There’s just something magical about homemade bread, isn’t there? The aroma wafting through the kitchen, the satisfaction of creating something warm and fluffy with your own hands—it’s pure bliss! One of my absolute favorites to whip up is *simple focaccia bread*. It’s so straightforward and rewarding, and trust me, the taste is out of this world! I still remember the first time I made it; I was a bit nervous, but as I pulled it out of the oven, golden and bubbling, I felt like a baking rockstar. Each slice was like a warm hug for my soul, and I couldn’t help but share it with friends and family. They loved it just as much as I did! So, if you’re looking for a comforting bread that’s easy to make and utterly delicious, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the joy of making *simple focaccia bread* together!
Ingredients List
Gathering the ingredients for this *simple focaccia bread* is a breeze! You probably already have most of them in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base of our focaccia, giving it that lovely, chewy texture.
- 2 teaspoons salt – Just the right amount to enhance the flavor of the bread.
- 1 packet active dry yeast – This little packet is the magic that makes your dough rise and become fluffy.
- 1 3/4 cups warm water – Make sure it’s warm, not hot! It helps activate the yeast.
- 1/4 cup olive oil – Adds richness and a beautiful flavor to the bread.
- 1 tablespoon sugar – A touch of sweetness to help the yeast along its journey.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary – This is my favorite part! It infuses the bread with a lovely herbal aroma.
- Coarse sea salt for topping – This is the finishing touch that gives your focaccia a beautiful, salty crunch.
With these simple ingredients, you’re on your way to making a delightful focaccia that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! Let’s get ready to bring it all together!
How to Prepare Instructions
Making *simple focaccia bread* is a delightful journey, and I’m here to guide you through each step! Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be whipping up this bread on the regular. Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive in!
Step 1 – Activate the Yeast
Start by grabbing a bowl and mixing together 1 3/4 cups of warm water (remember, it should feel cozy to the touch, not scalding hot!), 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 packet of active dry yeast. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This is where the magic happens! You’ll see the yeast start to bubble and froth—this means it’s alive and ready to work its wonders in your dough.
Step 2 – Forming the Dough
Once your yeast is all bubbly and happy, it’s time to bring in the rest of the ingredients. Add 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1/4 cup of olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix everything together until a shaggy dough starts to form. Don’t worry about it being perfect at this stage; just make sure all the flour gets incorporated!
Step 3 – Kneading the Dough
Now comes the fun part—kneading! Lightly flour your work surface and turn out your dough. Knead it for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You’ll know it’s ready when it springs back when you poke it. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour as needed, but be careful not to overdo it!
Step 4 – Rising the Dough
Place your beautiful dough into a greased bowl, turning it a bit to coat all sides with oil. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. This is when the dough will double in size, so be patient—it’s worth the wait!
Step 5 – Preparing for Baking
Once your dough has risen, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, transfer the dough to a greased baking sheet. Don’t be shy; really spread it out to fill the pan!
Step 6 – Shaping the Dough
With your fingertips, gently press the dough flat into the sheet. Make sure to create dimples all over the surface—this is where the olive oil and seasonings will pool, adding flavor and texture. It’s one of my favorite parts!
Step 7 – Topping the Dough
Now it’s time to get fancy! Sprinkle your 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary and some coarse sea salt all over the top of the dough. If you’re feeling adventurous, go ahead and add other toppings like olives or cherry tomatoes—you can really make this focaccia your own!
Step 8 – Baking the Focaccia
Pop your topped dough into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s a gorgeous golden brown. The smell will be heavenly! Once it’s done, let it cool for a bit before slicing. Trust me, the wait will be worth it when you take that first bite of warm, fluffy focaccia!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, where do I start? You’re going to fall head over heels for this *simple focaccia bread*! Here are a few reasons why it’s become a staple in my kitchen:
- Quick preparation time – Seriously, you can whip this up in no time. With just 15 minutes of prep and a little patience while it rises, you’re well on your way to bread bliss!
- Easy to make with minimal ingredients – I love that it doesn’t require a ton of fancy stuff. Just basic pantry staples come together to create something truly special!
- Versatile for toppings – This is where you can really get creative! Whether you love classic rosemary, or want to throw on some olives, tomatoes, or even cheese, the options are endless. You can customize it to suit your mood!
- A delicious side for various meals – This focaccia is perfect as a sidekick to soups, salads, or just enjoyed on its own with a drizzle of olive oil. It’s a crowd-pleaser at every dinner table!
Once you’ve made it a few times, you’ll find it’s a go-to recipe that brings joy not just to you but to everyone lucky enough to share a slice. Trust me, it’s hard to resist that warm, fluffy goodness!
Tips for Success
Alright, my fellow bakers, let’s talk about some tips that’ll take your *simple focaccia bread* from great to absolutely fantastic! I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way that I can’t wait to share with you.
- Cover the dough while it rises – This is a game-changer! By covering the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, you’ll create a warm, humid environment that helps the dough rise beautifully and gives you that soft, fluffy texture we all crave.
- Experiment with toppings – Don’t be afraid to get creative! While rosemary is a classic, feel free to add your favorite toppings like olives, cherry tomatoes, or even caramelized onions. You can also sprinkle in some cheese or garlic for an extra flavor punch. The best part? You can customize each batch to suit your taste!
- Use good quality olive oil – Since olive oil plays a big role in the flavor of your focaccia, splurging on a nice bottle can really elevate your bread. Drizzling some on top before baking adds extra richness and flavor!
- Let it cool before slicing – I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting your focaccia cool for a few minutes will make slicing easier and help the texture set just right. Plus, it’ll be easier to resist the urge to burn your tongue!
- Don’t skip the dimples – Those little dimples you make with your fingers not only create a beautiful presentation but also help hold those delicious toppings and olive oil. Embrace the dimples, my friend!
With these tips in your baking toolkit, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of *simple focaccia bread*. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how your bread turns out!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of this *simple focaccia bread*! It’s always nice to know what we’re putting into our bodies, right? Here’s the estimated nutritional data per slice:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Sugar: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. But hey, this focaccia is still a delightful treat that pairs wonderfully with meals or is perfect on its own. Enjoy every fluffy bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about your *simple focaccia bread*? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear, along with my answers to help you out:
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that it may change the texture a bit. I’d recommend starting with half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a great balance between flavor and fluffiness!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing your leftover *simple focaccia bread* is super easy! Just place it in an airtight container at room temperature, and it should stay fresh for a couple of days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and pop it in the fridge. Just remember to let it come to room temperature or warm it up a bit before enjoying it again!
Can I freeze focaccia bread?
Yes, you can definitely freeze your focaccia! Once it’s completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, just thaw it at room temperature or warm it in the oven for a few minutes. It’ll be just like fresh bread again!
If you have any other questions or need more tips, feel free to reach out! Baking should be fun and stress-free, so let’s make the most of it together!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s ensure your delicious *simple focaccia bread* stays fresh and tasty for as long as possible! Storing it properly is key, and it’s super simple to do. Here’s how:
- Storing Leftovers: Once your focaccia has cooled completely, place it in an airtight container. If you don’t have one, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help keep the moisture in and prevent it from going stale. It should stay fresh at room temperature for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can pop it in the fridge, but I recommend using it up quickly for the best taste!
- Freezing Focaccia: If you’ve got leftovers that you want to save for later, freezing is a great option! Just wrap the cooled focaccia tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It’ll be good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it at room temperature or warm it up in the oven.
Reheating: To bring back that freshly baked taste, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the focaccia directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This will help it regain its lovely crust and warmth. If you’ve got a slice or two, you can pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, but I find the oven method keeps it crispier!
With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to savor your *simple focaccia bread* even after the first day. Enjoy every last bite!
Print
Simple Focaccia Bread: 8 Reasons to Bake Today
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 large focaccia 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple recipe for homemade focaccia bread.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 3/4 cups warm water
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- Coarse sea salt for topping
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Transfer the dough to a greased baking sheet. Press it flat.
- Create dimples in the dough with your fingers.
- Sprinkle with rosemary and coarse sea salt.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Try adding other toppings like olives or cherry tomatoes.
- For a softer texture, cover the dough while it rises.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: simple focaccia bread
