Description
Enjoy homemade soft, fluffy Focaccia bread infused with fresh herbs and drizzled with golden olive oil. This easy-to-make Italian classic features a light, airy crumb and crispy crust, perfect as a snack, side, or sandwich base. Versatile and customizable, it invites creativity with various herb and topping options.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups warm water
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil (divided)
Herbs and Toppings
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
- Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, fine sea salt, and natural gelling agent. Gradually pour in the yeast mixture while stirring. Add half of the olive oil and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the pan and shape dough: Lightly oil a baking pan. Transfer the risen dough onto the pan and use your fingers to spread it evenly, creating dimples across the surface to hold olive oil and herbs.
- Add toppings and second rise: Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the dough. Sprinkle fresh rosemary, thyme, and coarse sea salt if using. Cover and let it rest for 30 to 45 minutes to develop airy bubbles.
- Bake your focaccia: Preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F). Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the crust is crispy while the interior remains soft.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use warm water that is not too hot to activate the yeast properly.
- Creating dimples in the dough traps olive oil and herbs, enhancing flavor.
- Ensure adequate rising time for a fluffy, airy texture.
- Be generous with olive oil in both dough and toppings for a tender crust.
- Experiment with herbs like basil or oregano to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/10 of focaccia)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Focaccia, Italian bread, herb focaccia, homemade bread, olive oil bread, soft focaccia, fluffy bread, easy focaccia
