When it comes to Italian cuisine, few things are as delicious and iconic as focaccia bread. This flat, oven-baked Italian flare is made with flour, olive oil, salt, and other savory toppings, and it can be enjoyed as either a table bread or a meal in its own right. Making a homemade focaccia bread is an artistic and rewarding exercise in Italian culinary perfection—entirely possible with the help of our expert recipe.
Our step-by-step guide is tailored toward the ambitious home cook with an eye for authenticity. First, we’ll start with the foundational ingredients you’ll need to gather, then discuss proper mixing and resting techniques. From there, we’ll move on to the all-important toppings—and finally, we’ll review the most effective oven techniques for baking a perfectly golden focaccia loaf. Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Your Homemade Focaccia
You’ll need a few basic items that can easily be found at any well-stocked grocery store. To start, you’ll need around 3 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, some good quality olive oil (roughly 1/3 cup and a bit more for brushing), a packet of active dry yeast (or 2 1/4 teaspoons), 1 teaspoon of salt, some dried rosemary, and some grated parmesan (roughly 1/4 cup). Additionally, you can use an optional 1/4 cup of cherry tomatoes or olives for a burst of flavor.
Mixing and Resting Resolutions
OK—an ancient tradition and a modern marvel all work together here to set you on the right path for phenomenal dedication to having your homemade focaccia done to perfection. Start by mixing your 3 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt in a large bowl—you’ll want to ensure they’re well-combined. Once that’s done, add in the packet of active dry yeast and 1/3 cup of good-quality olive oil, and then mix that in well as well.
Now, it’s time to start resting. Pour the dough out onto a lightly-floured surface and knead it for roughly 5-10 minutes. The idea is to get it feeling nice, smooth, and elastic. Once you’ve accomplished that, place the dough back in the large bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Set it aside in a warm place for about 1 1/2 hours—or until it has doubled in size.
Finishing Touches and Baking
Once your dough has doubled in size, it’s time to transfer it over to a pre-greased cookie sheet. Press it down with your hands to about 1/2 to 3/4-inch in thickness. From here, you’ll want to use your fingers to dimple the surface all over—this action will help create the classic focaccia texture that looks so great as it bakes. Lastly, drizzle a bit more olive oil over the top for a glossy appearance, then sprinkle the rosemary and cheese over that. If you’re using any optional toppings, now is the time to sprinkle them over your dough as well.
Finally, your dough is ready for the oven. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and bake your focaccia on the lower oven rack for 12-14 minutes (or until it’s golden brown). Once it’s done, transfer it over to a wire rack and let it cool for 5 minutes. From there, it’s ready to be sliced and garnished according to your own individual taste! Enjoy!
Conclusion: Homemade Focaccia Perfection!
Your homemade focaccia bread is now ready to serve! This timeless Italian dish is sure to become a favorite in your household, and it’s entirely possible to make it with just a few simple household items and a bit of dedication. Whether you’re serving it with soup and salad, as an accompaniment to an Italian feast, or just as a solo treat, you’ll be sure to enjoy every delicious bite!
