Italian Focaccia

Focaccia is a classic Italian flatbread known for its airy texture and savory flavor, often topped with olive oil, herbs, and a sprinkle of sea salt. Perfect as a side to soups, a sandwich base, or enjoyed on its own, this focaccia recipe brings the rich taste of Italy to your kitchen. With its golden crust and soft, chewy inside, it’s simple yet delicious. Let’s dive into making this authentic Italian focaccia recipe!

Italian Focaccia
Image by Proformabooks from Getty Images via Canva Pro

 

Ingredients:

For the Dough:
– 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons salt
– 1 packet (7g or 2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)

For Topping:
– Fresh rosemary sprigs (or other herbs like thyme or oregano)
– Flaky sea salt (to taste)
– 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– Optional: Cherry tomatoes, olives, or garlic slices for added flavor

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:
– In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Make the Dough:
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
– Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
– Mix the ingredients together until a sticky dough forms. You can use your hands or a wooden spoon.

3. Knead the Dough:
– Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-8 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
– Form the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

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4. Prepare the Baking Pan:
– Once the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
– Grease a large rectangular baking sheet or a 9×13-inch pan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
– Gently press the dough into the pan, stretching it to the edges. If the dough is resisting, let it rest for a few minutes and then stretch again.

5. Add the Toppings:
– Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil evenly over the surface of the dough.
– Use your fingers to make dimples all over the dough, pressing gently to create small wells for the olive oil to pool.
– Sprinkle fresh rosemary sprigs and a generous pinch of flaky sea salt over the top. For extra flavor, you can add cherry tomatoes, olives, or sliced garlic at this stage.

6. Bake the Focaccia:
– Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and crisp on top.
– Remove from the oven and let the focaccia cool slightly before slicing.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
– Serve your freshly baked focaccia warm with a drizzle of olive oil or alongside your favorite meal. It’s perfect for dipping in soups, serving with salads, or as a tasty sandwich base.

Why You’ll Love This Focaccia Recipe:
Light and Fluffy: The inside of this focaccia is soft and airy, while the outside is perfectly crispy.
Customizable Toppings: You can easily switch up the herbs and toppings to suit your taste, from rosemary and garlic to tomatoes and olives.
Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and steps, this homemade focaccia is simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying.

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Italian focaccia is a versatile, flavorful bread that’s perfect for any occasion. With its fluffy texture, golden crust, and aromatic toppings, it’s no wonder that focaccia is a beloved staple in Italian cuisine. Try this easy-to-follow recipe and bring the taste of Italy to your table!