This irresistible recipe for focaccia bread promises a delightful culinary experience. With its light and airy texture, each bite melts in your mouth. The enchanting combination of fragrant garlic and earthy rosemary, combined with a subtle sprinkle of sea salt and rich, infused extra virgin olive oil, creates a symphony of flavors that are simply divine. This Italian classic is incredibly versatile—it pairs beautifully with a zesty Italian Olive Oil Dip, or serves as a delectable side to a hearty bowl of Lasagna Soup.
Why Make Fresh Focaccia Bread?
There’s something truly special about freshly baked homemade focaccia bread. It tastes fresh and delicious and is free of food additives and preservatives. There are three main ingredients in the bread that have numerous nutrients. First, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is full of antioxidants that can benefit many systems in the body. For instance, polyphenols found in EVOO can fight oxidative stress and protect brain health, lower inflammation, boost the immune system. Also, the fat in EVOO is a monosaturated fat, that lowers LDL cholesterol and raises HDL cholesterol. This article demonstrates even more benefits of adding EVOO to your diet. See A Dozen Proven Health Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil , by Integris Health.
Another potent ingredient, rosemary, also adds to the health benefits of focaccia bread. Rosemary has been used for centuries for cooking as well as medicinal purposes. It has many health benefits for the brain. Rosemary can improve memory and cognitive function. It has even been studied as a protective effect against Alzheimer’s disease. Just smelling rosemary can improve overall mood and potentially lower cortisol levels.
Preparation, Servings, and Storage
Preparing this delightful focaccia bread is a straightforward process, although it requires a total of about four hours to achieve that perfect rise and richness. Most of this prep time is simply letting the dough rest and transform into its airy texture. An 8×8-inch baking pan yields eight generous servings of this flavorful bread. It is the perfect amount for sharing or enjoying throughout the week. For storage, simply place the bread in an airtight container at room temperature, where it can remain fresh for up to five days. Alternatively, you can preserve it in the freezer for up to three months, allowing you to savor its delightful taste whenever you desire.
Focaccia Bread
Equipment
- stand mixer
- 8x8 square pan
Ingredients
- 1 tsp Instant yeast
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1¼ cups Water
- 3 cups Bread flour
- 1½ tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Sea salt
- 2 cloves Garlic, chopped
- 2 tsp Fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2½ tbsp Extra virgin olive oil (for greasing the pan and brushing on top of the risen dough)
- 1 tsp Coarse sea salt
Instructions
- In a stand mixer, combine instant yeast, sugar, and water. Allow to rest for a few minutes until yeast begins to foam.
- Add the bread flour, extra virgin olive oil, and sea salt.
- Using the dough hook, knead the dough for about 5 minutes.
- Cover the bowl and rest the dough for 15 minutes.
- After the 15 minute rest, add the garlic and rosemary and knead the dough again, this time for only 2 minutes.
- Repeat the 15 minute rest, 2 minute knead 3 more times.
- After the dough has been kneaded 5 times, cover the bowl and allow to rise for 1 hour.
- Prepare the 8x8 square pan by greasing it with 1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil. This will look like a lot of oil, but some of it will absorb into the dough.
- Drop the dough into the prepared pan and gently push it to the corners to fill the entire pan.
- Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise for 90 more minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 475℉.
- Brush 1½ tbsp of extra virgin olive oil over the top of the risen dough and create dimples in the dough with your fingers.
- Sprinkle the coarse sea salt over the top of the dough.
- Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the center of the bread is 200℉.
- Allow the bread to cool for 10 minutes before removing to a cooling rack.
Nutrition
