How to Make Authentic Italian Focaccia for Dinner
Focaccia is a classic Italian flatbread known for its soft, pillowy texture and delightful aroma. Making authentic Italian focaccia at home can elevate your dinner experience, whether you serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or a standalone meal. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious focaccia that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients You Will Need
- 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
- 350ml (1.5 cups) warm water
- 10g (2 teaspoons) sea salt
- 7g (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 75ml (1/3 cup) extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- Fresh rosemary (or other toppings of your choice)
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is crucial for activating the yeast. Once activated, add the all-purpose flour, sea salt, and olive oil. Mix until a rough dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead it for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a small amount of flour. You want it to be soft and slightly tacky.
3. Let it Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a large, lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and leave it in a warm place to rise for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air. Transfer it to a greased baking sheet or a rectangular baking pan. Using your fingertips, press and stretch the dough to fit the pan. Allow it to rest for about 20 minutes to relax.
5. Create Dents and Add Toppings
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface of the dough. Drizzle olive oil generously over the top, allowing some to pool in the dimples. Sprinkle coarse sea salt and chopped fresh rosemary, or your choice of toppings such as olives or cherry tomatoes.
6. Bake the Focaccia
Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until it turns golden brown. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t over-bake. The aroma of fresh bread will fill your kitchen!
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil before slicing. Serve warm, and enjoy it as is, or with your favorite dips, cheeses, or cured meats.
Tips for Perfect Focaccia
- For extra flavor, consider adding garlic or herbs to the olive oil before drizzling.
- Experiment with different toppings like sun-dried tomatoes, cheese, or caramelized onions.
- Focaccia can be stored in an airtight container for a few days, and it also freezes well for longer storage.
Making authentic Italian focaccia at home is a rewarding experience that yields a delicious addition to any dinner. Whether you enjoy plain focaccia or choose to customize it with your favorite toppings, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.