Soft Focaccia Bread Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfectly Soft, Flavorful Focaccia
If you’re looking for a delicious, soft, and fluffy focaccia bread recipe that’s perfect for any meal, look no further. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through the process of creating the perfect focaccia with a soft, pillowy texture, infused with fragrant rosemary and topped with a sprinkle of salt. Whether you’re making it as an appetizer, a side dish, or a snack, this focaccia will undoubtedly become a staple in your kitchen.
Focaccia Bread Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (00 flour) | 500g |
| Water | 300g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 20g |
| Fine salt | 5g |
| Fresh brewer’s yeast (or active dry yeast) | 4g |
| Coarse sea salt (for topping) | To taste |
| Fresh rosemary sprigs | To taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil (for greasing and topping) | 30g |
| Additional water (for greasing) | 15g |
| Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling) | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1/6 of the recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
| Sugars | 0g |
Focaccia Bread Instructions
Making focaccia bread might seem like an involved process, but it’s surprisingly easy once you break it down into manageable steps. This recipe calls for minimal ingredients and yields a deliciously soft and aromatic focaccia that will fill your home with the wonderful scent of freshly baked bread. The dough will rise, the rosemary will perfume the air, and the golden crust will crisp to perfection.
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture
To begin, crumble the fresh brewer’s yeast into a small bowl and dissolve it in the 300g of lukewarm water. Stir gently to combine and allow it to activate. If you’re using active dry yeast, follow the same steps. Leave the mixture for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Once the yeast mixture is ready, it’s time to combine it with the dry ingredients. In the bowl of your stand mixer, add the 500g of all-purpose flour and 5g of fine salt. You can also mix these ingredients manually if you don’t have a stand mixer.
Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer, then gradually pour in the yeast-water mixture. Mix on a low speed to incorporate the flour with the wet ingredients. As the dough begins to come together, increase the speed slightly and allow it to knead for about 10 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Once the dough is kneaded, oil your work surface lightly with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Turn the dough out onto the oiled surface and gently knead it by hand for a few seconds to form a smooth ball.
Transfer the dough into a large bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rise at room temperature for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. The dough should be soft, airy, and well-risen by the end of the rising time.
Step 4: Prepare the Pan and Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to prepare the baking pan. Grease a 26cm round pan or a similarly sized square pan with 30g of extra virgin olive oil. The oil will help create that deliciously crispy, golden crust.
Once the pan is greased, gently punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Carefully transfer it to the pan, pressing it gently to spread it out and fit the shape of the pan. Use your hands to stretch and evenly distribute the dough to cover the entire surface. It’s okay if the dough doesn’t reach all the way to the edges immediately; as it continues to rise, it will expand.
Step 5: Second Rise and Dimple the Dough
Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise for another 30 minutes. During this time, the dough will puff up and fill the pan.
Once the dough has risen, use your fingers to gently press down all over the surface, creating the signature dimples of a focaccia. These indentations will help hold the olive oil and any toppings you choose to add.
Step 6: Add the Toppings
Drizzle the 30g of extra virgin olive oil over the dough. Use your fingers to spread it evenly, ensuring it soaks into all the dimples. Sprinkle coarse sea salt generously over the surface, and then finish with a few sprigs of fresh rosemary scattered on top. This combination of olive oil, salt, and rosemary is classic and ensures your focaccia will have a wonderfully aromatic flavor.
Step 7: Bake the Focaccia
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Once the oven is hot, place the pan on the middle rack and bake the focaccia for about 20-25 minutes. The bread should be golden brown on top, and the edges should be slightly crisp.
Once the focaccia is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. The golden top will give way to a soft, pillowy interior, making each bite melt in your mouth.
Step 8: Serve the Focaccia
For the best experience, serve the focaccia warm, straight from the pan. The bread can be sliced into wedges or torn by hand to share with friends and family. If you like, you can drizzle a little extra olive oil on top before serving. Enjoy it as a side to pasta, soups, or salads, or simply pair it with a glass of wine for a casual snack.
Pro Tips for Perfect Focaccia
- Use Fresh Yeast: Fresh yeast gives the dough a slightly better rise and flavor, but if you only have active dry yeast, it will work perfectly too. Just make sure to activate it with lukewarm water before using.
- Don’t Skimp on Olive Oil: The oil is essential not only for flavor but also for achieving that golden, crispy crust. Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best results.
- Let the Dough Rest: Allowing the dough to rest and rise properly will ensure it’s light and fluffy. Don’t rush through this step.
- Experiment with Toppings: While rosemary and sea salt are traditional, you can experiment with other toppings such as garlic, olives, cherry tomatoes, or even grated cheese.
Focaccia Variations to Try
If you’d like to switch things up, here are a few variations to try:
- Garlic and Herb Focaccia: Add minced garlic and a mix of herbs like thyme, oregano, and basil to the dough before baking for a more aromatic flavor.
- Cheese-Stuffed Focaccia: Place slices of mozzarella cheese in between two layers of dough before baking for a cheesy, gooey center.
- Caramelized Onion Focaccia: Top the dough with caramelized onions for a rich, savory topping.
- Olive and Tomato Focaccia: Add black olives and halved cherry tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
Conclusion
This soft focaccia recipe is the perfect balance of crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with the classic flavors of olive oil and rosemary. It’s an easy, yet impressive, bread that will complement any meal, from a casual family dinner to a more festive gathering. The steps are simple, and the result is always worth the wait. Enjoy this homemade focaccia as a versatile side dish, snack, or even a delicious base for a sandwich. It’s a bread recipe that will surely become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
