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Focaccia Bread Recipe

Focaccia Bread Recipe

Focaccia Bread is a soft, fluffy Italian flatbread with a crisp golden crust, infused with olive oil and topped with herbs like rosemary and flaky sea salt. This easy homemade bread is perfect for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or serving alongside soups and pasta dishes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean
Servings 12 people
Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • 9×13-inch baking pan
  • Plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel
  • Small bowl for topping oil
  • Oven mitts
  • Cooling rack

Ingredients
  

For the Dough

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 3/4 cups warm water about 100°F to 110°F
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil plus more for the bowl and pan

For Topping

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt or coarse salt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 2 garlic cloves thinly sliced, optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper optional

Instructions
 

Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients

  • In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, instant yeast, and kosher salt. Stir well so the yeast and salt are evenly mixed into the flour.

Step 2: Add water and olive oil

  • Pour in the warm water and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a sticky dough forms. The dough will look soft and a little rough, and that is okay.

Step 3: Let the dough rise

  • Drizzle a little olive oil over the dough and turn it once so it is lightly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel.
  • Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until it looks puffy and almost doubled in size.

Step 4: Prepare the baking pan

  • Pour 2 tablespoons olive oil into a 9×13-inch baking pan and spread it across the bottom and sides. This helps the focaccia get crisp edges and keeps it from sticking.

Step 5: Move the dough to the pan

  • Transfer the risen dough into the prepared pan. Gently stretch it toward the corners with oiled hands. If the dough pulls back, let it rest for 10 minutes, then stretch it again.

Step 6: Let it rise again

  • Cover the pan and let the dough rise for 30 to 40 minutes. It should look puffy and fill most of the pan.
  • While the dough rises, preheat the oven to 425°F.

Step 7: Add dimples and toppings

  • Drizzle 3 tablespoons olive oil over the top of the dough. Use your fingertips to press deep dimples all over the surface.
  • Sprinkle with flaky salt, rosemary, garlic slices if using, and black pepper if you like.

Step 8: Bake the focaccia

  • Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are crisp.
  • If the top is browning too fast, loosely cover it with foil during the last few minutes.

Step 9: Cool and slice

  • Let the focaccia cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Move it to a cooling rack if you want the bottom to stay crisp.
  • Slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
Keyword Focaccia Bread Recipe