Focaccia Bread

Popular throughout the country, focaccia bread is a true Italian staple. Try it alongside your favorite Italian dishes or use it for a sandwich. 

Time Req: 115 Min
4 Servings

Ingredients

1 cup lukewarm water 

1 whole envelope of dry active yeast 

2 cups wheat flour, divided 

1 cup all-purpose white flour 

2 tbps. olive oil, plus more for brushing on top 

1 tsp. salt 

1/8 cup chopped fresh rosemary (optional) 

Lots of delicious, yummy toppings of choice (sliced Roma tomatoes, Kalamata olives, sliced garlic, sliced red onions, etc.)

Instructions

  1. Prepare two 6 inch skillets by rubbing generously with olive oil. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

  2. In a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook combine the water and yeast. Stir to dissolve.

  3. Add 1 cup of the wheat flour and 1/2 cup of the white flour. 

  4. Mix on low speed for about 2-3 minutes then cover with a towel and let rise for 30 minutes. 

  5. Fold in the olive oil, salt and the rosemary to the dough. 

  6. Add the remaining 1 cup of wheat dough and a cup of the white flour. Mix on low speed for 3-4 minutes. 

  7. Add more flour if the dough is still very sticky but it should be soft and not too stiff and wrapped around the dough hook. 

  8. Dust your work surface with some flour and dump the dough onto it. 

  9. Gently knead the dough into a ball shape and cut it in half. 

  10. Knead each piece of dough into a ball and place in the prepared skillets and press down on them to fill the space. 

  11. Cover with a towel and let rise for about 30 minutes. 

  12. Brush the dough, using a pastry brush, with olive oil.

  13. Arrange your chosen vegetables and other toppings as you would like.

  14. Slice each loaf in a diagonal pattern with a sharp serrated knife and sprinkle with some sea salt flakes.

  15. Bake in the oven for about 25 minutes and the bread is golden brown. 


Enjoy!