When you think about focaccia bread, you might picture its inviting texture and endless topping possibilities. You've got options like the classic Rosemary Focaccia, which pairs beautifully with olive oil, or the savory Sun-Dried Tomato and Olive version that can enhance any meal. Not to mention the aromatic Garlic and Herb Focaccia that fills your kitchen with an irresistible scent. But what about the sweet twist with Cinnamon Focaccia or the gourmet touch from Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese? Each recipe offers something unique, making it hard to choose just one. So, which one will you try first?
Classic Rosemary Focaccia
Classic Rosemary Focaccia is a delightful Italian bread known for its chewy texture and fragrant herb topping. This bread is perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a base for sandwiches. The combination of olive oil, fresh rosemary, and sea salt creates a flavorful crust that complements the soft, airy interior.
Making focaccia is simpler than you might think, and it requires no special equipment—just a little patience while the dough rises.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Coarse sea salt for topping
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast; let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
Next, add the flour, salt, and ¼ cup of olive oil to the yeast mixture, and stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until 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 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Once risen, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Transfer the dough to a greased baking sheet and stretch it out to fit the pan. Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle generously with fresh rosemary and coarse sea salt.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Extra Tips:
For an even better flavor, try adding other toppings such as sliced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or garlic to the dough before baking.
If you want a crispier crust, place a shallow pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam.
You can also experiment with different herbs like thyme or oregano for a unique twist.
Focaccia is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a few days or frozen for later use.
Enjoy your homemade focaccia with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or alongside your favorite dips!
Sun-Dried Tomato and Olive Focaccia
Sun-Dried Tomato and Olive Focaccia is a delightful twist on the classic Italian bread, packed with flavors that make it perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. The combination of tangy sun-dried tomatoes and briny olives adds a savory depth to the soft, chewy bread, while a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt on top improves its taste and texture.
This focaccia isn't only easy to make but also a great way to impress guests at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- ¼ cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
- Fresh rosemary, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar, stirring gently until dissolved. Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Next, add the flour, salt, and ¼ cup of olive oil, mixing until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until 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 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Once risen, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Transfer the dough to a greased baking sheet, stretching and pressing it out to fit the pan.
Make dimples in the surface with your fingers, then scatter the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sliced olives evenly over the top. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Extra Tips:
To improve the flavor of your Sun-Dried Tomato and Olive Focaccia, consider using high-quality olive oil and fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, for added aroma and taste.
If you prefer a softer crust, cover the focaccia with a kitchen towel after baking to retain moisture.
Experiment with different types of olives or add cheese, such as feta or mozzarella, for a unique twist.
This focaccia can also be frozen; just wrap it tightly after cooling and reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
Enjoy your homemade focaccia warm or at room temperature!
Garlic and Herb Focaccia
Garlic and Herb Focaccia is a delightful Italian bread that's both easy to make and incredibly flavorful. With its crispy crust, soft and airy interior, and the aromatic infusion of garlic and fresh herbs, this focaccia is perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a base for sandwiches.
The beauty of focaccia lies in its versatility; you can customize the toppings to suit your taste. This recipe will guide you through creating a delicious garlic and herb focaccia that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast; let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Next, add in the flour, olive oil, and salt, and mix 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 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Once risen, transfer the dough to a greased baking sheet and stretch it out gently to fit the pan. Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface.
Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle the minced garlic, chopped herbs, and coarse sea salt on top, and let it rise again for about 20-30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Extra Tips:
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding other toppings such as sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or even cheese before baking.
If you prefer a more intense garlic flavor, you can roast the garlic beforehand and spread it over the dough.
Make sure to keep an eye on the focaccia while it's baking, as oven temperatures can vary; you want a nice golden color without burning.
Finally, focaccia is best enjoyed fresh, but it can also be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to regain its crispy texture before serving.
Sweet Cinnamon Focaccia
Sweet Cinnamon Focaccia is a delightful twist on the traditional Italian bread, infused with a warm, sweet cinnamon flavor that makes it perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. This soft and pillowy bread is topped with a sugary cinnamon mixture and can be served warm, drizzled with icing, or enjoyed plain.
The preparation is simple, allowing the dough to rise beautifully, which results in a light and airy texture. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, this sweet focaccia is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Coarse sea salt (for topping)
- Optional: powdered sugar for icing
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar. Gradually stir in the warm water and olive oil until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, until 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 hour, or until doubled in size.
Once risen, punch down the dough and spread it out on a greased baking sheet, creating dimples with your fingers. In a small bowl, mix the ground cinnamon and brown sugar, then sprinkle it evenly over the dough.
Drizzle the melted butter on top and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Allow the focaccia to rise for another 30 minutes, then preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
Let it cool slightly before serving, and drizzle with optional powdered sugar icing if desired.
Extra Tips:
For an even richer flavor, consider adding a touch of vanilla extract to the dough or incorporating chopped nuts or dried fruits into the topping.
If you prefer a more pronounced cinnamon flavor, feel free to increase the cinnamon and sugar topping. To improve the texture, you can also brush the focaccia with honey or maple syrup after baking for a glossy finish.
Finally, store any leftovers in an airtight container, and reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their fresh-baked goodness.
Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Focaccia
Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Focaccia is a deliciously savory bread that combines the sweet richness of caramelized onions with the creamy tang of goat cheese. This focaccia is perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even as a side to your favorite meal.
The process of making focaccia is straightforward, allowing the flavors to shine through. With a crispy crust and a soft, airy interior, this bread will surely impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast; let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
Stir in flour, salt, and olive oil until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Meanwhile, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, for about 20-25 minutes until softened and caramelized.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Once the dough has risen, punch it down and spread it onto a greased baking sheet.
Dimple the surface with your fingers, then layer the caramelized onions and crumbled goat cheese on top. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with thyme and coarse sea salt, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For an even more flavorful focaccia, consider adding herbs like rosemary or oregano to the dough while mixing.
If you prefer a slightly sweeter taste, you can add a pinch of sugar to the onions while caramelizing them.
Let the focaccia cool slightly before slicing to maintain its structure, and serve it warm for the best experience.
Leftover focaccia can be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days and is great for sandwiches or toasted with butter!