Description
Making this bread at home is incredibly rewarding because it yields artisanal-quality results with very little technical difficulty. Unlike complex sourdough loaves that require days of folding and precise temperature monitoring, focaccia is a highly forgiving dough with a high hydration level that practically bakes itself to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Focaccia
- 3½ cups (440 g) bread flour
- 1½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 1½ cups (360 ml) warm water
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus more for the pan
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)
- 1 tsp flaky sea salt
- 1 tsp dried rosemary or 1 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves
For the Butter Board
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp flaky sea salt
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Edible flowers (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Make the Focaccia
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast.
- Add the warm water and olive oil, then mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Cover and let the dough rise for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Generously oil a 9×13-inch baking pan and transfer the dough into it.
- Gently stretch the dough to fit the pan. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Drizzle the dough with olive oil, then use your fingertips to create dimples across the surface.
- Sprinkle with rosemary and flaky sea salt.
- Bake for 22–28 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
Prepare the Butter Board
- Spread the softened butter evenly onto a wooden serving board or shallow serving platter using the back of a spoon or an offset spatula.
- Drizzle with honey.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, lemon zest, parsley, chives, thyme, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Garnish with edible flowers if desired.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice with butter
- Calories: 360 kcal