Introducing “The Easiest, Bestest Focaccia Bread Ever!!” – a delightful culinary creation that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds with its simplicity and sensational flavor profile. This recipe is a testament to the artistry of baking, where a handful of ingredients come together harmoniously to yield a loaf of bread that’s soft, fragrant, and utterly delicious. With a prep time of just 45 minutes and a total time of 1 hour, this focaccia bread is perfect for those busy days when you crave something homemade but don’t have hours to spare in the kitchen.
With a tantalizing mix of herbs and seasonings, this focaccia bread promises to elevate your sandwich game to new heights. Whether you prefer classic toppings or want to get creative with your flavor combinations, this recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences. Imagine the aroma of caramelized onions and sliced tomatoes dancing atop a golden-brown canvas of freshly baked bread – it’s a culinary symphony that’s sure to leave you craving for more.
Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering recipe. With a total of 168 glowing reviews and an aggregated rating of 5 stars, it’s safe to say that this focaccia bread has won the hearts of many home cooks around the world. Each serving clocks in at approximately 184.2 calories, with 7.1 grams of fat, 2.5 grams of saturated fat, 11.8 milligrams of cholesterol, 296 milligrams of sodium, 23.1 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 0.6 grams of sugar, and 6.7 grams of protein.
To bring this delectable creation to life, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of white sugar
- 1 packet of active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 cup of warm water
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese
Now, let’s embark on the culinary journey of creating this masterpiece. Start by mixing the yeast and warm water in a small bowl, allowing it to proof for about 10 minutes until bubbles begin to form – a sign that the yeast is activated and ready to work its magic.
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, sugar, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, basil, and black pepper, stirring until well incorporated. Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the dry ingredients along with the olive oil, and mix until a dough forms.
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it until it becomes smooth and elastic – a process that typically takes a few minutes but is well worth the effort. Next, lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning it to coat it with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for approximately 25 minutes, allowing it to double in size.
As the dough rises, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it’s nice and toasty for when the bread is ready to bake. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Using your hands, pat the dough into a 1/2-inch thick rectangle, making sure it’s evenly distributed on the pan.
Now, here comes the fun part – using your knuckle, make indentations in the dough about 1/2-inch apart, giving it that classic focaccia texture. Then, using a fork, prick the dough all over to prevent it from puffing up too much during baking. To add an extra layer of flavor and indulgence, brush the top of the dough with olive oil, ensuring it’s generously coated. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese over the dough, allowing each bite to be a symphony of savory goodness.
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the focaccia bread for 13-15 minutes, or until it’s beautifully golden brown and fragrant. Keep an eye on it towards the end to ensure it doesn’t overbake – you want it to be perfectly crisp on the outside yet wonderfully soft and pillowy on the inside.
Once the focaccia bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and marvel at your culinary creation. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be nothing short of intoxicating, tempting you to slice into the bread while it’s still warm and enjoy a piece of pure bliss.
Whether you serve it alongside a hearty soup, as a side to your favorite pasta dish, or simply enjoy it on its own, this focaccia bread is sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. So go ahead, unleash your inner baker and treat yourself to “The Easiest, Bestest Focaccia Bread Ever!!” – because life’s too short to resist the temptation of homemade bread that’s this good.
