Focaccia

Focaccia: The Quintessential Italian Bread

Focaccia is a beloved Italian flatbread that has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. Its soft, chewy texture combined with a crispy crust makes it a versatile bread that can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Originating from the heart of Italy, focaccia is a testament to the simplicity and elegance of Italian cuisine.

Why You’ll Love Making Focaccia

• Simple Ingredients: Made with basic pantry staples, focaccia is a testament to the beauty of minimalist baking.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer it plain, herb-infused, or topped with vegetables, focaccia offers a canvas for your culinary creativity.
• Versatility: Serve it as an appetizer, a side to your main dish, or even use it for sandwiches. The possibilities are endless.

The Magic Behind Focaccia

The secret to perfect focaccia lies in its simplicity and the time dedicated to its preparation. A slow fermentation process, combined with high-quality olive oil, creates its distinctive flavor and texture. The act of dimpling the dough just before baking is not only traditional but functional, allowing olive oil and toppings to pool and infuse the bread with additional layers of flavor.

Enjoying Your Focaccia

Once your focaccia is golden brown and fragrant, the hardest part is waiting for it to cool down enough to eat. Focaccia is best enjoyed warm, with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of sea salt. Whether you choose to savor it on its own or as part of a larger meal, focaccia is sure to delight your taste buds and bring a touch of Italian flair to your table.

Print Recipe

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Focaccia

Author: Annie Cuisine: Italian Courses: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack Recipe Keys: C Customizable S Simple Ingredients V Versatile

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 30 mins Total Time 2 hrs 50 mins

Servings: 8 Calories: 200

Best Season: Year-round

Dietary:

V Vegetarian Option

Description

Focaccia is a beloved Italian flatbread known for its soft, chewy texture and crispy crust. This versatile bread, originating from Italy, is simple to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Dough

• 2 ¹⁄₄ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (100-110°F)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for greasing and topping)

For the Topping

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture

   In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let stand for about 10 minutes, until frothy.
   

2. Mix the Dough

   To the yeast mixture, add the flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix until a soft dough forms.
   

3. Knead the Dough

   Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.

4. First Rise

   Place the dough in a well-oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

5. Shape and Second Rise

   Punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Stretch the dough out to cover the sheet. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.

6. Preheat the Oven

   While the dough is in its second rise, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).

7. Add Toppings and Bake

   Dimple the dough with your fingertips. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with coarse sea salt and rosemary. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

8. Serve

   Let the focaccia cool slightly on a wire rack before cutting into pieces and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 piece

Servings 8

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 200kcal

Calories from Fat 60kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 7gg11%

Saturated Fat 1gg5%

Trans Fat 0gg

Cholesterol 0mgmg0%

Sodium 290mgmg13%

Total Carbohydrate 29gg10%

Dietary Fiber 1gg4%

Sugars 1gg

Protein 5gg10%

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Iron 2mg mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Focaccia is a versatile bread that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side to many dishes. Feel free to experiment with different toppings like caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives.

Keywords: Focaccia, Italian bread, flatbread, homemade bread

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