Description
A simple and delicious Italian flatbread that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1¾ cups lukewarm water
- 2 teaspoons instant dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
- 3 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus 2 additional tablespoons for greasing)
- 3 tablespoons water
- ½ teaspoon salt (flaky salt is optional)
- 3 pinches of rosemary (optional, fresh or dried)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together lukewarm water, instant dry yeast, and sugar. Allow it to sit for about 30 seconds until the yeast fully dissolves.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast-water mixture and stir until you have a wet, sticky dough—this should take about a minute. Then, mix in the extra virgin olive oil until incorporated.
- Choose a proofing method: Quick Proofing (cover the bowl and place it in a warm oven for 1.5 to 2 hours) or Slow Proofing (refrigerate for 8 to 24 hours).
- After proofing, fold the dough over itself 20-40 times in the bowl to develop gluten.
- Grease a baking pan with 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil, then drop the dough into the pan. Spread it out using wet spoons and cover to proof for another 45 minutes.
- Prepare the topping by mixing 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 tablespoons water, and ½ teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Press dimples into the dough and drizzle the mixture over it, sprinkling with rosemary and flaky salt if desired.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and bake the focaccia for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
For longer storage, wrap leftovers in plastic wrap and keep at room temperature for up to two days. For freezing, slice and wrap each piece individually.
- Prep Time: 90 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: focaccia, bread, Italian, baking, easy recipes