Description
Focaccia is a crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside Italian flatbread bursting with flavor. Made with simple pantry staples like flour, yeast, olive oil, and fresh herbs, this versatile bread can be customized with plant-based toppings to suit any craving. Perfect for sharing, quick to prepare, and ideal for any meal or snack, it brings the aromas of an Italian bakery right into your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose or bread flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) yeast
- 1 1/4 cups lukewarm water
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for brushing (natural)
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
Toppings
- Fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano (to taste)
- Sea salt flakes (for sprinkling)
- Optional vegetable toppings: roasted cherry tomatoes, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms
- Optional plant-based cheese: shredded plant-based mozzarella or parmesan (plant-based)
- Optional olives and capers
- Optional garlic, minced (to mix into olive oil for infusion)
- Optional sweet focaccia toppings: dried figs or raisins with a drizzle of maple syrup (natural)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Start by dissolving yeast in lukewarm water, then mix in flour, salt, and a generous amount of olive oil. Knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes using a mixer.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Shape and Dock the Dough: Transfer the dough to a baking sheet brushed with olive oil. Press it out gently with your fingers to form an even rectangle or circle, creating dimples all over the surface to trap olive oil and toppings.
- Add Toppings and Second Rise: Drizzle the dough with olive oil (natural), sprinkle fresh herbs, sea salt flakes, and your choice of toppings. Let the dough rest for another 20 to 30 minutes to puff slightly before baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20 to 25 minutes or until the crust turns golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to help yeast activate effectively for better rise.
- Do not skip creating dimples in the dough to ensure toppings sit well and olive oil seeps in.
- Apply olive oil generously on the surface for a crisp crust and rich flavor.
- Allow the dough to rise twice to enhance fluffiness and texture.
- Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, sage, or chives for varied flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of focaccia)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: focaccia, Italian flatbread, plant-based, vegan bread, crispy crust, soft bread, homemade focaccia, bread recipe, gluten free bread
