Go Back

Focaccia

Deliciously soft bread with a golden crust. This focaccia bread is definitely proof that good things take time.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rising Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Course: Bread, Side Dish
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons yeast
  • 3 tablespoons cooking oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 340 g flour
Topping
  • Oil for topping and greasing
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon rosemary optional

Method
 

  1. Combine the warm water, sugar and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Set aside for 10 minutes or until the yeast is fuzzy and active.
  2. Add in half of your flour and mix until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  3. Add in the remaining flour, oil and salt. Mix well for about 2 minutes. The dough will be smooth, sticky and elastic when it is ready.
  4. Lightly grease a large bowl with a little bit of oil or water. Place your dough into the bowl and cover with a piece of greased cling film. Leave your dough to rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until well risen.
  5. Once your dough has risen to at least double its original size remove the cling film and use a spatula or dampened fingers to stretch and fold the dough. To do this first lift a section of dough from the outer edge of the bowl, pull upwards and press it down towards the center of the bowl. Continue this process until you have worked your way around the bowl 2-3 times. Cover the dough again and leave it to rest for at least 1 hour.
  6. Stretch and fold your dough again, then cover it and leave it to rise for another hour. While your dough rises you can prepare a baking dish to bake your bread. To do this, line a baking dish (approx 20x28cm) with greaseproof paper and lightly grease the paper with a thin layer of your cooking oil. I find it easiest to grease the dish a little bit as well to stop it from slipping around.
  7. When your dough has risen transfer it into your prepared baking dish. You can simply dump the dough into the center of the dish and then use dampened fingertips to press it outwards to evenly spread it out in your dish. Leave your dough to rise for 1-2 hours or until well risen .
  8. Before you are ready to cook your focaccia, preheat your oven to 170 degrees, fan bake.
  9. Drizzle 2-3 teaspoons of oil over the surface of your dough. Use your fingertips to make deep indentations all over the surface of your dough. Sprinkle over some salt and rosemary (or any other toppings that you like).
  10. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the surface is golden and your bread is baked through.
  11. Cool slightly before slicing and serving.