Simple Foccacia Bread
This incredibly simple focaccia bread can be made in a stand mixer or by hand. The longer you rest it, the more airy it becomes. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (500g; spooned and levelled)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 ¾ cups warm water (around 110°F)
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus more for your hands)
- flaky sea salt (for garnishing)
- fresh or dried rosemary (for garnishing)
Instructions
- In a stand mixer bowl, mix together the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the warm water and mix with a dough hook on medium speed - or knead by hand - for 5-7 minutes. The dough is quite sticky so I prefer mechanical kneading.
- Grease a large bowl with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Transfer the dough to the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 1 to 2 hours).
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Gently scrape the dough into the pan. Use your hands to stretch/press it to the edges. If it pulls back, wait 10 minutes and stretch again. Cover and let it rise again until puffy (another 45 minutes).
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over the dough. Rub your hands with oil and press your fingers into the dough all over to make dimples. Sprinkle with flaky salt and rosemary.
- At this point, you can bake the focaccia right away, or let it rest for up to 4 more hours. The longer you rest it, the airier it will become.
- Preheat oven to 425°F for at least 15 minutes. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool slightly before cutting.