Simple Focaccia Bread
Simple Focaccia Bread is a delightfully soft and flavorful bread topped with a generous drizzle of olive oil and herbs. It features a light, airy texture with a pillowy crumb and is not heavy or overly complex to make.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
- 1 1/2 cups warm water 110°F/45°C
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or fresh, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh, chopped
- coarse sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast, stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
- Prepare the dough: Add the flour and 2 teaspoons of sea salt to the yeast mixture, mix until a shaggy dough forms, gradually add 1/4 cup of olive oil and continue mixing until the dough comes together.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the focaccia: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), line a baking sheet with parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil, turn the risen dough onto the prepared baking sheet and gently stretch it to fit the pan.
- Second rise: Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 20-30 minutes.
- Prepare the topping: Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface of the dough, drizzle generously with olive oil, then sprinkle with dried rosemary, thyme, and coarse sea salt.
- Bake the focaccia: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and the edges are crispy.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool on a cooling rack, serve warm or at room temperature.