the dough rise a second time, even for a brief period, ensures that it will be fluffy and inviting once baked.
Baking to Perfection
The baking process is where the magic happens. Preheating the oven to the right temperature is crucial for achieving that golden-brown crust. As the focaccia bakes, the aroma fills the air, creating an irresistible anticipation for the first slice.
Baking for 20-25 minutes results in a beautifully crispy exterior, while the inside remains soft and chewy. Once it’s done, allowing the bread to cool slightly before serving helps maintain the texture, making it perfect for dipping in olive oil.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Focaccia bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve it warm alongside a bowl of olive oil for dipping, or pair it with soups and salads for a complete meal. Its flavor profile complements many dishes, making it a fantastic addition to any dining experience.
For a casual gathering, cut the focaccia into squares and offer it as a unique appetizer. You can also personalize your focaccia with other toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or cheeses, creating a distinct twist that suits your palate.
The Perfect Focaccia Bread Recipe
This focaccia bread is light, airy, and infused with aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme. The crispy crust and chewy inside make it an irresistible treat, perfect for dipping in olive oil or serving alongside your favorite meals.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Allow to sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add flour, salt, and olive oil, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Form into a ball.
- 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.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Shape the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Press it out gently to fit the sheet, creating dimples with your fingers.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle the dough with olive oil, sprinkle with fresh herbs and coarse sea salt. Let it rise for another 20 minutes.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the focaccia to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with olive oil for dipping.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
