Easy Focaccia Recipe for Home Bakers

Focaccia, a beloved Italian bread, is known for its fluffy texture, aromatic herbs, and versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, crafting a homemade focaccia can be a rewarding experience. This guide delves into a variety of focaccia recipes, from classic to creative variations, ensuring that every home baker can find a recipe that suits their taste. Enjoy the process of making focaccia and savor the delightful results with family and friends.

Essential Equipment for Making Focaccia

To make focaccia, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. A large mixing bowl, a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula for mixing, a baking sheet or a cast-iron skillet for baking, and a clean kitchen towel for covering the dough are essential. Additionally, a pastry brush for applying olive oil and a sharp knife for slicing are helpful tools.

Classic Focaccia Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups warm water
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• Coarse sea salt for topping

Step-by-step Method

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Stretch and press the dough to fit the sheet, creating dimples with your fingers.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.

Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups warm water
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• Coarse sea salt for topping

Step-by-step Method

1. Follow the same initial steps as the classic focaccia recipe for preparing the dough.
2. Before baking, evenly distribute minced garlic and chopped rosemary over the dough after creating dimples.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
4. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden and aromatic. Let cool slightly before serving.

Herb-Infused Focaccia Variations

Focaccia is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to experiment with a variety of herbs and spices. Consider these flavorful variations:

Sundried Tomato and Basil Focaccia

• Use the classic focaccia base.
• Add ½ cup chopped sundried tomatoes and ¼ cup fresh basil leaves before baking.

Olive and Thyme Focaccia

• Incorporate ½ cup sliced olives and 2 tablespoons fresh thyme into the dough before baking.

Cheese-Stuffed Focaccia Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups warm water
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• Coarse sea salt for topping

Step-by-step Method

1. Prepare the dough following the classic focaccia recipe.
2. After the first rise, roll out half of the dough and place it on a greased baking sheet. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the surface.
3. Roll out the remaining dough and place it over the cheese layer. Pinch the edges to seal.
4. Create dimples, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
5. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden and the cheese is melted. Let cool slightly before slicing.

Common Mistakes & Fixes

Even with the best intentions, mistakes can happen in the kitchen. Here are some common focaccia-making errors and how to fix them:

• Dense Texture: Ensure the yeast is fresh and active. Proof it properly before adding to the dough.
• Dry Focaccia: Avoid overbaking. Keep an eye on the oven and remove the focaccia once it’s lightly golden.
• Lack of Flavor: Don’t skimp on the olive oil and salt, as they are essential for a flavorful crust.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Focaccia is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored and reheated for later enjoyment. To store, wrap the cooled focaccia in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the focaccia in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the focaccia on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread chewy. Enjoy your homemade focaccia with your favorite meals or as a snack on its own.