Delicious and Easy Focaccia Recipe for Family Fun

Focaccia is one of the easiest breads to prepare. It’s a great way to involve the kids in the kitchen. This flavorful bread pairs well with buffets, barbecues, or even simple dinners.

Why Focaccia is a Great Choice

It’s sturdy enough to avoid overproofing or underproofing. This gives you the freedom to experiment with various flavors and toppings. You can customize it according to your taste or what you have on hand.

Here's my recipe for Focaccia, which I hope will inspire you to bake and create delightful memories with your loved ones.

Ingredients

• 500g Plain Flour (plus flour for dusting)

• 10g Salt

• 15g Fresh Yeast (or around 15g dry yeast)

• 30g Olive Oil

• 300g Water

• Olive Oil for "feeding"

• 10g Rosemary (picked and chopped, keeping the sprigs of rosemary to one side)

• 15g Garlic Salt

• Molden Salt (for sprinkling)

• 50g Finely Sliced Red Onions

• 20g Grated Parmesan

  
  

Tip: Everything below the olive oils is optional! Feel free to swap in your favorite herbs or flavorings.

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Combine Ingredients: Place all the ingredients down to and including water in a mixer bowl. Use a dough hook to mix the dough for 6 minutes on medium speed. The dough should come together and feel slightly sticky.

   
   

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

1. Loosen the Dough: Wet your hands and lift the dough from the edges of the bowl. Place it back in the bowl. Cover it with a clean, dry cloth and leave in a warm area for a couple of hours. It should double in size.

   
   

Step 3: Line the Tray

1. Prepare the Tray: Line a small roasting tray with baking paper. This will keep the focaccia from sticking.

   
   

Step 4: Add Extras

1. Mix in Extras: Add the remaining ingredients and place the dough back in the mixer with the hook. Mix on slow speed for 2 minutes.

   
   

Step 5: Shape the Dough

1. Roll Out: Lightly flour a chopping board. Place the dough on it and roll it out into a rectangle. The size should match that of the roasting tin, then place it inside.

   
   

Step 6: Make Indents

1. Oil and Indent: Brush the dough liberally with olive oil. Use your fingers to make indents all over the dough. The kids will love helping with this step!

   
   

Step 7: Second Rise

1. Add Rosemary and Let Rise: Stud the dough with leftover rosemary sprigs. Cover it with cling film and place it in the warm area again for an hour.

   
   

Step 8: Bake the Focaccia

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180ºC. Remove the cling film and brush the dough with more olive oil to give it a glossy appearance. Sprinkle with molden salt.

   
   

2. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.

   
   

Step 9: Flip and Finish Baking

10. Turn and Complete Baking: After 30 minutes, carefully turn the bread over and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

11. Cool Correctly: Remove the bread from the oven. Allow it to cool correct side up. Once cooled, it’s ready to tear and share!

Tips for Success

Focaccia can be a fun project, especially with the kids. They can help with mixing the dough and creating the indents. Baking together creates lasting memories and teaches them valuable cooking skills. Don't hesitate to experiment with different toppings! You can add olives, tomatoes, or even cheese for added flavor.

Keep in mind that the quality of your ingredients matters. Fresh herbs and high-quality olive oil can elevate your focaccia to new heights. Don’t shy away from trying new combinations that excite your palate.

This wonderful bread is perfect for sharing. Serve it warm and watch it disappear in no time. Enjoy this delightful focaccia as a centerpiece at your next family gathering or casual dinner. Happy baking!