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Same Day Focaccia Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 126 reviews

This same-day focaccia bread recipe delivers a soft, airy, and golden crusted delight perfect for a quick homemade Italian bread. Using simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, olive oil, and sea salt, you’ll create a flavorful dough that rises quickly and bakes to perfection in just over an hour. Customize with fresh herbs, garlic, tomatoes, olives, or cheese to add your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

Scale

Basic Dough

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 1/3 cups warm water (about 105°F)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling and coating pan
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 1 pinch sugar (optional, to help activate yeast)

Optional Toppings

  • Fresh rosemary sprigs
  • Minced garlic or garlic-infused olive oil
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup pitted olives, sliced
  • Fresh thyme, oregano, or basil
  • Grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese
  • Thinly sliced red onions, bell peppers, or zucchini

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine 1 1/3 cups warm water (about 105°F) with the packet of active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar if using. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture is foamy and bubbly, indicating that the yeast is active.
  2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, stir together 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and 1/4 cup olive oil. Mix gently until a wet and sticky dough forms.
  3. First rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and set it aside in a warm area for 1 hour, allowing the dough to nearly double in volume and develop visible bubbles.
  4. Shape and dimple: Transfer the risen dough onto an oiled 9×13-inch baking sheet. Gently stretch and press it into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. Use oiled fingertips to create dimples all over the surface of the dough.
  5. Top and rest: Drizzle the dough generously with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt, and arrange your desired toppings evenly. Let it rest for 20 minutes while you preheat the oven.
  6. Preheat and bake: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Bake the focaccia for 15 to 20 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the edges become crisp. Once done, allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Using warm water around 105°F is key to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Creating dimples in the dough helps trap the olive oil and toppings, enhancing flavor and texture.
  • Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs, vegetables, or cheeses as toppings.
  • For a crisper crust, bake longer but watch carefully to avoid burning.
  • This dough can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight for a deeper flavor, though rising time will increase.

Keywords: focaccia, bread, Italian bread, easy focaccia, homemade bread, olive oil bread, herb bread, quick bread

Find it online: https://biteandenjoy.com/same-day-focaccia-bread-recipe/