If you’re looking for a delicious bread recipe to try at home, look no further than focaccia! This Italian flatbread is easy to make and perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. With a crispy crust and a soft, chewy interior, it’s the perfect addition to any meal.
Ingredients
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 10g salt
- 7g active dry yeast
- 400ml warm water
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt together.
- In a separate bowl, mix the yeast and warm water until dissolved.
- Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a damp towel. Let the dough rise for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
- Grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
- Roll out the dough on the baking sheet and brush with olive oil.
- Sprinkle with oregano and garlic powder.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm.
Variations
Vegetarian Version
To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit any meat or animal products from the toppings or filling. You could add some sliced tomatoes or roasted vegetables for a tasty veggie twist.
Vegan Version
To make this recipe vegan, simply omit any animal products from the ingredients. Use a vegan-friendly yeast and brush the focaccia with a vegan butter or oil instead of the traditional olive oil.
Cheese and Herb Focaccia
For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese over the top of the focaccia before baking. You could also add some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor.
Sundried Tomato and Olive Focaccia
For a Mediterranean twist, add some chopped sundried tomatoes and sliced olives to the top of the focaccia before baking. This will give it a delicious salty and slightly sweet flavor.
Garlic and Herb Focaccia
For a classic flavor combination, add some minced garlic and freshly chopped herbs like parsley and basil to the top of the focaccia before baking. This will give it a delicious savory flavor that’s perfect for dipping in olive oil.
There you have it, a delicious and easy homemade focaccia recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and let us know what you think!
FAQ
What is focaccia?
Focaccia is a flat Italian bread made with flour, yeast, water, salt, and olive oil. It is usually seasoned with herbs and sometimes topped with vegetables, cheese, or meat.
Is focaccia difficult to make?
Focaccia is relatively easy to make, but it does require some time and patience. You will need to allow time for the dough to rise and for the bread to bake.
What type of flour should I use for focaccia?
You should use all-purpose flour for focaccia. Bread flour can also be used, but it will result in a chewier texture.
Can I make focaccia without yeast?
Focaccia is traditionally made with yeast, but there are recipes that use baking powder or self-rising flour instead. However, the texture and flavor may be different.
How should I store focaccia?
Focaccia can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. It can also be frozen for up to three months.
Can I add other toppings to focaccia?
Yes, you can add a variety of toppings to focaccia, such as olives, tomatoes, onions, garlic, cheese, or herbs. Be creative and experiment with different flavors!
How do I know when focaccia is done baking?
Focaccia is done when it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. The internal temperature should be around 200-210°F (93-99°C).
Can I make focaccia in advance?
Yes, you can make focaccia in advance and reheat it in the oven or toaster oven just before serving. However, it is best when served fresh and warm.
Can I substitute other oils for olive oil in focaccia?
You can use other oils, such as vegetable oil or canola oil, but they will not give the same flavor and aroma as olive oil. You can also use a combination of oils.
Can I make focaccia gluten-free?
Yes, you can make gluten-free focaccia by using a gluten-free flour blend and adding xanthan gum or psyllium husk powder to help with the texture.
