Fantastic Focaccia: Unleash Your Inner Baker with These Delicious Recipes

Focaccia. The very word conjures images of sun-drenched Italian landscapes, olive groves, and the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread. This dimpled, olive oil-rich flatbread is more than just a side dish; it’s a culinary canvas, a blank slate ready to be adorned with a myriad of flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, focaccia is surprisingly easy to make at home, and the results are guaranteed to impress. This article will guide you through the process of creating the perfect focaccia, from the basic dough to a variety of delicious topping combinations that will tantalize your taste buds.

What is Focaccia?

Focaccia is an Italian flatbread that is closely related to pizza dough. It is typically seasoned with olive oil, salt, and herbs, and can be topped with a variety of ingredients, such as vegetables, cheese, and meats. Focaccia is known for its characteristic dimples, which are created by pressing your fingers into the dough before baking. These dimples hold pools of olive oil, resulting in a wonderfully flavorful and textured crust.

The Basic Focaccia Recipe

This recipe serves as the foundation for all the variations that follow. Mastering this basic recipe will allow you to confidently experiment with different toppings and flavor combinations.

**Ingredients:**

* 500g (about 4 cups) bread flour, plus more for dusting
* 10g (2 teaspoons) active dry yeast or instant yeast
* 10g (2 teaspoons) salt
* 400ml (1 3/4 cups) lukewarm water
* 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
* Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
* Optional: Fresh rosemary sprigs

**Instructions:**

1. **Activate the Yeast (if using active dry yeast):** In a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast with 100ml (about 1/2 cup) of the lukewarm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. If using instant yeast, you can skip this step and add it directly to the flour.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), whisk together the flour and salt. If using instant yeast, add it now.
3. **Add Wet Ingredients:** Add the yeast mixture (if using) and the remaining 300ml (1 1/4 cups) of lukewarm water to the flour mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or dough whisk until a shaggy dough forms.
4. **Knead the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook and knead on medium speed for 6-8 minutes. The dough will be sticky, but resist the urge to add too much flour. A slightly sticky dough is key to a light and airy focaccia.
5. **First Rise:** Lightly oil a large bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. **Prepare the Pan:** Generously oil a 9×13 inch baking pan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Make sure the entire bottom and sides of the pan are coated.
7. **Second Rise (in the Pan):** Gently deflate the dough and transfer it to the prepared baking pan. Use your fingers to gently stretch and press the dough to fill the pan. If the dough resists, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before continuing. The dough doesn’t need to reach the edges of the pan at this stage, it will spread during the second rise. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until the dough is puffy and has almost doubled in size.
8. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
9. **Dimple and Drizzle:** Uncover the dough and use your fingertips to press deep dimples into the surface. Don’t be shy; really press down to create those characteristic focaccia dimples. Drizzle the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the dough, making sure to fill the dimples. Sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt and add fresh rosemary sprigs if desired.
10. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and the bottom is crisp. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
11. **Cool and Serve:** Let the focaccia cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Perfect Focaccia

* **Use High-Quality Olive Oil:** The flavor of olive oil is crucial to focaccia, so use the best quality extra virgin olive oil you can find.
* **Don’t Overknead:** Overkneading can result in a tough focaccia. Knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic.
* **Don’t Be Afraid of the Dimples:** The dimples are essential for the characteristic texture and flavor of focaccia. Be sure to press them deeply and evenly.
* **Use Coarse Sea Salt:** Coarse sea salt provides a wonderful textural contrast and bursts of flavor.
* **Let the Dough Rise Properly:** Proper rising is essential for a light and airy focaccia. Be patient and allow the dough to fully double in size during both rises.
* **Bake at a High Temperature:** Baking at a high temperature ensures a crisp crust and a soft interior.
* **Experiment with Toppings:** Focaccia is a versatile bread that can be topped with a variety of ingredients. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with your favorite flavors.

Delicious Focaccia Variations

Now that you’ve mastered the basic focaccia recipe, it’s time to explore some delicious variations. Here are a few of my favorite topping combinations:

1. Classic Rosemary and Sea Salt Focaccia

This is the simplest and most classic focaccia variation. The fragrant rosemary and the crunchy sea salt perfectly complement the rich olive oil flavor.

**Ingredients:**

* Basic focaccia dough (as described above)
* Fresh rosemary sprigs
* Coarse sea salt

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the basic focaccia dough as instructed.
2. After the second rise, dimple the dough and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Arrange fresh rosemary sprigs over the dough and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
4. Bake as directed.

2. Tomato and Olive Focaccia

This focaccia is bursting with the flavors of the Mediterranean. The juicy tomatoes and salty olives create a delightful combination.

**Ingredients:**

* Basic focaccia dough (as described above)
* 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
* Coarse sea salt

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the basic focaccia dough as instructed.
2. After the second rise, dimple the dough and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Scatter the cherry tomatoes, olives, and minced garlic over the dough.
4. Sprinkle with fresh oregano and coarse sea salt.
5. Bake as directed.

3. Caramelized Onion and Gruyere Focaccia

This focaccia is a little more sophisticated, with the sweet and savory flavors of caramelized onions and nutty Gruyere cheese.

**Ingredients:**

* Basic focaccia dough (as described above)
* 2 large onions, thinly sliced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon brown sugar
* 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
* Fresh thyme sprigs
* Coarse sea salt

**Instructions:**

1. Caramelize the onions: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and caramelized. Stir in the brown sugar during the last few minutes of cooking.
2. Prepare the basic focaccia dough as instructed.
3. After the second rise, dimple the dough and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the dough.
5. Sprinkle with shredded Gruyere cheese and fresh thyme sprigs.
6. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
7. Bake as directed.

4. Roasted Red Pepper and Goat Cheese Focaccia

The sweetness of roasted red peppers pairs perfectly with the tangy goat cheese in this flavorful focaccia.

**Ingredients:**

* Basic focaccia dough (as described above)
* 2 roasted red peppers, sliced
* 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
* 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
* Coarse sea salt

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the basic focaccia dough as instructed.
2. After the second rise, dimple the dough and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Arrange the sliced roasted red peppers over the dough.
4. Sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese and fresh basil.
5. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
6. Bake as directed.

5. Pesto and Parmesan Focaccia

This focaccia is a celebration of Italian flavors. The fragrant pesto and salty Parmesan cheese create a simple but delicious combination.

**Ingredients:**

* Basic focaccia dough (as described above)
* 1/2 cup pesto
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Coarse sea salt

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the basic focaccia dough as instructed.
2. After the second rise, dimple the dough and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Spread the pesto evenly over the dough.
4. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
6. Bake as directed.

6. Garlic and Herb Focaccia

This savory focaccia is infused with the aroma of garlic and a blend of fresh herbs. It’s perfect as a side dish or as a base for sandwiches.

**Ingredients:**

* Basic focaccia dough (as described above)
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
* 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* Coarse sea salt

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the basic focaccia dough as instructed.
2. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and olive oil.
3. After the second rise, dimple the dough and drizzle with the garlic-herb mixture.
4. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
5. Bake as directed.

7. Spinach and Feta Focaccia

A Mediterranean twist on the classic focaccia. This variation combines the earthy flavor of spinach with the salty, tangy taste of feta cheese.

**Ingredients:**

* Basic focaccia dough (as described above)
* 10 ounces fresh spinach, wilted and chopped
* 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Coarse sea salt

**Instructions:**

1. Sauté the spinach: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Drain any excess liquid.
2. Prepare the basic focaccia dough as instructed.
3. After the second rise, dimple the dough and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Spread the sautéed spinach evenly over the dough.
5. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.
6. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
7. Bake as directed.

8. Mushroom and Fontina Focaccia

A rich and earthy focaccia featuring the umami flavor of mushrooms and the creamy, nutty taste of Fontina cheese.

**Ingredients:**

* Basic focaccia dough (as described above)
* 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 4 ounces Fontina cheese, shredded
* Fresh parsley, chopped
* Coarse sea salt

**Instructions:**

1. Sauté the mushrooms: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until softened and browned. Drain any excess liquid.
2. Prepare the basic focaccia dough as instructed.
3. After the second rise, dimple the dough and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Spread the sautéed mushrooms evenly over the dough.
5. Sprinkle with shredded Fontina cheese.
6. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
7. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
8. Bake as directed.

9. Fig and Prosciutto Focaccia

A sweet and savory delight! This focaccia combines the sweetness of figs with the salty, cured flavor of prosciutto, creating an irresistible combination.

**Ingredients:**

* Basic focaccia dough (as described above)
* 6 fresh figs, quartered
* 4 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced
* Balsamic glaze (optional)
* Fresh rosemary sprigs
* Coarse sea salt

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the basic focaccia dough as instructed.
2. After the second rise, dimple the dough and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Arrange the quartered figs and thinly sliced prosciutto over the dough.
4. Drizzle with balsamic glaze (optional).
5. Sprinkle with fresh rosemary sprigs.
6. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
7. Bake as directed.

10. Sun-Dried Tomato and Artichoke Focaccia

This focaccia is packed with Mediterranean flavors. The tangy sun-dried tomatoes and the briny artichoke hearts create a complex and satisfying taste.

**Ingredients:**

* Basic focaccia dough (as described above)
* 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
* 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
* Fresh oregano, chopped
* Coarse sea salt

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the basic focaccia dough as instructed.
2. After the second rise, dimple the dough and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, quartered artichoke hearts, minced garlic, and halved Kalamata olives over the dough.
4. Sprinkle with fresh oregano.
5. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
6. Bake as directed.

Serving Suggestions

Focaccia is a versatile bread that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **As a side dish:** Serve focaccia alongside soups, salads, or pasta dishes.
* **As an appetizer:** Cut focaccia into squares and serve with dips, spreads, or cheeses.
* **As a sandwich bread:** Use focaccia as a base for sandwiches or panini.
* **As a pizza crust:** Top focaccia with your favorite pizza toppings and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
* **On its own:** Enjoy a slice of warm focaccia with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Storing Focaccia

Focaccia is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored for a few days. To store focaccia, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat focaccia, wrap it in foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Conclusion

Focaccia is a simple yet satisfying bread that is perfect for any occasion. With its soft interior, crisp crust, and endless topping possibilities, focaccia is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to unleash your inner baker! The aroma of freshly baked focaccia will fill your home with warmth and deliciousness, making it a truly unforgettable experience. Experiment with different toppings and flavor combinations to create your own signature focaccia. Happy baking!