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Ridiculously Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

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4.3 from 44 reviews

  • Author: Amina
  • Total Time: 10 hours 40 minutes (including resting and rising times)
  • Yield: 16 servings (from two 9-inch pans)

Description

This Ridiculously Easy Focaccia Bread recipe yields a tender, golden, and flavorful Italian flatbread with a crispy bottom crust. Made with minimal ingredients and a long fermentation process in the fridge, this bread develops a delightful texture and depth of flavor perfect for serving warm with olive oil or as a sandwich base. The method involves a no-knead, slow rise in the fridge, followed by a room temperature rise, dimpling, and baking to produce a classic focaccia with herb seasoning and flaky sea salt finish.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
  • 2 cups warm tap water

For Preparation and Baking:

  • 1 teaspoon soft butter (for greasing pans)
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • Italian seasoning or finely chopped fresh herbs, for sprinkling
  • Flaky sea salt (like Maldon), for finishing

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-large bowl, mix together the flour, kosher salt, and instant yeast thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
  2. Add Warm Water and Mix: Pour in the warm tap water and stir with a Danish whisk, wooden spoon, or spatula until there are no dry spots of flour left, forming a wet, sticky dough.
  3. Refrigerate Dough: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 to 24 hours to allow a slow fermentation that enhances flavor and texture.
  4. Prepare Pans: Lightly grease two 9-inch cake pans with the soft butter, then line them with parchment paper. Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the center of each pan.
  5. Divide and Shape Dough: Remove the dough from the fridge and divide it evenly in half. Place one half in each prepared pan, turning the dough to coat with oil, and tuck the edges underneath to create rough dough balls.
  6. Second Rise: Cover each pan with plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for 2–3 hours until it has expanded to fill most of the pan.
  7. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 450°F (232°C) and position a rack in the center.
  8. Dimple and Oil the Dough: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over each dough portion. Using your oiled fingers, press deep dimples all the way down to the pan’s bottom, stretching the dough gently if needed to fill the pan evenly.
  9. Add Seasonings: Sprinkle Italian seasoning or fresh herbs on top of the dough and finish with a generous amount of flaky sea salt.
  10. Final Rest Before Baking: Let the dough rest uncovered for 30 minutes as the oven preheats.
  11. Bake: Place the pans in the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 425°F (218°C). Bake for 22 to 28 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the bottoms are crisp.
  12. Cool and Remove from Pans: Take the pans out of the oven, lift the focaccia out using the parchment paper, and transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely or serve warm.
  13. Storage: Enjoy the focaccia warm or let it cool fully and store in a zip-top bag at room temperature for several days.
  14. Freezing Instructions: To freeze, cool the focaccia completely, then place it in a zip-top freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture.
  • Long fermentation in the refrigerator improves flavor and dough strength.
  • Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Do not skip dimpling the dough—this helps trap olive oil and herbs for authentic focaccia texture and taste.
  • Focaccia is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated and briefly reheated to refresh its flavor.
  • Alternative herbs such as rosemary or thyme may be used depending on preference.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 8-24 hours refrigerated dough rest)
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes (average baking time)
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://aminabakes.com/ridiculously-easy-focaccia-bread-recipe/