When you think about focaccia, you might picture a simple, yet flavorful bread, but there's so much more to investigate. You can enhance your baking with a classic rosemary focaccia, or perhaps try a sun-dried tomato and olive version that packs a punch. If you're in the mood for something aromatic, the garlic and herb option offers a fragrant twist. But what about a sweet focaccia topped with fruits and honey? The possibilities are endless, and these five recipes could transform your baking routine in ways you hadn't anticipated. Curious yet?
Classic Rosemary Focaccia
Classic Rosemary Focaccia is a delightful Italian bread that's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it perfect for serving alongside soups, salads, or as a base for sandwiches.
The fragrant rosemary and the generous drizzle of olive oil improve its flavor, creating a simple yet satisfying bread that's sure to impress your family and friends. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up this aromatic bread and fill your kitchen with its wonderful scent as it bakes.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 3/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary (chopped)
- Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Gradually add the warm water and 1/4 cup of olive oil, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
Knead the dough in the bowl for about 5 minutes until smooth, then cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Once risen, pour the dough into a greased baking sheet, spreading it out gently with your fingers to fill the pan. Use your fingertips to create dimples all over the surface of the dough, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with chopped rosemary and coarse sea salt, and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), then bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Extra Tips:
For an even better flavor, consider adding other herbs or toppings such as garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives.
Be sure to use high-quality olive oil for drizzling, as it contributes greatly to the taste of the focaccia. If you have extra time, letting the dough rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight can improve the flavor and texture.
Finally, store any leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days, or freeze it for longer storage.
Sun-Dried Tomato and Olive Focaccia
Sun-Dried Tomato and Olive Focaccia is a savory bread that combines the richness of sun-dried tomatoes with the briny flavor of olives, resulting in a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.
This easy-to-make focaccia is fluffy on the inside with a crispy exterior, making it a wonderful accompaniment to soups, salads, or just enjoyed on its own. You can also customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs or cheeses for an extra flavor boost.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 3/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup pitted olives, sliced (black or green)
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and yeast, letting it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Stir in the flour, salt, and olive oil until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Once risen, gently punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Press it out to fit the sheet, and use your fingers to create dimples in the surface.
Scatter the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sliced olives, and fresh rosemary over the top, then drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
Let it rise for an additional 30 minutes before baking in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes and olives.
You can also experiment with adding other toppings such as caramelized onions, garlic, or different herbs like thyme or oregano.
Ascertain your water is at the right temperature when activating the yeast; too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold can prevent it from activating properly.
Allow the focaccia to cool for a few minutes before slicing to maintain its texture.
Enjoy your homemade focaccia warm, and store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep it fresh!
Garlic and Herb Focaccia
Garlic and herb focaccia is a delightful Italian bread that boasts a golden, crispy crust and a soft, airy interior. Infused with the aromatic flavors of garlic and fresh herbs, this focaccia makes an excellent accompaniment to soups, salads, or can even be enjoyed on its own.
The process is straightforward, and with a little patience for rising time, you'll have a stunningly delicious, homemade focaccia that will impress friends and family alike.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1 ¾ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried rosemary)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried thyme)
- Coarse sea salt for topping
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast; let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Next, add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture, stirring until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet or a large cast-iron skillet. Use your fingers to stretch and press the dough into the desired shape, creating dimples across the surface.
In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic and chopped herbs with a bit of olive oil, then spread this mixture over the top of the dough.
Let it rise again for about 30 minutes, then drizzle with more olive oil and sprinkle with coarse sea salt before baking in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For an even more flavorful focaccia, consider adding other toppings such as sliced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or cheese before the final rise.
Make sure your dough is in a warm place for peak rising; if your kitchen is cool, you can turn your oven to its lowest setting for a few minutes, then turn it off and place the dough inside to rise.
Additionally, using high-quality olive oil will improve the overall flavor of your focaccia, so don't skimp on this ingredient.
Enjoy your fresh focaccia warm, and store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days or freeze for longer storage.
Caramelized Onion and Cheese Focaccia
Caramelized Onion and Cheese Focaccia is a delightful twist on the classic Italian bread, combining the sweetness of caramelized onions with the richness of cheese for an irresistible flavor. This focaccia is perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a stand-alone snack. The process of caramelizing the onions adds a depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the fluffy, golden-brown focaccia, making it an impressive addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh rosemary leaves (optional)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast; let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
Add the flour, olive oil, and salt, and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
While the dough is rising, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the sliced onions. Cook the onions slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes until they're caramelized and golden brown.
Once the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 425°F. Punch down the dough and spread it onto a greased baking sheet, creating dimples with your fingers.
Evenly distribute the caramelized onions over the dough, followed by the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with coarse sea salt and rosemary if using.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Extra Tips:
To improve the flavor of your focaccia, consider adding herbs like thyme or oregano along with the rosemary for a more aromatic profile.
For a bit of a kick, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice heat. If you have time, let the dough rise a second time after shaping it for an even airier texture.
Serve your focaccia warm, and don't hesitate to pair it with a dipping oil or balsamic reduction for an extra treat!
Sweet Focaccia With Honey and Fruit
Sweet Focaccia with Honey and Fruit is a delightful twist on the traditional Italian bread that combines a soft, pillowy texture with the sweetness of honey and the freshness of seasonal fruits. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, and it makes for a stunning centerpiece for any gathering.
The combination of honey drizzled over the warm focaccia, paired with juicy fruits, creates a deliciously sweet and aromatic experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup honey (plus more for drizzling)
- Assorted fresh fruits (e.g., figs, peaches, berries)
- Sea salt (for sprinkling)
- Fresh herbs (e.g., rosemary, thyme) for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast. Gradually add the warm water and olive oil, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
Once risen, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet and gently stretch it into a rectangle. Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface of the dough.
Drizzle honey over the top, and arrange your choice of fruits artistically. Sprinkle with sea salt and fresh herbs if desired. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving, drizzling with more honey before enjoying.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, make sure to use high-quality honey and fresh, ripe fruits. You can also experiment with different combinations of fruits based on what's in season or what you have on hand.
If you want a more pronounced herb flavor, try infusing the olive oil with herbs before mixing it into the dough. Additionally, this focaccia can be served warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for any occasion.
Enjoy your sweet focaccia with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat!