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Thick slice of golden Italian focaccia bread topped with cherry tomatoes, black olives, and herbs.

Italian Focaccia Bread Recipe

This easy Italian focaccia breadrecipe serves 4 and takes just a few simple ingredients—flour, water, yeast,olive oil, and salt. After mixing and letting the dough rise, press it into apan, dimple it with your fingertips, top with olive oil, sea salt, androsemary, then bake until golden. The result is soft, fluffy, and full ofclassic Italian flavor—perfect as a side or snack!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rising Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Breakfast, dinner, lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups 250g all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup 180ml warm water
  • 1 1/2 tsp instant yeast
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil plus more for topping and pan
  • 1 tsp flaky sea salt for topping
  • 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary optional

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a big bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes so the yeast can activate. Then add the flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and stir until combined. Mix until the dough becomes sticky.
  2. Light Kneading: Knead the dough by hand for around 5 minutes until it turns smooth. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour.
  3. First Rise : Cover the bowl with a clean towel. Set it in a warm area and allow the dough to rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
  4. Shape the Dough: Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan with olive oil. Gently spread the dough into the pan. Let it rest again for about 20 minutes.
  5. Add Toppings and Dimple: Use your fingertips to press deep dimples across the dough. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the top, then sprinkle with sea salt and chopped rosemary.
  6. Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the focaccia for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp.
  7. Cool and Enjoy: Take the focaccia out of the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Slice it up and serve warm or at room temperature.