Have you ever walked into a kitchen and been greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked bread?
For me, that scent brings back cherished memories of baking focaccia with my family. The golden crust, the fluffy interior, and the subtle hint of olive oil and herbs—it’s comfort food at its best.
I’m so excited to share this Focaccia Bread Recipe with you, perfect for creating your own warm and flavorful memories right in your home kitchen.
Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe: Perfect For Home Cooks
This easy Focaccia Bread Recipe is the perfect introduction to bread baking. It’s simple enough for beginners but packed with flavor that even seasoned bakers will love. No special equipment needed—just a bowl, a baking sheet, and your fingertips to create those signature dimples!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (+ 2 hours for rising)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Side Dish
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Yield: 8 servings
- Calories Per Serving: ~210
Ingredients
For The Dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For The Topping:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Activate The Yeast
Put the yeast, sugar, and warm water in a small bowl. Let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
2. Make The Dough
In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and garlic powder. Gradually add the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Stir until the dough comes together. Transfer it to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Tip: A little extra flour should be added if the dough feels sticky.
3. Let It Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
4. Prepare The Pan
Grease a baking sheet with olive oil. Punch down the dough and spread it out onto the pan, pressing it with your fingertips to create dimples. For another 20 to 30 minutes, cover and allow it to rise.
5. Add The Toppings
Drizzle olive oil over the dough, ensuring it pools slightly in the dimples. Sprinkle with dried oregano, thyme, basil, black pepper, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake To Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through for even baking.
7. Cool And Serve
Before slicing, allow the focaccia to cool somewhat on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Video Tutorial:
Tips And Tricks
The Secret To Great Focaccia
The secret is in the dimples! Pressing with your fingertips helps trap the oil and seasonings, creating pockets of flavor.
Adjustments For Dietary Needs
- Use whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Swap out cheese for dairy-free alternatives to make it vegan.
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover focaccia tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Focaccia is a great accompaniment to pasta dishes, salads, and soups. You can also slice it horizontally and use it for sandwiches—trust me, it’s a game-changer!
What Makes Focaccia Bread Different?
Unlike other breads, focaccia is known for its flat, dimpled surface and rich olive oil flavor. It’s similar to a pizza dough but softer and fluffier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Freeze Focaccia Bread?
Yes! For up to two months, freeze it carefully wrapped in aluminum foil and plastic wrap. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F until warmed through.
What Are The Main Ingredients In Focaccia?
The basics include flour, yeast, water, salt, and olive oil. Herbs and cheese are optional but highly recommended for extra flavor.
Why Is My Focaccia Not Fluffy?
This usually happens if the dough didn’t rise properly. Ensure your yeast is active, and allow enough time for the dough to double in size.
Can I Make Focaccia Without Olive Oil?
While olive oil is traditional and adds flavor, you can use vegetable oil as a substitute.
Closing
I hope this Focaccia Bread Recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine! Please share your thoughts in the comments section below if you give it a try.
Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends who love bread as much as we do. And hey, why not explore my other bread recipes while you’re here? Happy baking!
Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe With Garlic & Herbs
Ingredients
For The Dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1 ¼ cups warm water 110°F/45°C
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For The Topping:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella optional
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Activate The Yeast
- Put the yeast, sugar, and warm water in a small bowl. Let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Make The Dough
- In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and garlic powder. Gradually add the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Stir until the dough comes together. Transfer it to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Tip: A little extra flour should be added if the dough feels sticky.
Let It Rise
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
Prepare The Pan
- Grease a baking sheet with olive oil. Punch down the dough and spread it out onto the pan, pressing it with your fingertips to create dimples. For another 20 to 30 minutes, cover and allow it to rise.
Add The Toppings
- Drizzle olive oil over the dough, ensuring it pools slightly in the dimples. Sprinkle with dried oregano, thyme, basil, black pepper, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Bake To Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through for even baking.
Cool And Serve
- Before slicing, allow the focaccia to cool somewhat on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
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