Lykkers, are you ready to bake something mouthwatering? Focaccia bread is an absolute crowd-pleaser, and we're here to guide you through a simple yet perfect recipe.
Whether you're new to baking or already have a bit of experience, this focaccia bread is a must-try! Soft, airy inside with golden crispy edges, it's guaranteed to become a family favorite. Let's get into it!
What You Need for This Focaccia Bread Recipe
To create the ideal focaccia bread, you'll need just a few ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Here's what we need:
• 1¾ cups warm water (between 105° to 115°F)
• 2 teaspoons of cane sugar
• 2¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast (or one ¼-ounce package)
• 500 grams of all-purpose flour (about 4 cups)
• 2 teaspoons of sea salt
• 6 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil (plus more for your hands)
• Optional: Flaky sea salt and chopped fresh rosemary for topping
You probably have most of these ingredients already, and it's amazing how they come together to make such a delightful, flavorful bread.
Let's Start Mixing!
Now, the fun begins. We're going to mix the ingredients and form the dough. First, in the bowl of your stand mixer (or a mixing bowl if you prefer to knead by hand), combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and stir it in gently. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This is an important step – if your yeast doesn't foam, it means it's not active, and we'll need to start fresh with new yeast.
Next, add the flour and sea salt to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough begins to form, then increase the speed to medium and mix for about 5 minutes. The dough will be sticky, but that's just what we want – it should start pulling away from the sides of the bowl.
Let the Dough Rise
Take a large bowl and brush it with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Transfer the sticky dough into this bowl, using a spatula to scrape it out. Don't worry if it's hard to handle – that's completely normal. Now, lightly coat the dough with the remaining oil by rubbing your fingers over it. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let the dough rise for about 1 to 1½ hours until it doubles in size. Patience is key here!
Shaping the Dough
Once your dough has doubled, it's time to shape it. Preheat the oven to 425°F, and brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Then, with olive oil on your hands, gently fold the dough onto itself. Keep going until it forms a rough ball, which you can then transfer to the prepared baking dish. Gently press the dough to the edges, and let it relax for another 45 minutes to rise again.
Baking the Focaccia to Perfection
After your dough has finished its second rise, it's time for the final touch. Uncover the dough, drizzle the last bit of olive oil on top, and gently press your fingers down into the dough to create those signature dimples. For that extra flavor, sprinkle some flaky sea salt and fresh rosemary over the dough.
Now, let it bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and delicious. The smell will be irresistible! Once it's out of the oven, let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Focaccia bread
Video: Preppy Kitchen
Tips for Success
• If you have a non-stick pan, you're all set, but if not, greasing the pan with butter before the olive oil will keep the focaccia from sticking.
• For a variation, you can top the dough with olives, garlic, or even parmesan before baking.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, Lykkers! A wonderfully simple focaccia bread that's sure to impress. It's perfect for any meal, whether you're enjoying it with a bowl of soup or as a snack on its own. The best part is, it's super easy to make, and you can always experiment with toppings to suit your taste. Try it out and let us know how it goes! Happy baking!
