About the Recipe
There's something magical about the aroma of fresh baked bread in your kitchen. Today, I'm going to guide you through the process of making the yummiest homemade focaccia bread. Get ready to impress your guests with this easy-to-follow recipe:
Ingredients
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups warm water
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves (or other herbs of your choice)
Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
Preparation
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and 1/4 cup of olive oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it's too sticky, you can add a bit more flour.
First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a baking sheet or a 9x13-inch pan with some olive oil.
Shape the Focaccia: Gently punch down the risen dough and transfer it to your greased pan. Use your fingertips to press it out evenly into the shape of the pan.
Second Rise: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for an additional 20-30 minutes. This will give your focaccia that wonderful airy texture.
Add Toppings: Use your fingertips to create dimples all over the surface of the dough. Drizzle the remaining olive oil evenly over the top, and sprinkle with fresh rosemary leaves and a generous pinch of coarse sea salt.
Bake: Pop your focaccia into the 425°F (220°C) oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until it's golden brown on top.
Cool and Serve: Once your homemade focaccia bread is done, let it cool for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.