How to Make Focaccia Bread

This recipe has been kicking around Casa Jones since 2008 and it is still a staple when I need something quick and easy to serve with dinner. If you are new to making yeast bread, I highly recommend trying out this flatbread first. It couldn’t be more simple and you can personalize it however you want. Just read on to learn all the tips on how to make focaccia.

What is Focaccia Bread

Focaccia bread is an Italian yeast bread that is baked in the oven but flat on a baking sheet instead of in a loaf pan. It’s signature dimples on top capture the delicious toppings you sprinkle over the top. Focaccia can be used as sandwich bread or in paninis, as well as being served as a table bread.

What Topping to Put on Focaccia Bread

Honestly, it is completely up to you! Personalize it to whatever sounds good. Class toppings on focaccia often include parmesan cheese, rosemary, olives, tomatoes, sea salt, pepper, garlic, and onion. Think about what flavors would go best with whatever you are serving with this bread and go in that direction. Remember, be generous with your toppings, especially the seasonings,  because that is where all the flavor will come from.

What to Serve with Focaccia

As a side, focaccia pairs perfectly with a dinner salad, fish, or soups. Because it is a thicker bread,  you can slice it in half to use it as a sandwich bread, or even better, in a panini. If you are serving antipasto, a delicious focaccia like this is a classic pairing.

How to Store Focaccia

Like any fresh bread, focaccia needs to be stored in an airtight environment to keep its texture and flavors. Cut up any leftover bread into smaller pieces and store either in an airtight plastic container or a zip style bag. There is no need to refrigerate the bread.

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How to Make Focaccia

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This easy yeast bread recipe is perfect for beginners! You don’t even need a loaf pan because it bakes on a cookie sheet.

• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 pieces

Ingredients

2/3 cup hot water

1/3 cup instant potato flakes

1 1/2 tsp yeast

3 1/2 cups flour

1 cup warm water

2 Tb olive oil, plus 2 Tb more for the top

1 1/4 tsp kosher salt

Possible toppings to mix and match:

Rosemary

Kosher salt

Garlic powder

Onion powder

Diced tomatoes

Olives

Sun dried tomatoes

Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1.  Combine 2/3 cup hot water with potato flakes and set aside.

2. Meanwhile in mixer with a dough hook, combine yeast, 1/2 C flour and 1/2 C warm water.  Cover tightly and set aside until bubbly, about 10 minutes.  Add remaining dough ingredients, including potato.  Knead until dough is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.  Let dough rise until double in volume, about 1 hour.

3.  With wet hands, press dough flat into a large greased  jelly roll pan.  You can make smaller breads by dividing it in half and using two pans. Cover dough and allow to double in volume, about 45 minutes to an hour.

4.  Heat oven to 425 degrees.  With two wet fingers, dimple risen dough at regular intervals.  They should be deep to hold the olive oil and seasonings on top.  Drizzle the dough with olive oil and sprinkle desired seasonings on top. I find the more generous you are with the toppings, the better!

5.  Bake for 23-25 minutes until golden brown.  Allow to cool slightly and cut into pieces.

Notes

*You can also use one fresh potato instead of the flakes. Microwave on high until soft then scoop out the interior, mash, and use in the recipe. Eliminate the first 2/3 cup of water if using this option.

• Author: Carole Jones
• Prep Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece
• Calories: 89 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 59 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: Easy bread recipe, yeast bread, flatbread