Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for making *simple focaccia bread*! There’s just something magical about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house. This recipe is honestly one of my favorites because it’s so straightforward and forgiving, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and those just starting out. I remember the first time I tried making focaccia; it felt like a little culinary adventure! The joy of pressing my fingers into the dough to create those signature dimples was so satisfying. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can customize it with your favorite herbs or toppings, and it pairs beautifully with just about anything. Whether it’s for a cozy dinner or a picnic in the park, this focaccia is always a hit. Trust me, once you give this recipe a try, you’ll be hooked, and your friends and family will be begging for more!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best *simple focaccia bread*! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the backbone of your bread, providing that lovely structure.
- 1 1/2 cups warm water – Make sure it’s warm, not hot, to activate the yeast perfectly.
- 1 packet instant yeast – This is what gives your focaccia its delightful rise!
- 2 teaspoons salt – Essential for flavor; don’t skip it!
- 1/4 cup olive oil – Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
- 1 tablespoon sea salt for topping – This will create a crunchy, flavorful crust.
- Fresh herbs (optional) – Basil, rosemary, or thyme add wonderful aroma and taste!
Having everything measured and ready will make the process even smoother, trust me!
How to Prepare Instructions
Making *simple focaccia bread* is a breeze when you follow these steps! Just take your time, and soon you’ll have a warm, golden loaf ready to enjoy.
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast
Start by mixing the warm water and yeast in a large bowl. Give it a gentle stir, then let it sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll see it start to foam a bit – that’s how you know it’s alive and ready to work its magic!
Step 2: Make the Dough
Once your yeast is bubbly, add in the flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix everything together until a dough starts to form. I like to use a wooden spoon or my hands to get in there and combine it well. It should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Now comes the fun part! Dust your work surface with a bit of flour and turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes, folding and pushing it until it’s smooth and elastic. Trust me, this step is essential for that perfect texture!
Step 4: Let It Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This is when the magic happens, and your kitchen will start to smell wonderful!
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
While your dough is rising, go ahead and preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This way, it’ll be nice and hot when your dough is ready to bake!
Step 6: Shape and Season the Dough
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release some air, then spread it onto a greased baking sheet. Use your fingers to make those signature dimples all over the surface. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle sea salt and any fresh herbs you like on top.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Pop your baking sheet in the oven and let it bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s golden brown and your kitchen is filled with that irresistible aroma!
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This is important – you don’t want to slice it too early, or it might fall apart. Then, slice it up and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
- Uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Versatile; customize with your favorite herbs, toppings, or dips.
- The texture is soft and chewy with a crispy crust that’s simply irresistible!
- It makes a fantastic side for soups, salads, or just on its own with olive oil.
- Great for sharing at gatherings or enjoying fresh out of the oven!
Tips for Success
To really elevate your *simple focaccia bread*, here are some pro tips you won’t want to miss! First, using fresh herbs can make a world of difference in flavor—don’t be shy with them! If you want an extra kick, try mixing in some garlic or grated cheese into the dough. Also, pay attention to your dough consistency; it should be slightly sticky but not overly wet. If it feels too dry, add a splash more water. And remember, the longer you let it rise, the better the flavor! A second rise can add even more deliciousness. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just an estimate. Typically, one slice of *simple focaccia bread* contains about 150 calories. It’s a delightful treat, but always check your ingredients for the most accurate info!
FAQ Section
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that the texture may be a bit denser. You might want to use a mix of both for the best results.
How do I store leftover focaccia?
To keep your *simple focaccia bread* fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you have leftovers beyond that, consider freezing them!
What can I serve with focaccia?
Focaccia pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or just a simple dipping oil. You can even use it for sandwiches – it’s so versatile!
Can I add toppings to the dough?
Definitely! Feel free to sprinkle on toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or cheese before baking for an extra flavor boost!
Why didn’t my focaccia rise?
If your focaccia didn’t rise, check if your yeast is fresh and that the water was warm enough (not hot!). It might need a warmer spot to rise, too!
Simple Focaccia Bread: 7 Steps to Irresistible Delight
- Gesamtzeit: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Ertrag: 12 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
This is a simple focaccia bread recipe that is easy to follow.
Zutaten
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 packet instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sea salt for topping
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Anweisungen
- In a large bowl, combine warm water 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 5 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Spread the dough onto a greased baking sheet, pressing it with your fingers to form dimples.
- Drizzle olive oil on top and sprinkle with sea salt and herbs.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let it cool before slicing.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- Store in an airtight container for freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 25 minutes
- Kategorie: Bread
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: Italian
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 150
- Zucker: 0g
- Natrium: 250mg
- Fett: 5g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 0.5g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 24g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterin: 0mg
Keywords: simple focaccia bread
