Effortless Bread Machine Focaccia: A Deliciously Simple Recipe

Focaccia, with its airy texture, olive oil richness, and endless topping possibilities, is a bread that’s both comforting and impressive. But making it from scratch can seem daunting, involving multiple rises and meticulous kneading. What if I told you there’s a way to achieve focaccia perfection with minimal effort, thanks to your trusty bread machine? This recipe unlocks the secret to bread machine focaccia, delivering a delightfully simple and incredibly flavorful loaf every time.

This recipe transforms the bread machine from a simple dough maker into a full-fledged focaccia baker. We’ll walk you through each step, from ingredient selection to topping suggestions, ensuring your focaccia journey is a delicious success.

Why Bread Machine Focaccia?

* **Convenience:** The bread machine handles the kneading and initial rise, saving you valuable time and effort.
* **Consistency:** Bread machines are designed to create consistent results, taking the guesswork out of dough preparation.
* **Easy Cleanup:** Fewer bowls and less flour mess mean easier cleanup, leaving you more time to enjoy your focaccia.
* **Perfect for Beginners:** This recipe is incredibly user-friendly, making it perfect for novice bakers who want to experience the joy of homemade focaccia.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for a classic bread machine focaccia:

* **Warm Water:** 1 1/4 cups (300ml), lukewarm (around 105-115°F or 40-46°C). This activates the yeast.
* **Olive Oil:** 1/4 cup (60ml), plus extra for drizzling. Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
* **Bread Flour:** 3 1/2 cups (420g). Bread flour has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, which results in a chewier, more elastic dough, essential for focaccia.
* **Sugar:** 1 teaspoon. Sugar provides food for the yeast, aiding in the rising process.
* **Salt:** 1 1/2 teaspoons. Salt controls the yeast activity and enhances the flavor of the bread.
* **Active Dry Yeast:** 2 1/4 teaspoons (one standard packet). Make sure your yeast is fresh for optimal rising.

For the Topping:

* **Olive Oil:** 2-3 tablespoons. For drizzling and creating those characteristic dimples.
* **Coarse Sea Salt:** To taste. Adds a delightful crunch and enhances the flavor.
* **Fresh Rosemary:** 2-3 sprigs, leaves removed and chopped (optional, but highly recommended).
* **Other Toppings (optional):** Cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion slices, garlic cloves, parmesan cheese, or any other toppings you love.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Bread Machine:** The star of the show! Make sure it’s clean and ready to go.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Liquid Measuring Cup:** Specifically for measuring liquids.
* **Baking Sheet:** A large baking sheet (approximately 12×17 inches) is ideal.
* **Parchment Paper:** To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
* **Small Bowl:** For mixing the topping ingredients.
* **Pastry Brush:** For brushing olive oil over the focaccia.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious bread machine focaccia:

**Step 1: Add the Ingredients to the Bread Machine**

This is crucial for the bread machine to work its magic. Add the ingredients in the following order (this order is generally recommended for most bread machines):

1. **Warm Water:** Pour the warm water into the bread machine pan.
2. **Olive Oil:** Add the olive oil to the water.
3. **Bread Flour:** Add the bread flour, making sure to cover the liquids completely.
4. **Sugar:** Sprinkle the sugar over the flour.
5. **Salt:** Add the salt to one corner of the pan, away from the yeast.
6. **Yeast:** Create a small well in the center of the flour and add the active dry yeast. This prevents the salt from directly contacting the yeast, which can inhibit its activity.

**Step 2: Select the Dough Cycle**

Close the bread machine lid and select the “Dough” cycle. This cycle will knead and proof the dough for you. The length of the dough cycle varies depending on your bread machine, but it usually takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours. Press start and let the machine do its work.

**Step 3: Prepare the Baking Sheet**

While the dough is being processed, prepare your baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the focaccia from sticking and make it easier to remove.

**Step 4: Transfer the Dough to the Baking Sheet**

Once the dough cycle is complete, gently remove the dough from the bread machine pan. It will be soft and slightly sticky. Place the dough onto the prepared baking sheet.

**Step 5: Shape the Focaccia**

Using your fingertips, gently press and stretch the dough to fill the baking sheet. Don’t worry about making it perfectly even; focaccia is meant to be rustic. Aim for a thickness of about 1/2 to 1 inch.

**Step 6: Create the Dimples**

Drizzle the focaccia with 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil. Now comes the fun part: creating the characteristic dimples! Use your fingertips to press deep indentations all over the surface of the dough. These dimples will hold the olive oil and toppings, creating pockets of flavor.

**Step 7: Add the Toppings**

Sprinkle the focaccia generously with coarse sea salt. If using fresh rosemary, scatter the chopped leaves over the dough. If using other toppings, arrange them evenly over the surface. Get creative and use your favorite combinations! Cherry tomatoes and olives are a classic choice, or try adding sliced red onions and garlic for a more savory flavor.

**Step 8: Second Rise**

Cover the baking sheet with a clean kitchen towel and let the focaccia rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes. This second rise will help the focaccia become even lighter and airier.

**Step 9: Bake the Focaccia**

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the focaccia has finished its second rise, bake it for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped. Keep an eye on it, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.

**Step 10: Cool and Enjoy**

Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Tips for Bread Machine Focaccia Success

* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh yeast and high-quality olive oil are essential for the best flavor and texture.
* **Measure Accurately:** Accurate measurements are crucial for bread baking. Use measuring cups and spoons specifically designed for baking.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Bread Machine:** If you’re using a smaller bread machine, you may need to reduce the recipe slightly to prevent the dough from overflowing.
* **Adjust the Dough Consistency:** If the dough seems too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time.
* **Experiment with Toppings:** Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! Try different combinations of herbs, vegetables, cheeses, and spices.
* **Store Properly:** Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Variations on the Classic Focaccia

While this recipe provides a solid foundation for classic focaccia, the possibilities are truly endless. Here are a few variations to inspire you:

* **Garlic Focaccia:** Add minced garlic to the dough or sprinkle it on top before baking.
* **Rosemary Garlic Focaccia:** Combine the best of both worlds by adding both rosemary and garlic.
* **Tomato and Olive Focaccia:** A classic combination that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Red Onion and Balsamic Focaccia:** The sweetness of the red onion and the tanginess of the balsamic vinegar create a delightful flavor contrast.
* **Cheese Focaccia:** Add grated Parmesan, Romano, or Asiago cheese to the dough or sprinkle it on top before baking.
* **Pesto Focaccia:** Swirl pesto into the dough before baking for a vibrant and flavorful focaccia.
* **Spicy Focaccia:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dough or sprinkle them on top for a kick of heat.
* **Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia:** Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the dough for a burst of intense flavor.
* **Potato Focaccia (Focaccia con Patate):** Thinly sliced potatoes are arranged on top of the focaccia before baking, creating a delicious and rustic variation. This is a popular style in Italy.
* **Everything Bagel Focaccia:** Sprinkle the top with everything bagel seasoning before baking for a familiar and delicious flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Focaccia is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many different ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **As an Appetizer:** Serve focaccia with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
* **As a Side Dish:** Accompany soups, salads, or pasta dishes with a slice of warm focaccia.
* **As a Sandwich Bread:** Use focaccia to make delicious sandwiches. Its sturdy texture holds up well to fillings.
* **As a Pizza Base:** Top focaccia with your favorite pizza toppings and bake for a quick and easy pizza.
* **As a Snack:** Enjoy a slice of focaccia on its own as a satisfying snack.
* **With Charcuterie and Cheese:** Focaccia is a perfect accompaniment to a charcuterie and cheese board.
* **Bruschetta:** Top toasted slices of focaccia with fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic for a simple and flavorful bruschetta.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

* **Dough Not Rising:** Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the water is at the correct temperature. Also, check that the salt didn’t come into direct contact with the yeast.
* **Dough Too Sticky:** Add a tablespoon of flour at a time until the dough reaches the desired consistency.
* **Dough Too Dry:** Add a tablespoon of water at a time until the dough reaches the desired consistency.
* **Focaccia Too Dense:** Make sure you’re using bread flour and that you’re allowing the dough to rise properly.
* **Focaccia Burning:** Reduce the oven temperature slightly and check the focaccia more frequently.

The Joy of Homemade Focaccia

Making focaccia at home is a truly rewarding experience. The aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen, the satisfying feel of the dough in your hands, and the delicious taste of the finished product make it all worthwhile. And with this bread machine recipe, it’s easier than ever to achieve focaccia perfection.

So, dust off your bread machine, gather your ingredients, and get ready to embark on a focaccia adventure. You’ll be amazed at how simple and satisfying it is to create this Italian classic in the comfort of your own home. Buon appetito!

Recipe Card

**Yields:** 1 large focaccia
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Rise time:** 2 hours
**Cook time:** 20-25 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water (105-115°F or 40-46°C)
* 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
* 3 1/2 cups (420g) bread flour
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
* 2 1/4 teaspoons (one standard packet) active dry yeast
* Coarse sea salt, to taste
* Fresh rosemary, 2-3 sprigs, leaves removed and chopped (optional)
* Optional toppings: Cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion slices, garlic cloves, Parmesan cheese

**Instructions:**

1. Add water, olive oil, flour, sugar, salt, and yeast to the bread machine pan in that order.
2. Select the dough cycle and press start.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Once the dough cycle is complete, transfer the dough to the baking sheet.
5. Gently press and stretch the dough to fill the baking sheet.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and create dimples with your fingertips.
7. Sprinkle with sea salt, rosemary, and other toppings.
8. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes.
9. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. Cool on a wire rack before cutting and serving.