There’s something truly magical about the smell of homemade bread wafting through your kitchen, isn’t there? It just warms the heart and soul! My journey into bread-making began with a simple focaccia recipe, and let me tell you, it was love at first bite. This *simple focaccia bread* is not only easy to whip up, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it as a side with dinner, slather it with pesto, or even use it as a base for sandwiches. I remember the first time I pulled a golden, crusty loaf out of the oven—I felt like a culinary genius! The best part? You don’t need to be a pro baker to get it right. Trust me, if I can do it, so can you!
Ingredients for Simple Focaccia Bread
Gather these simple ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to baking the most delightful focaccia!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the foundation of your bread, giving it that beautiful texture. Make sure to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy!
- 1 cup warm water: Not too hot, not too cold—about 110°F (43°C) is perfect for activating the yeast. It should feel pleasantly warm to the touch.
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast: This little packet is a powerhouse! It’s what makes your bread rise and gives it that lovely airy structure.
- 1 tsp salt: Don’t skip this! Salt enhances flavor and also helps control the fermentation process of the yeast.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For that rich flavor and a bit of moisture! I love using good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.
- 1 tbsp rosemary (fresh or dried): This is my secret weapon for flavor! Fresh rosemary gives a vibrant aroma, but dried works just as well if that’s what you have on hand.
How to Prepare Simple Focaccia Bread
Making focaccia is a fun and rewarding process, and I’m here to guide you through each step! Let’s dive right in and get that dough rising!
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing your warm water and the active dry yeast in a bowl. It’s super important to let it sit for about 5 minutes. This step activates the yeast, and you should see it foam up a bit. This means it’s alive and ready to work its magic! If it doesn’t foam, your water might’ve been too hot or too cold, so just try again!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Once your yeast is all bubbly, it’s time to add the flour, salt, and olive oil into the mix. I like to add the salt to the flour first before combining everything, just to ensure it’s evenly distributed. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix everything until it’s just combined. Don’t overdo it; you just want it to come together into a shaggy dough!
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Now for the fun part—kneading! Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth, elastic texture. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much! You want it to be soft and slightly tacky.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Once your dough is kneaded, pop it into a greased bowl and cover it with a cloth. This is where the magic happens—let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This step is crucial; it gives your focaccia that lovely airy texture!
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
While your dough is rising, go ahead and preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when your focaccia is ready to bake. Trust me, a preheated oven makes all the difference in achieving that golden crust!
Step 6: Shape the Dough
After an hour, punch down the risen dough to release the air, then spread it out onto a greased baking sheet. Use your fingers to make dimples all over the surface—this is where the olive oil will pool, creating those delicious crispy bits! Drizzle a little olive oil on top and sprinkle with rosemary. Go wild with it!
Step 7: Bake the Focaccia
Now it’s time to bake! Slide your focaccia into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s beautifully golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when it’s got that lovely aroma wafting through your kitchen. Let it cool slightly before slicing, and then enjoy the heavenly goodness you just created!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This *simple focaccia bread* is a game-changer for any home cook! Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore it:
- Quick Preparation: You can whip this up in no time, with just a little hands-on time and then let the dough do its thing while you kick back.
- Easy Ingredients: No fancy pantry items here! Just basic ingredients you likely already have on hand, making it super approachable.
- Flavorful Outcome: The combination of olive oil and rosemary creates an aromatic bread that’s bursting with flavor—perfect for any meal or snack.
- Versatile: Serve it alongside soup, use it for sandwiches, or enjoy it on its own with a drizzle of olive oil. The possibilities are endless!
- Impressive Results: You’ll feel like a professional baker when you pull that golden loaf out of the oven—everyone will be asking for your secret!
- Fun to Make: There’s something wonderfully satisfying about kneading dough and watching it rise. It’s a great way to unwind!
Tips for Success
To ensure your *simple focaccia bread* turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips to keep in mind:
- Use Fresh Herbs: If you can, opt for fresh rosemary instead of dried. It gives your focaccia a vibrant flavor and aroma that’s just unbeatable!
- Perfect Dough Texture: When kneading, remember that the dough should be smooth and slightly tacky, but not sticky. If it sticks to your hands too much, sprinkle a little flour, but don’t overdo it!
- Warm Rising Spot: Find a cozy spot for your dough to rise—like near a sunny window or in a slightly warmed oven (just turn it off once it’s warm!). This helps the yeast work its magic faster!
- Experiment with Toppings: While rosemary is a classic, don’t be afraid to get creative! Try adding sea salt, sliced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of cheese on top before baking.
- Make Dimples Deep: When you’re creating those dimples in the dough, make them deep! This helps hold onto the olive oil and adds a delightful texture to each bite.
- Let It Cool: After baking, resist the urge to slice it right away. Letting it cool for a few minutes will help the texture set, making it easier and neater to cut.
Trust me, these little tips can make a big difference in your focaccia game, and soon enough, you’ll be impressing everyone with your baking skills!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked and enjoyed your delicious *simple focaccia bread*, you might find yourself with some leftovers. Don’t worry; storing it properly will keep it fresh and tasty for days!
To store your focaccia, let it cool completely before wrapping it up. I like to place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This helps prevent it from drying out and maintains that lovely texture. If you have a lot left over, you can slice it first for easier snacking later on!
Your focaccia will stay fresh at room temperature for about 2–3 days. If you want to keep it longer, pop it in the fridge, where it can last up to a week. Just remember that refrigeration can sometimes dry out bread, so make sure it’s well-wrapped.
Now, when it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, I recommend reheating them to bring back that fresh-baked flavor. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the focaccia directly on the rack or on a baking sheet. Heat it for about 5–10 minutes, just until it’s warmed through. You can even sprinkle a little extra olive oil on top to revive the flavor before warming it up!
And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also slice it and toast it in a skillet with a bit of butter or olive oil for a crispy, golden treat. Trust me, nothing beats the aroma of freshly toasted focaccia filling your kitchen again!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying your homemade *simple focaccia bread*, it’s nice to know what you’re getting in each delightful slice! Below is the estimated nutritional information based on the ingredients used. Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on specific brands and quantities:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 4g
This nutritional breakdown can help you enjoy your focaccia while keeping an eye on your dietary needs. Whether you’re pairing it with a hearty soup or savoring it on its own, you can indulge without worry!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making your *simple focaccia bread*? No problem! Here are some answers to common queries that might pop up while you’re baking away:
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour will give your focaccia a nuttier flavor and a denser texture. Just keep in mind that it might need a bit more water since it absorbs more moisture than all-purpose flour.
What if I don’t have rosemary?
Don’t worry! Focaccia is super versatile. You can use any fresh or dried herbs you like—thyme, oregano, or even a mix of Italian herbs work beautifully. Or, you can add toppings like garlic, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor twist!
My focaccia didn’t rise as much as I expected. What happened?
Ah, that can be a bit frustrating! If your dough didn’t rise well, it could be that the yeast was expired or the water temperature was off—too hot can kill the yeast, and too cold won’t activate it. Always check the expiration date and use warm water around 110°F (43°C) for best results!
Can I make focaccia ahead of time?
Yes, you can! If you want to prep ahead, you can make the dough and let it rise, then cover it and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just bring it back to room temperature before shaping and baking. It’s an excellent way to have fresh bread ready without all the last-minute work!
How do I know when my focaccia is done baking?
Great question! Your focaccia should be golden brown on top, and when you tap the bottom, it should sound hollow. The aroma filling your kitchen will be a good sign too! If you’re unsure, you can always use a kitchen thermometer—aim for an internal temperature of about 200°F (93°C).
What can I do with leftover focaccia?
There are so many delicious ways to use leftover focaccia! You can slice it up for sandwiches, toast it for a crunchy snack, or even turn it into croutons for salads. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making a bread pudding with it! The possibilities are endless!
If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out! I’m here to help you on your focaccia-making journey!
Imprimer
Simple Focaccia Bread: 7 Secrets to Heavenly Results
- Temps Total: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A simple recipe for homemade focaccia bread.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp rosemary (fresh or dried)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until combined.
- Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until smooth.
- Cover the bowl with a cloth. Let it rise for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread the dough on a greased baking sheet.
- Make dimples in the dough with your fingers.
- Sprinkle with rosemary and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for better flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 25 minutes
- Catégorie: Bread
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sucre: 0g
- De Sodium: 200mg
- La graisse: 4g
- Graisses Saturées: 0.5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3.5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 26g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 4g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 0mg
Mots-clés: simple focaccia bread
