Name: Easy Traditional Italian Focaccia Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: FOR THE DOUGH; 1/2 teaspoon honey; 1 cup water (lukewarm) ((235 grams)); 1 teaspoon yeast; 2 3/4 cups all purpose flour ((355 grams)); 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil; FOR THE TOPPING; tablespoon coarse salt; 2-3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 sprigs fresh rosemary ((leaves removed))

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Easy Focaccia Bread, a delicious alternative to regular bread, a pizza type dough topped with olive oil, salt and fresh rosemary then baked to perfection. Serve it with Soup, Stews or slice it in the middle and make a sandwich!

I love serving Focaccia with a Simple Italian Beef Stew or a Homemade Fish Soup.

Focaccia Bread

Focaccia or Pizza? Good question, I love both. When I make pizza I usually make it loaded with veggies or light and no tomato sauce or as it is called in Italy, Pizza Bianca.

But my Easy Focaccia I like simple, drizzled with olive oil and salt and sprinkled with some fresh rosemary leaves and then baked.

How to make Focaccia Bread

In a small bowl add the honey and warm water (stir to combine) then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes and then stir to combine.
In a large bowl whisk together the flour and salt, make a well in the middle and add the yeast mixture and the olive oil, mix until almost combined then move to a lightly floured flat surface and knead until dough becomes smooth and elastic, form it into a ball.
Place the dough in a lightly olive oiled glass bowl (and swirl the dough so that it is lightly covered with the oil). Cover the bowl and let the dough rise 1 hour in a warm draft free area.
Remove the dough from the bowl and punch it down a few times. Place the dough in a lightly oiled 12 inch skillet or pizza pan spread the dough, then cover it and let it rest for approximately 15 minutes.
Spread the dough again if needed. Using your finger tips or knuckles make indentations in the dough.
Drizzle the top of the dough with 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil (brush the olive oil to cover the dough) then sprinkle with rock salt and rosemary leaves. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes (check after 15 minutes). Serve warm. Enjoy!

Can the dough be made with a Stand up Mixer?

Yes the dough can be made using a stand up mixer with the dough hook attachment,. Knead the dough on medium speed until smooth and elastic (approximately 6-7 minutes). Then move the dough to a lightly floured flat surface and knead a couple of times to form into a ball.

What is Focaccia Bread?

Focaccia can be either a very soft dough or less soft but with a lightly crunchy crust.
Sometimes the dough may have a little malt or honey added.
A focaccia is drizzled with olive oil and rock salt before baking.
The dough will remain soft with a crunchy bottom, thanks to the olive oil that is drizzled on the bottom of the pan.

Can Focaccia dough be made ahead of time?

You can make the dough and leave it to rise slowly in the fridge, make sure it is lightly covered with plastic wrap. When you are ready to bake just make sure to bring it to room temperature before shaping the dough.

Can Focaccia Bread be frozen?

Yes you can either freeze the unbaked dough, after it has risen. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic then place in an airtight freezer bag or container and freeze. Dough will last up to 3 months in the freezer. Let dough thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring the dough to room temperature before continuing with the recipe.

You can also bake the baked Focaccia, wrap the bread tightly in plastic then place in an airtight freezer bag or container. It will keep up to one month in the freezer. Thaw the bread at room temperature then warm it up in the oven.

How do Italian eat Focaccia Bread?

Focaccia Bread is perfect for making a simple sandwich. Italians love to slice the focaccia in the middle. Open it up and fill it with some amazing Italian prosciutto, mortadella or salami and a slice of cheese preferably something strong like a goat cheese. So good!

This Easy Focaccia is so delicious and goes great with a bowl of chili or your favourite stew or soup.

More Yeast Bread Recipes

Best Pizza Dough

Fast & Easy No Knead Bread

Homemade Olive Oil Bread Rolls

Not only that, but why not make a couple and cut them up and fill a basket to be served along with a cheese or cold cut platter during the holiday get togethers? Everyone needs a little Italian.

However you decide to eat or serve this Focaccia Recipe I hope you enjoy it. Buon Appetito!

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