A compliment to fellow blogger Cecile about her bread, led to mentioning focaccia, the wonderful Italian flat bread. When asked for my recipe, I’ve realized that despite the fact I make it quite often, I haven’t yet posted a recipe for it. So, here it is!
There are many recipes for focaccia, but all versions contain a smaller amount of flour compared to pizza dough (a recipe for which you can find HERE), to help keep the dough soft and moist. So it is important not be tempted to add more flour than the recipe calls for. In the recipe here you’ll also see semolina in the dough. I highly urge you not to replace it with the same amount of flour, as it gives the dough a lovely added texture.
Another similarity we can find in all the variations is the use of olive oil, which is a key ingredient when it comes to flavor, and is brushed on top of the baked focaccia. I prefer to also add a generous amount of olive oil directly to the dough, and to coat it with olive oil while proofing it. On top of giving the focaccia a wonderful flavor, this gives the dough a soft and moist texture. Using high quality mild olive oil will give you the best results.
Besides the traditional brushing the dough with olive oil, other toppings can be added according to your taste and preferences.
On top of the two shown here, the list of other toppings I’ve used over the years is endless; from simple fresh rosemary sprigs, whole garlic cloves, cherry tomatoes and olives, to caramelized onions or peppers, grated cheeses, sliced cold cuts… you get the idea. Other flavorings, such as chopped sun dried tomatoes or herbs, can be kneaded directly into the dough.
As you can see, this is a quick and very versatile recipe. I’m sure you’ll enjoy making this wonderful bread and create your own version of it.
Makes: 3 about 10″x16″ (25cm X 40cm) each
Prep time: 10 minutes
Mixing and proofing time: 2-3 hours
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Ingredients:
For the starter:
1 cup flour
¼ oz (7 grams) dry yeast
1 tsp sugar
2 cups warm water
For the dough:
1 cup warm water
1 Tbs salt
¼ cup olive oil
2 cups flour
1 cup semolina
For proofing: ¼ cup olive oil
For brushing the dough: ¼ cup olive oil
Toppings: homemade pesto (see recipes HERE or HERE),olive oil mixed with crushed garlic, coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, or any other toppings you prefer.
1. In the mixer bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the starter. Cover with plastic wrap and keep in a warm place for 10-15 minutes, until the mixture foams and doubles its size.
2. Add 1 cup warm water, 1 Tbs salt and ¼ cup olive oil. Mix well and add the flour and semolina. Start kneading slowly, with the kneading hook, stopping and scraping the sides occasionally, until the dough forms and starts to pull off the sides of the bowl. Increase the speed to medium-high and keep kneading for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and playable. Place on a workspace and knead into a ball.
3. Pour ¼ cup olive oil into a clean large bowl. Add the dough and roll it in the oil, to cover it from all sides. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit in a warm place for about 2 hours, until the dough doubles in size.
4. Preheat the oven to 420F (215C). Line a baking sheet with baking paper and sprinkle it with semolina.
5. Punch down the dough, divide into 3 equal parts and knead each part into a ball. Let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes before rolling.
6. Dust a workspace with a small amount of flour and roll the dough to the size of the pan (or keep it smaller, if you want a thicker focaccia). Using your finger tips, press dents all over the dough. Brush with olive oil and top with the suggested toppings, or any others according to your taste.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the focaccia is nice and golden. Brush or drizzle with more olive oil when taken out of the oven.
This is wonderful! Thank you. I’ve done the same thing, only to discover that I’ve either mentioned something without featuring the recipe, or included the recipe as an afterthought in another post, making it difficult to find later. I’ve pinned your beautiful recipe for later.
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Thank you Rosemarie, I’m glad you liked the recipe. I hope you’ll enjoy the results and I’ll be happy to hear your comments.
It is funny how our minds work! It seems we take the most basic recipe for granted and forget to post the recipes for them… That’s why the feedback from other bloggers is so helpful. 🙂
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Clearly it is time to take the plastic off Ye Olde Kitchen-Aid and give this a whirl. I’ve made a lot of focaccia, but it always (almost) turns out like a giant roll instead of the crispy delight shown in your photos. The last time you mentioned semolina flour, I immediately procured a bag of it, but . . . well, sloth that I am, never did use it. Now is clearly my chance to redeem myself.
Virtual hugs,
Judie
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Indeed, Judie,, this is the time to redeem yourself! It’s time for a good focaccia! 🙂
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Very delicious focaccia. I also loved it!!!
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Thank you Gloria. I’m glad to hear! 🙂
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Beautiful focaccia, Ronit! Most of my focaccia escapades have ended far from perfect… I’m bookmarking your picture perfect version to see if I can achieve similar results. Thanks for posting your recipe…I’ll be giving it a whirl real soon. 🙂
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Thank you Nancy’ I’m glad you liked the recipe. I hope it will work well for you. I’m looking forward to seeing your version. 🙂
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Yum! I love focaccia, but have never thought of topping it with pesto before popping it into the oven. I will definitely try that next time. Gorgeous!
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Thank you Jean! 🙂
I usually serve plain focaccia with pesto, so I’ve decided to try and use it as a topping and was happy to see how well it worked. I hope you’ll think the same. 🙂
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I adore focaccia but have never made it – will have to try your recipe ASAP!
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I’m glad to hear. I’m sure you’ll enjoy making it, it is so versatile and easy. I’ll be happy to hear your comments. 🙂
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Thanks for all your tips Ronit, I can’t wait to try your version.
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Thank you Karen! I’m glad you’ve found it helpful. I hope you’ll enjoy the results. I’ll be happy to hear your comments. 🙂
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Yum 🙂
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Thank you! 🙂
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This looks great!
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Thank you Nell! It is a favorite. 🙂
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Ronit,
Focaccia is a favorite at our house and yours looks simply scrumptious! Love your pictures too….they are making me drool.
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Thank you Sanhya, I’m glad to hear you liked the recipe and photos. I’m now curious about your version. 🙂
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This is something I normally only order in restaurants. Never tried at home. I will definitely do it.
Shirley
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Thank you Shirley, I’m glad to hear! I hope you’ll enjoy the results. I’ll be happy to hear your comments. 🙂
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I made focaccia (along with ciabatta) at a cooking class once but have not made any since. Maybe your post will inspire me… 🙂
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Thank you Judi, I’m glad to hear.
I’m looking forward to seeing your version. 🙂
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Ronit, your Focaccia looks so nice. My favorite bread during summertime with some feta on the side! 🙂
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Thank you Linda!
Focaccia and feta are such a perfect match! 🙂
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Love Foccacia…and this looks great!!
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Thank you Shy! 🙂
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OH YEAH!!!!!!!! I just saw the word ‘FOCACCIA’ in my in-box!!!!!!!!!! This looks soooooooo good!! Thank you so very much for posting this recipe. Now – I gotta go read all about ‘How You Make It’!! ; o )
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And thanks so much for the link!!!!! ; o )
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My pleasure. 🙂
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Me again – I think I’m in love with bread dough…. The dough for this Focaccia looks so wonderful & perfect ! I keep looking at the photos like a love-sick kid !! ; o )
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Thank you Cecile, I’m glad to know you like the recipe and photos. The dough indeed is so much fun for work with – and if you have a good mixer than kneading is a breeze. (Though it’s not too hard to make it without a mixer, just takes a bit longer.)
Looking forward to seeing your version. 🙂
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Lovely! I must make focaccia again!
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Thank you Elaine!
Looking forward to seeing your version. 🙂
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After a day climbing in Norway, we repaired to a family cottage, high up and in thin, clear air. My sister made this bread with sea salt and rosemary. We ate it ravenously, the altitude, air and exercise giving us huge appetites. Thanks for bringing back the memory.
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Thank you Conor!
I’m so glad to hear this post evoked such lovely memories. 🙂
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I love foccaccia. When I make it, I usually put olive oil and rosemary on the top. I’ll have to try some of the other toppings you suggest.
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Thank you Sheryl.
It is a very versatile bread. I love to make it different each time. Thought rosemary on top is always a favorite. 🙂
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Wow! Amazing! And that Focaccia looks so delicious!.. Will definitely try this at home… 🙂
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Thank you Sneha! I hope you’ll enjoy the results. I’ll be happy to hear your comments. 🙂
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I’ve been itching to make some Foccacia for a while now. Perfect timing! 🙂
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Thank you Lea. I’m glad to know. Looking forward to seeing your version. 🙂
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Got to try it with the semolina, Ronit. Till now I’ve only had it for breakfast.
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Thank you Mary. 🙂
Focaccia is such a versatille bread. I can have it anytime of the day… I hope you’ll like the semolina in it. I find it adds a lot. I’ll be happy to hear your comments. 🙂
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Your recipe sounds delicious, Ronit. Nothing quite like a freshly baked focaccia straight from the oven. It’s been some time since I last baked one and your post is a perfect reminder that its about time that I make another. Thanks for the nudge!
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Thank you John!
Freshly baked focaccia is really such a great thing. I’m looking forward to seeing your version. 🙂
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I am having spinach and apples soup tonight. This would be the best accompaniment!
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Spinach and apple soup sound wonderful!. I can definitely see it with a nice fresh focaccia. 🙂
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Wow!! This looks so perfect and delicious! I just wanna eat it through the screen lol.
XoXo
Shamira
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Ahh!…the fresh smell of baked bread is divine Ronit 🙂
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I agree, Nandini. As much as other foods can smell great, nothing is like freshly baked bread. 🙂
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True that 🙂
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I love focaccia, I love eating it with coffee, is that weird? :))
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For me fresh focaccia is better than cake and I can definitely see it with coffee. 🙂
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For me too, I am not into sweets.
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Hi Ronit!
Just stopping by to check out your blog. I kept seeing your name in the comments of a lot of blogs I follow.
I love focaccia! Can’t wait to check out more of you posts.
Debbie
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Hi Debbie,
thank you and welcome. 🙂
I hope you’ll enjoy the recipes. I’ll be happy to hear your comments.
Ronit
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Loved your detailed instructions! Lovely recipe!
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Thank you, I’m glad to hear! 🙂
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Welcome 😊
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Thanks for sharing this, Chef. I just bookmarked it 🍞
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Thank you, I’m glad you liked the recipe. It’s my pleasure to share. It was fun to experiment with different types of flour. 🙂
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Focaccia is one of my favourite breads 😋😊 You’re awesome, Chef–you know the science of baking–if it were me, I’d have no idea if my mixture will turn into a bread, muffin or biscuit! 😂
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lol I’m sure you underestimate your baking abilities! But thank you for your comment. I’m glad you liked the recipe. I enjoyed experimenting with different types of flour. 🙂
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