Classic Focaccia

Classic Focaccia is a delicious Italian flat bread that is popular all around the world. It has a crispy crust and a soft, airy crumb that makes it perfect as an appetizer, a snack or as a side dish to any meal. Focaccia is typically flavored with extra-virgin olive oil, rosemary, and flaky sea salt for the classic version, but it can also be made with different toppings like cheese, olives, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.

Working with the dough is also a great way to unwind and relax. As you knead and stretch the dough with your palms and fingers, you’ll find yourself entering a state of calm and focus that can be incredibly therapeutic.

To achieve the perfect texture for your focaccia, it’s important to use a strong flour that is rich in gluten. This will give your bread the soft and elastic crumb that is characteristic of a classic focaccia. And don’t forget to use a high-quality first cold pressed extra-virgin olive oil and fresh rosemary to infuse your bread with that unmistakable flavor.

How to make Classic Focaccia

Prepare the dough by combining flour, salt, fresh yeast, sugar, oil, and water. Knead the mixture until it achieves a smooth and elastic consistency. Set the dough aside to rise for an hour until it doubles in size.

After resting, shape the dough into a rectangle and fold it in three. Place it in a greased bowl and let it rest for another 30 minutes. Stretch the dough out to fit a greased baking sheet and let it rest for an additional 30 minutes.

Before baking, Use your fingers to create holes into the dough. Brush the dough with a mixture of oil and water, then sprinkle it with flaky sea salt and fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme. Bake it in a preheated oven until it turns golden brown.

The dough will form a crispy top and bottom crust with a soft, airy crumb. You can enjoy it on its own or alongside your favorite soup or salad. This irresistible bread is simple to make from scratch and will surely become a staple in your kitchen.

So why not give this classic focaccia recipe a try and experience the joy of baking your own bread from scratch? Make sure to share the photos with me on Instagram if you do. Enjoy!

Other bread recipes you may like to try

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Garlic Cheese Monkey Bread recipe. Soft, fluffy dough pieces are smothered in garlic butter and melted cheese, creating a gooey, irresistible treat that is perfect for sharing. This easy-to-follow recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Once you start making Homemade Pita Bread you won’t ever want to use the store-bought ones. This homemade pita bread is so fresh and beautifully puffed that it gives you incredible satisfaction each time you prepare it. You can fill pita bread pockets with almost anything and create different delicious sandwiches each time.

There’s something special about homemade bread, especially when it comes to dinner rolls. Slightly warm, soft, and fluffy, they’re the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Whether you’re serving a family dinner or hosting a holiday feast, these Homemade Soft Dinner Rolls are sure to be a hit.

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Classic Focaccia

5 from 2 votes

Classic Focaccia is a delicious Italian flat bread that is popular all around the world. It has a crispy crust and a soft, airy crumb that makes it perfect as an appetizer, a snack or as a side dish to any meal.

Servings 10 servings

Prep Time 30 mins

Cook Time 30 mins

Total Time 1 hr

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Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 5 cups (630g) bread flour
• 2 tsp (15g) flaky salt
• 30g fresh yeast (3 tsp (10g) active dry yeast)
• 1 ⅔ cup (400ml) lukewarm water
• 2 tsp (10g) sugar
• 1/4 cup (56g) extra-virgin olive oil

Topping

• 1/4 cup (56g) of extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp (30ml) water
• Fresh rosemary , chopped

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl whisk together the flour and salt.
• In a small bowl stir fresh yeast with sugar until it liquefies. Dissolve yeast in 2/3 cup (160ml) water and then add to the flour mixture. Add the oil, and the remaining 1 cup (240ml) water. Combine with a wooden spoon and then knead on a lightly floured surface for about 5-10 minutes until smooth.
• Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Let it rest for about 1 hour at room temperature (warm space) until doubled in size.
• On a lightly oiled surface shape the dough into a rectangle and fold in 3, rotate, stretch it a bit again and fold in 3.
• Place the folded dough into the greased bowl, cover and let it rest for another 30 minutes.
• Grease a 12×16 inch (30x40cm) baking sheet with extra-virgin olive oil.
• Place the dough into the prepared baking sheet and stretch it with your palm to fit the entire pan.
• Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes more.
• Meanwhile preheat oven to 425F (220C). 
• Chop fresh rosemary and thyme. In a small bowl combine oil with water.
• Use your fingers to create holes into the dough. Pour the oil water mixture over the dough filling the holes. Sprinkle flaky sea salt and chopped herbs.
• Bake for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Add some more olive oil if desired right after taking it out of the oven.
• Cool slightly before cutting. Enjoy!

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 332kcalCarbohydrates: 50.4gProtein: 7.7gFat: 11.2gSaturated Fat: 1.6gSugar: 1.2g

Calories: 332kcal

Course: Bread

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: classic focaccia, homemade bread, Italian focaccia, rosemary focaccia