Craving a warm, freshly baked bread that’s fluffy on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside? Look no further than this Easy Focaccia recipe! This classic Italian bread is a crowd-pleaser and surprisingly simple to make at home. With a handful of basic ingredients and a little bit of patience, you’ll soon be enjoying the delightful aroma of this homemade focaccia wafting through your kitchen. Let’s dive into how to create this delicious treat.
**Easy Focaccia**
**Ingredients:**
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ cups warm water
– 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
– 2 tsp sugar
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/3 cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
**Instructions:**
1. **Activate the Yeast:** In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. **Mix the Dough:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Slowly pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir well until the dough comes together.
3. **Knead the Dough:** Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.
4. **First Rise:** Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. **Prepare the Pan:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking sheet with olive oil. Transfer the risen dough to the prepared pan and gently press it down to spread it evenly.
6. **Second Rise:** Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise for an additional 20-30 minutes.
7. **Add Toppings:** Using your fingers, make dimples all over the surface of the dough. Drizzle olive oil generously over the top. Sprinkle with dried rosemary and flaky sea salt.
8. **Bake:** Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown on top.
9. **Serve:** Allow the focaccia to cool slightly before slicing it into squares or wedges. This bread is delicious on its own, served with soups, salads, or used as a base for sandwiches.
Enjoy your freshly baked Easy Focaccia with your favorite spreads or dips, or simply savor it on its own as a flavorful snack or side dish. The simplicity of this recipe makes it perfect for beginner bakers and those looking to add a homemade touch to their meals. So, why not give it a try and delight your senses with the wonderful taste and aroma of freshly baked focaccia!
