Focaccia Bread
Have you ever wanted to make your own bread but been too intimidated by the process? Well, today is your lucky day! I'm going to show you how to make focaccia bread, and it's so easy that even a beginner can do it. This delicious Italian bread is perfect for an afternoon snack or an excellent addition to any meal. So let's get started!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp dry active yeast
- 3 cups all-purpose flour add more for dusting and kneading
- 1 cup whole-wheat flour
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil add more for greasing and drizzling
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- In a big bowl, mix the sugar with 1 1/2 cups of warm water (approximately 110 degrees F). Sprinkle the yeast on top, then wait 5 to 10 minutes for it to start bubbling.
- Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk together both flour and salt.
- Once the yeast has been activated, pour the extra virgin olive oil into the bowl, and combine it with the flour mixture.
- Using a wooden spoon, mix everything together until you form a shaggy dough.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead until it is smooth and elastic for about 5 minutes.
- Put the ball of dough in the same bowl that has been lightly oiled, cover it, and let it rise in a warm area for approximately an hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Using an 11 by 17-inch rimmed baking sheet, pour some oil generously, then transfer the dough down to the baking sheet.
- Slowly stretch the dough all throughout the baking pan and add dimples to the dough all over using your fingers.
- Allow rising for about 30 minutes, loosely covered, in a warm location, until almost doubled in size.
Shaping and Baking
- Meanwhile, heat the oven and set it to 425 degrees F.
- Uncover the dough once it's ready and generously drizzle it with some olive oil and sprinkle with flaky salt.
- Bake the focaccia bread until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Once done, allow it to cool on the baking sheet on a wire rack.
Notes
In baking, it is very crucial to have an exact measurements. You can use a digital weighing scale and convert all the ingredients to grams for more accurate results.
While adding dimples to the dough, if it is still resistant, it is still not ready. Allow it to rest for additional 10 minutes, then try it again.
This is a basic focaccia recipe; from this base, you can add more flavors by infusing herbs into your oil.