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Quick & Dirty Focaccia Recipe

5 from 84 reviews

Quick & Dirty Focaccia is a simple and fast recipe for a fluffy Italian flatbread made with basic pantry ingredients. This recipe relies on mixing a straightforward dough and baking it to achieve a soft, airy texture perfect for sandwiches, dipping, or enjoying plain.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (around 110°F/43°C)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Mix the yeast and water: In a large bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Let sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Form the dough: Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. The dough should be sticky but manageable.
  3. Knead the dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 30 to 45 minutes until doubled in size.
  5. Shape the focaccia: Transfer the dough to a well-oiled baking sheet or pan. Use your fingers to gently stretch and press the dough out into a roughly 9×13-inch rectangle. Create dimples all over the surface by pressing with your fingertips.
  6. Final proof: Drizzle olive oil over the top and sprinkle a little extra salt. Let the dough rest for another 15 minutes to puff up slightly.
  7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the focaccia for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and fluffy.
  8. Cool and serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly on a rack before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use warm water to activate the yeast properly; too hot water can kill the yeast.
  • You can add herbs like rosemary or garlic on top before baking for extra flavor.
  • Letting the dough rise properly contributes to the fluffy texture.
  • Use a good quality olive oil for the best taste.
  • Focaccia is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Keywords: quick focaccia, easy focaccia bread, Italian flatbread, homemade focaccia