Homemade Focaccia Bread

There's nothing better than a big pan of Homemade Focaccia Bread. From its warm, yeasty aroma to its crispy outer texture and its tender crumb, this recipe invites you to savor every heavenly bite! This recipe has the exact same measurements whether you are using all-purpose einkorn or modern wheat flour.

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We love a good loaf of bread around here. Most of the time we keep it to our tried-and-true einkorn sandwich loaf, but recently I've been playing around with some new bread varieties.

It seems like focaccia is really having a day right now, so I couldn't help but dive into this delicious bread to come up with a simple and versatile recipe!

As you can see from those delightful bubbles in the slices above, I absolutely nailed my efforts!

Dress it up or leave it plain, but no matter how you top it, this homemade focaccia bread recipe is a winner any day!

3 Secrets to the Perfect Homemade Focaccia Bread

If you'd like to create the perfect homemade focaccia bread experience, it's actually much easier than you think! Here are a few tips that I've found make a huge difference in the process.

• Patience is Key: While many of my recipes have a relatively short rise time, this recipe really needs that extra time. Allowing the dough to rise, both initially and after shaping, ensures a light and airy texture.
• Remove Quickly: Once your focaccia has come out of the oven, transfer it as quickly as you can to a wire rack or cutting board (the rack is preferable). This will keep it from sticking to the pan as it cools and will help keep that crisp texture on the outside too.
• Rest Before Slicing: Allow the baked focaccia to rest for a little while before slicing. I know it's hard to do this! But, resting will give the crumb structure time to settle and ensures you'll get clean, beautifully defined slices.

Ingredients

Like I said, focaccia bread is incredibly simple and you likely have everything you need on hand right now! The full recipe is available at the bottom of this post.

• All-Purpose Flour: We use einkorn flour, however, any all-purpose wheat will work perfectly. No modifications are needed!
• Maple Syrup: Infuses a delicate sweetness into the dough and helps the yeast act more quickly. Can be substituted for white sugar, coconut sugar, date sugar, or honey. It can be omitted altogether as well.
• Olive Oil: Offers richness and drastically changes the texture of the bread as well. Avocado oil could be used instead, but the flavor will be different.
• Yeast: The leavening agent that makes the bread rise.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile. We use Himalayan salt, but any high-quality salt would work.
• Ginger: Only needed if you are using einkorn flour, as the ginger supports the gluten bonds as the bread rises.

Instructions

The hands-on time for this recipe is about 5 minutes total, which makes it the perfect recipe to make any time!

1. Mix: Combine flour, maple syrup, warm water, yeast, salt, and ginger. Mix until just combined and transfer to a bowl with olive oil in the bottom. Flip to coat well and cover.
2. Rise: Let it rise for an hour in a warm place.
3. Shape and Rise Again: Gently pull the four corners of the dough three times (12 pulls to the center total) and place it onto a half-sheet baking tray buttered well, with a drizzle of olive oil in the center. Flip the dough to coat and press it out into the pan. Let it rise for another hour.
4. Dimple: Drizzle the dough with more olive oil and create dimples with your fingers, spreading the oil evenly. Any additional toppings would be added at this point also.
5. Bake: Bake the focaccia at 450°F for around 20 minutes, until it's golden and irresistible.

Common Questions

Delightful Focaccia Topping Ideas

Toppings can transform your focaccia from a simple bread into a flavor-packed masterpiece. Just top as desired after dimpling and before baking. Here are some irresistible topping options to consider:

• Classic Herb and Sea Salt: Brush the dough with extra virgin olive oil, then generously sprinkle with a mixture of chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and coarse sea salt.
• Tomato and Basil: Layer thin slices of ripe tomatoes over the dough, then drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh basil leaves and a pinch of salt.
• Caramelized Onion and Balsamic Glaze: Spread a layer of caramelized onions over the dough and drizzle with balsamic glaze before baking. The sweet and tangy notes add depth and complexity to your focaccia.
• Olive and Roasted Garlic: Dot the dough with pitted Kalamata olives and roasted garlic cloves. The olives provide a burst of salty flavor, while the roasted garlic lends a rich, mellow taste.
• Rosemary and Red Onion: Combine the earthy taste of fresh rosemary with thinly sliced red onions. The onions caramelize during baking, offering a touch of sweetness and a visually appealing pop of color.
• Sun-Dried Tomato and Pesto: Spread a thin layer of pesto over the dough, then press chopped sun-dried tomatoes gently into the dough. The concentrated tomato flavor pairs wonderfully with the vibrant basil pesto.
• Everything Bagel Blend: Give your focaccia a unique twist by brushing it with olive oil and generously sprinkling an "everything bagel" seasoning mix, featuring sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, and onion flakes.
• Roasted Red Pepper and Feta: Layer strips of roasted red pepper on the dough and crumble feta cheese over the top. The sweetness of the peppers complements the tanginess of the cheese.
• Caramelized Fig and Prosciutto: For a delightful sweet-savory combination, scatter caramelized figs and thin slices of prosciutto on the dough. Finish with a drizzle of honey after baking.
• Potato and Rosemary: Thinly slice potatoes (preferably Yukon Gold) and arrange them evenly on the dough. Sprinkle with fresh rosemary and a drizzle of olive oil. The potatoes become tender and golden during baking.
• Three Cheese Blend: Combine shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and crumbled goat cheese for a decadent trio. Sprinkle the mixture over the dough before baking, and watch it turn into gooey perfection.
• Sesame and Onion: Brush the dough with olive oil, then generously sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and dried minced onion. This topping lends a nutty crunch and a touch of onion flavor.

Feel free to mix and match these topping ideas to create your own signature focaccia masterpiece. Whether you prefer the classic herb and sea salt combo or want to experiment with more adventurous flavors, the options are endless!

12 Ways to Enjoy Focaccia Bread

If you're looking for some ideas for how to enjoy your homemade focaccia bread, look no further! Here are a few ideas to get you started. Our current obsession is turkey cheese melts with added avocado and a creamy mustard sauce. Devine!

• Classic Sandwiches: Transform your favorite sandwiches into gourmet creations by using slices of focaccia as the base. Its robust texture and flavor provide a fantastic foundation for ingredients like roasted vegetables, deli meats, cheeses, and spreads.
• Panini Perfection: Elevate your panini game by swapping out traditional bread for slices of focaccia. The grill marks on the outside and the soft interior creates a harmonious contrast that pairs beautifully with melted cheese and fillings.
• Focaccia Pizza: Use focaccia as a unique pizza crust alternative. Top it with tomato sauce, mozzarella, fresh vegetables, and your favorite protein. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden.
• Appetizing Bruschetta: Slice focaccia into smaller pieces, toast until crisp, and top with vibrant bruschetta toppings like diced tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
• Elegant Crostini: Cut focaccia into bite-sized crostini and serve them as elegant appetizers. Spread with goat cheese, hummus, or your preferred spread, then garnish with herbs, olives, or roasted red peppers.
• Focaccia Dippers: Slice focaccia into strips or wedges and use them as dippers for dips like hummus, baba ganoush, tzatziki, or olive tapenade. The bread's chewy texture is perfect for scooping up these flavorful accompaniments.
• Focaccia Croutons: Cut leftover focaccia into cubes and toast them in the oven until golden and crispy. These croutons add a gourmet touch to salads and soups.
• Focaccia Boards: Create a stunning spread by assembling a focaccia board with a variety of toppings, spreads, cheeses, cured meats, olives, and nuts. It's a fantastic option for entertaining or casual gatherings.
• Breakfast Delights: Make breakfast sandwiches with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese nestled between slices of warm focaccia. Alternatively, toast and top with avocado, smoked salmon, and a poached egg.
• Satisfying Sides: Serve focaccia alongside hearty soups, stews, or pasta dishes. Its ability to soak up flavors makes it an ideal companion for sopping up delicious sauces.
• Focaccia Sliders: Create mini sliders using small squares of focaccia as the buns. Layer them with mini patties, cheeses, and your favorite condiments for a bite-sized indulgence.
• Sweet Treats: Experiment with sweet versions by adding toppings like fresh fruit, honey, and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. The bread's chewiness provides a delightful contrast to the sweetness.

Whether you're crafting satisfying sandwiches, experimenting with unique pizza alternatives, or adding an artisanal touch to appetizers, homemade focaccia bread is the perfect canvas for your culinary creativity!

Even More Homemade Ideas

Looking to keep that oven packed with more deliciousness? I've got you covered! Here are a few of our favorite baked goods.

• Classic Brown Bread Recipe
• Einkorn Irish Soda Bread
• Cinnamon Raisin Sourdough Bread

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