Focaccia Recipe: Master the Art of Italian Bread

Imagine pulling a warm, golden-brown loaf of focaccia from your oven, its rich olive oil aroma filling the kitchen. With its pillowy interior and signature dimples holding pools of fragrant olive oil, this Italian classic is as satisfying to bake as it is to eat. Whether you’re a bread-making beginner or a seasoned pro, crafting focaccia is an experience you’ll savor—and the result is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Focaccia

Focaccia is more than just bread. Its rich flavors, fluffy texture, and versatility make it a favorite worldwide. You can serve it alongside soups, salads, or dips, or simply enjoy it on its own. The best part? You can customize the toppings, from classic rosemary and garlic to sweet cherry tomatoes or briny black olives, creating a loaf that reflects your taste.

Ingredients for the Perfect Focaccia

Creating focaccia requires simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown to help you get started.

For the Dough:

Ingredient	Amount
Bread flour	1 2/3 cups
White sugar	4 tsp
Kosher/cooking salt	1 1/4 tsp
Instant/rapid rise yeast	1 tsp
Very warm water (~40°C)	3/4 cup
Extra virgin olive oil	1 1/2 tbsp
Boiled and mashed potato	125g (1/2 cup, packed)

For Baking:

Ingredient	Amount
Extra virgin olive oil	4 tbsp
Sea salt flakes	1/4 tsp

Optional Toppings:

Topping	Ingredients
Garlic & rosemary	5 garlic cloves, 3/4 cup olive oil, 2 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary
Cherry tomatoes	12–14 cherry tomatoes, 3/4 tsp dried oregano
Black olives	16–18 kalamata olives, 3/4 tsp dried oregano

Step-by-Step Focaccia Recipe

1. Prepare the Mashed Potato

1. Peel and cut a large potato into 1-inch chunks.
2. Boil in water until tender (10–15 minutes). Test with a skewer for doneness.
3. Drain and mash until smooth and lump-free. Measure out 125g (1/2 cup) and set aside to cool.

2. Make the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Mix well.
2. Make a well in the center and add olive oil and warm water. Stir until no dry flour remains.
3. Add the mashed potato. Using a spatula, fold the potato into the dough, smearing it along the bowl walls to incorporate fully.
4. Once combined, shape the dough into a rough ball.

3. First Rise

• Cover the bowl with cling wrap and place it in a warm spot (25°C/77°F). Let the dough rise for 30 minutes, or until it increases in volume by 50–100%.

4. Shape the Dough

1. Drizzle 2 tsp olive oil into another large bowl, spreading it evenly with your hands.
2. Transfer the risen dough to the oiled bowl. Fold the dough’s edges into the center six times, shaping it into a smooth ball.
3. Cover with cling wrap and let rise again for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.

5. Prepare the Pan

1. Use a non-stick 10.5 x 8-inch metal pan or a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Pour 2 tbsp olive oil into the pan and smear it across the base and sides.

6. Final Rise

1. Scrape the dough into the prepared pan and stretch it to fill the base as evenly as possible.
2. Cover with cling wrap and let rise for 40 minutes, or until it expands and rises by 25–30%.

7. Prepare for Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 220°C/430°F (200°C fan). Ensure the oven is fully preheated for at least 15 minutes.
2. Drizzle 2 tsp olive oil over the dough’s surface and spread it lightly with your hands.
3. Use your fingers to create dimples across the dough, pressing all the way to the pan’s bottom. This signature step creates the classic focaccia look.

8. Add Toppings

• Garlic & Rosemary: Gently press garlic pieces and sprinkle rosemary over the dough.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Squish each tomato slightly before pressing it into the dough. Sprinkle with oregano.
• Black Olives: Press olives into the dough and sprinkle with oregano.

Finish by drizzling 2 tbsp olive oil over the surface and sprinkling with sea salt flakes.

9. Bake

1. Place the pan on the oven’s middle rack.
2. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy and the sides are fried and crusty.
3. Turn out onto a cooling rack and let rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

10. Serve and Enjoy

• Slice the focaccia and serve it warm or at room temperature. Add a final drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor. Pair it with soups, salads, or dips for a complete experience.

Tips for Perfect Focaccia

• Use Fresh Ingredients: High-quality olive oil and fresh toppings make all the difference.
• Keep Dough Sticky: Sticky dough creates a light and airy texture.
• Ensure Even Baking: Preheat your oven thoroughly and bake on the middle rack.
• Don’t Skip the Dimples: They’re essential for trapping olive oil and creating the classic focaccia texture.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Slice (Approx.)
Calories	180
Carbohydrates	22g
Protein	4g
Fat	8g
Sodium	240mg

FAQs About Focaccia

1. Can I make focaccia without mashed potato?

Yes, but the potato adds moisture and softness to the bread. If you skip it, the texture may be slightly different.

2. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of bread flour?

You can substitute up to 50% of the bread flour with whole wheat flour, but the texture will be denser.

3. How do I store leftover focaccia?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze it.

4. Can I freeze focaccia dough?

Yes! After the first rise, shape the dough into a ball, wrap it tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before continuing.

5. What other toppings work well on focaccia?

Try caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, or even sweet options like cinnamon and sugar.

6. Can I make focaccia without a special pan?

Yes, but a metal pan helps achieve a crispier crust. A glass or ceramic dish will work, though the texture may vary.

Conclusion: Master Focaccia Today

Making focaccia is an incredibly rewarding experience. From the simplicity of the ingredients to the joy of dimpling the dough and watching it bake to golden perfection, it’s a recipe that anyone can master. Whether you stick to the classic garlic and rosemary topping or get creative with your own additions, focaccia is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

So why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and start crafting your own homemade focaccia today. Trust me—your taste buds will thank you.

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