Why Make This Irresistible Focaccia with Herbs and Olives – A Delicious DIY Delight
Focaccia is more than just a bread; it’s a heartfelt creation that infuses warmth and flavor into any meal. This Irresistible Focaccia with Herbs and Olives is a perfect showcase of how simple ingredients can come together to produce something extraordinary. With its airy, slightly chewy texture and golden brown crust, every bite of this focaccia is a delight. The additional aroma from fresh rosemary and the savory burst of olives elevate it to a new level, making it a standout option for snacking, serving with meals, or even creating delightful sandwiches. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make at home!
How to Make Irresistible Focaccia with Herbs and Olives – A Delicious DIY Delight
Making focaccia is surprisingly straightforward and rewarding. Start by mixing simple ingredients to create a soft, pliable dough. Allow it to rise until it’s puffy and double in size, which adds to its amazing texture. The gentle dimple marks you’ll create in the dough not only help it rise but also hold pools of olive oil that become blissfully crispy during baking. Infusing your bread with olives and fresh herbs adds layers of flavor that will have everyone begging for the recipe.
Ingredients:
- 500 g white bread flour (Use high-protein flour for the best texture.)
- 7 g instant dried yeast (No need to bloom it first.)
- 12 g fine salt (Be careful not to let it touch the yeast directly.)
- 12 g caster sugar (Balances flavors and feeds the yeast.)
- 400-420 ml warm water (Must be warm to the touch.)
- 15 ml olive oil (For the dough.)
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil (To prevent sticking.)
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil (Enhances aroma and flavor.)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (Finely chopped.)
- ½ cup black olives (Pitted.)
- Sea salt flakes (Sprinkle generously.)
Directions:
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white bread flour, instant dried yeast, and caster sugar. Mix them well, ensuring that the yeast and salt don’t come into contact yet, which can hinder the yeast’s action.
Add Water: Gradually pour in the warm water and 15 ml olive oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
Prepare for Dimpling: Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release air. Transfer it to a well-oiled baking tray or dish. Using your fingers, dimple the dough all over, creating small pockets.
Add Toppings: Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the surface, then sprinkle the finely chopped rosemary, pitted black olives, and sea salt flakes generously over the top.
Second Rise: Cover the dough again and let it rise for about 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F).
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
Cool and Serve: Let the focaccia cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1 slice, assumes 12 slices total):
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Dietary Fiber: 1 g
- Sugars: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g
How to Serve Irresistible Focaccia with Herbs and Olives – A Delicious DIY Delight
Serve this focaccia warm as a delightful appetizer drizzled with balsamic glaze and olive oil for dipping. Cut it into squares for easy sharing, or enjoy it as a side with pasta dishes, soups, or salads. Create sandwiches by layering it with fresh ingredients like roasted vegetables, cheeses, or cured meats. It’s also perfect for picnics or gatherings, adding a homemade touch to your table.
How to Store Irresistible Focaccia with Herbs and Olives – A Delicious DIY Delight
To keep your focaccia fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for up to a month. To enjoy, simply thaw it at room temperature and reheat it for a few minutes in the oven to revive its delightful crispness.
Expert Tips for Perfect Irresistible Focaccia with Herbs and Olives – A Delicious DIY Delight
- Ensure your water is warm, not hot; too hot can kill the yeast.
- Experiment with different herbs like thyme or oregano for varied flavor profiles.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the dough or sprinkle them on top before baking.
- If using fresh olives, try marinating them beforehand for an additional boost of flavor.
Delicious Variations
- Herb and Cheese Focaccia: Add shredded mozzarella or crumbled feta cheese to the dough for a cheesy twist.
- Caramelized Onion Focaccia: Top your dough with sweet caramelized onions and a sprinkle of goat cheese before baking.
- Mediterranean Focaccia: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, and a touch of feta for a Mediterranean flair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace half of the white bread flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. Just be aware that it may change the texture slightly, making it denser.How can I adjust the recipe for high-altitude baking?
If you’re at high altitude, decrease the yeast by about 25% and increase the flour slightly to help create the right texture.Can I make this focaccia ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature before dimpling and baking.
Conclusion
This Irresistible Focaccia with Herbs and Olives is not only easy to make, but it also fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma that’s hard to resist. With each bite, you experience a delightful combination of textures and flavors that elevate any meal or occasion. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and give this delightful recipe a try. You’ll be amazed at how homemade bread can transform your dining experience. Don’t forget to share your results and variations with friends—they’ll definitely want to join the focaccia fun!
Irresistible Focaccia with Herbs and Olives
Ingredients
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the white bread flour, instant dried yeast, and caster sugar. Mix them well, ensuring that the yeast and salt don’t come into contact yet.
- Gradually pour in the warm water and 15 ml olive oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
- Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release air. Transfer it to a well-oiled baking tray or dish. Using your fingers, dimple the dough all over.
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the surface, then sprinkle the finely chopped rosemary, pitted black olives, and sea salt flakes generously over the top.
- Cover the dough again and let it rise for about 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F).
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Let the focaccia cool slightly before slicing.
- Enjoy it warm or at room temperature.