Introduction
There’s nothing quite as comforting as the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. This same-day focaccia is a delightful way to enjoy the soft, chewy texture and rich flavors of homemade bread without the long wait. With a golden brown crust and a tender, airy interior, it’s perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a base for delicious sandwiches. Let’s dive into this simple recipe that will fill your kitchen with warmth and satisfaction!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Coarse sea salt for topping
- Fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) for garnish (optional)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Directions and Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, instant yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until you see it become foamy—this means the yeast is alive and ready to go!
- Next, add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir everything together until a dough begins to form.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. You want it to feel soft and supple in your hands.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This is where the magic happens!
- While that’s happening, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Once the dough has risen beautifully, transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Gently stretch and press it out to fill the sheet evenly, creating a lovely flatbread shape.
- With your fingers, gently make dimples all over the surface of the dough—this will help it capture all that olive oil goodness! Drizzle with a bit more olive oil and sprinkle coarse sea salt on top, along with any fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- Allow the dough to rest for another 20 minutes. This step helps it get that perfect rise before baking.
- Now, pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is a gorgeous golden brown and your kitchen is filled with a mouthwatering aroma!
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool briefly before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy every bite!
Notes or Tips
Don’t hesitate to customize your focaccia! Add toppings like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or cheese before baking for a flavorful twist. If you’re using fresh herbs, be generous; they truly elevate the flavor and make your focaccia aroma intoxicating!
Cooking Techniques
This focaccia recipe gets its lovely texture from the kneading process, which develops the gluten in the dough. Don’t skip the resting times, as they allow the gluten to relax, making for a tender bread. Creating dimples before baking not only looks beautiful but also helps to hold the olive oil and toppings, enhancing the flavor.
FAQ
Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour for a nuttier flavor and a bit more texture.
How do I store leftover focaccia?
To keep your bread fresh, wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Conclusion
This same-day focaccia is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire! Whether you’re enjoying it on its own, with a side of olive oil for dipping, or using it as a base for your next sandwich creation, it’s a simple pleasure that brings the warmth of home cooking to your table. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and experience the joy of homemade focaccia!