Focaccia bread is a classic Italian delight that has gained popularity worldwide for its irresistible taste and versatility. This flatbread is known for its soft, airy texture and flavorful toppings, making it a perfect accompaniment to soups, salads, or enjoyed on its own. With this homemade focaccia bread recipe, you can bring the authentic taste of Italy to your kitchen and delight your family and friends with its delectable flavors. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this aromatic and delicious bread.
How to Make Homemade Focaccia Bread
Making Homemade Focaccia Bread from scratch is easier than you might think. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Homemade Focaccia Bread Ingredients:
you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup mozzarella
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
How Do You Make Homemade Focaccia Bread?
1. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, salt, sugar, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, basil, and black pepper. Mix the ingredients well.
2. Add water and vegetable oil to the dry mixture. Stir until the dough starts to come together.
3. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step helps develop the gluten in the dough, resulting in a lighter texture.
4. Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough in it, turning it to coat it with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for approximately 20 minutes. This allows the yeast to activate and causes the dough to double in size.
5. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet and gently pat it into a rectangle shape, approximately 1/2 inch thick.
7. Brush the top of the dough with olive oil, ensuring it is evenly coated. Sprinkle mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top, pressing them lightly into the dough.
8. Bake the focaccia bread in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until it turns golden brown and develops a crisp crust.
9. Once baked, remove the focaccia bread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Cut it into 12 pieces and serve warm.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute part or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to make a healthier version of focaccia bread. Keep in mind that the texture and taste might differ slightly.
Can I customize the toppings?
Absolutely! Focaccia bread is highly versatile, and you can experiment with various toppings like cherry tomatoes, olives, caramelized onions, or fresh herbs to suit your preferences.
How should I store leftover focaccia bread?
To keep the bread fresh, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It is best consumed
within 1-2 days. You can also freeze the bread for up to a month and reheat it in the oven when needed.
Homemade Focaccia Bread
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup mozzarella
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, salt, sugar, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, basil, and black pepper. Mix the ingredients well.
- Add water and vegetable oil to the dry mixture. Stir until the dough starts to come together.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step helps develop the gluten in the dough, resulting in a lighter texture.
- Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough in it, turning it to coat it with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for approximately 20 minutes. This allows the yeast to activate and causes the dough to double in size.
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet and gently pat it into a rectangle shape, approximately 1/2 inch thick.
- Brush the top of the dough with olive oil, ensuring it is evenly coated. Sprinkle mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top, pressing them lightly into the dough.
- Bake the focaccia bread in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until it turns golden brown and develops a crisp crust.
- Once baked, remove the focaccia bread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Cut it into 12 pieces and serve warm.
