Description
Rustic Italian Focaccia brings Mediterranean warmth to kitchen counters with its golden, herb-infused crust. Simple ingredients and gentle kneading create a bread that connects generations through delicious, aromatic comfort you’ll savor slice by slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups bread flour
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1.5 cups warm water
- 4 tbsp olive oil
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp dried rosemary
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
Toppings:
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp coarse sea salt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm water, allowing it to foam and become frothy for about 5-7 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour and sea salt, creating a well in the center for the yeast mixture.
- Pour the activated yeast into the flour, incorporating olive oil and mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, developing gluten structure.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and transfer to a generously oiled baking sheet, gently stretching it to cover the entire surface.
- Dimple the dough surface using fingertips, creating characteristic focaccia texture.
- Sprinkle dried rosemary and oregano across the dough, ensuring even distribution.
- Let the dough rest and proof for an additional 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) while the dough is proofing.
- Before baking, drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the surface and scatter minced garlic and fresh basil leaves.
- Sprinkle coarse sea salt across the top for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy around the edges.
- Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Choose high-protein bread flour for optimal gluten development, ensuring a chewy and airy texture.
- Maintain warm water temperature between 100-110°F when activating yeast to prevent killing the live cultures.
- Allow sufficient proofing time for maximum flavor complexity and authentic Italian-style bread structure.
- Experiment with alternative toppings like sundried tomatoes, olives, or caramelized onions for unique flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg