Description
At its core, focaccia is a traditional Italian yeast bread known for its high hydration level, generous use of olive oil, and iconic dimpled surface. What sets this particular recipe apart is its bold, harmonious topping profile.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 500 g bread flour (about 4 cups)
- 400 g warm water (80% hydration)
- 10 g fine salt (2 tsp)
- 7 g instant yeast (2¼ tsp)
- 20 g olive oil (1½ tbsp)
- 20 g honey (1 tbsp)
Pan
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil
Topping
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp white sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp black sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 tsp nigella (kalonji) seeds
- 1 tsp flaky sea salt
- Optional:
- Fresh thyme or rosemary
- Cracked black pepper
Instructions
1. Mix the dough
- Combine warm water, honey, yeast, and olive oil.
- Add the flour and salt.
- Mix until no dry flour remains.
- Knead 6–8 minutes (or use the stretch-and-fold method every 30 minutes for the first hour).
2. First rise
- Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1½–2 hours at room temperature.
3. Pan the dough
- Generously oil a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Transfer the dough and gently stretch it toward the corners.
- Rest 20–30 minutes if it resists stretching, then finish spreading.
4. Second rise
- Cover and proof 45–60 minutes, until puffy.
5. Add toppings
- Preheat the oven to 230°C (450°F).
- Mix the honey and olive oil.
- Drizzle over the dough.
- Dimple deeply with your fingertips.
- Sprinkle evenly with:
- White sesame seeds
- Black sesame seeds (if using)
- Nigella seeds
- Flaky sea salt
- Herbs (optional)
6. Bake
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until deeply golden brown.
- If desired, brush with a little extra honey during the last 2 minutes of baking for a glossy finish.
7. Finish
- Cool for 10–15 minutes.
- Drizzle lightly with olive oil before serving.
Notes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220 kcal
Keywords: Sweet Savory Nigella Focaccia, Sesame Nigella Seed Bread, Honey Sesame Flatbread