Best Homemade Focaccia

Focaccia is a beloved Italian bread, celebrated for its airy texture and rich flavor. This artisan herb focaccia recipe brings the magic of fresh herbs and olive oil to your kitchen, transforming simple ingredients into a delightful culinary experience. Unlike many breads that require complicated techniques or specialized equipment, focaccia is surprisingly approachable for home bakers of all skill levels. With its golden crust and soft, pillowy interior, it serves as an excellent side dish, a base for sandwiches, or even a snack on its own.

Discover the magic of baking with this artisan herb focaccia recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a delicious, airy bread. Perfect for home bakers of all skill levels, focaccia features a golden crust and soft interior, making it an ideal side dish, sandwich base, or snack. This article provides a step-by-step guide covering ingredient selection, kneading techniques, and creative topping ideas. Elevate your meals and enjoy this versatile Italian classic right from your kitchen!

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Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons sea salt

1 teaspoon sugar

2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)

1 3/4 cups warm water (approximately 110°F / 43°C)

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano), finely chopped

Flaky sea salt for topping

Optional: Cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, or caramelized onions for additional toppings

Instructions

Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Stir lightly and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly.

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and sea salt until well combined.

Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture, using a wooden spoon to stir until the dough begins to come together into a shaggy mass.

Knead the Dough: Pour the olive oil into the dough and knead it in the bowl for about 5-7 minutes. The dough will be sticky, which is normal for focaccia, and should become smooth and elastic as you work with it.

First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a large, greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm area for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease a large baking sheet or a 9x13-inch pan liberally with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, gently turn it out onto the prepared baking sheet. With your fingers, carefully stretch and spread the dough to fit the pan evenly. Cover it with the towel again and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.

Add Toppings: After the second rise, use your fingertips to create dimples all over the surface of the dough. Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the top and sprinkle with the chopped herbs, flaky sea salt, and your choice of any optional toppings for extra flavor.

Bake the Focaccia: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is beautifully golden brown and has a lovely crispy crust.

Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut it into squares or strips, and serve warm or at room temperature for an irresistible treat.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 2 hours (including rising time) | 12 servings

Presentation Tips: For an attractive display, arrange the focaccia on a rustic wooden board and garnish with additional fresh herbs or a small bowl of olive oil for dipping. Enjoy the fragrant aroma as you serve this artisanal bread!