Easy Peasy Focaccia Recipe

There is nothing better than the smell of fresh bread baking in the oven at home. Well perhaps bread that’s smothered in the most delicious toppings! This focaccia recipe is super easy, even the non-bakers or cooks can make it. Follow the recipe to create the perfect dough, and from there its up to you on how you to choose to dress it. Olive oil, rosemary and garlic are a great combination, as are sun-dried tomatoes and olives. Even plain with a smattering of salt and herbs served with a great dip with drinks!

It’s really up to your imagination and taste.

Yield: 8

Author: Nicole O'Neil

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Easy Peasy Focaccia Recipe

This would have to be one of the easiest bread recipes ever! Prepare the dough ahead, top with whatever you have in your fridge then bake as your guests arrive. There is nothing better than the smell of fresh bread baking in the oven. I also love to make this focaccia when I serve a delicious warm soup for a mid-week dinner. Its the perfect accompaniment. It even works well with pre-dinner drinks! The recipe can also easily be doubled to make a large tray.

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 35 MinInactive time: 2 H & 30 MTotal time: 3 H & 20 M

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

• 2.5 cups Plain Flour
• 2 teaspoons Sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast
• 1 cup Warm Water
• 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt

Suggested Toppings

• Bocconcini Cheese
• Mozzarella Cheese
• Sliced Black Olives (pitted)
• Garlic (Fresh or Roasted)
• Fresh or Sun-dried Tomatoes
• Tomato Paste/Passata
• Cured Meats
• Fresh Rosemary
• Fresh Basil

Instructions

Dough Recipe

1. In a large bowl (or bowl attachment) mix the warm water with the yeast and sugar. Let is stand for a few minutes until it is foamy and bubbly.
2. Add the flour, olive oil and pinch of salt to the bowl and mix well till the dough comes together into a ball. This step can be done by hand, but it is so much easier to use a mixer with a dough hook attachment.
3. Once a ball is formed, brush the dough with a little bit of olive oil, cover with a tea-towel and place in a warm area to rise for a minimum of 2 hours or until the dough has doubled in size.
4. Brush a half-sheet oven tray approx. 30cm x 43cm x 3cm high (18" x 13" x 1" high) or heavy based oven safe skillet at least 34cm round (14") with olive oil.
5. Once the dough has risen, use your hands to spread the dough to cover the tray or skillet all the way to the edges.
6. Use your fingers to create dimples in the dough.
7. Brush the dough lightly with some olive oil and then cover with your favourite toppings.
8. Finish with a smattering of salt and pepper and allow to rise again somewhere warm covered with a tea-towel until needed. At least 1hr would be best.
9. Once you are ready to bake, place the uncovered tray or skillet in a pre heated oven at 200 degrees C.
10. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the the top and sides are a light brown colour and a crust begins to form on the edges.
11. Once the bread has baked, remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving. (If you can resist!)

Recommended Products

34cm Cast Iron Skillet

Steel Baking Tray 39 x 27 x 2cm

Timber Large Round Platter

KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer

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