How To Make Focaccia Bread
Learning how to make dough is a great way to perfect the art of cooking homemade pizza. According to Abigail’s Bakery, focaccia bread laid the groundwork for what has become pizza as we know it today. However, focaccia can be made sweet or savory and topped with a number of different veggies, herbs and spices. Start learning to bake bread today with this simple focaccia bread recipe courtesy of Tyler Florence of the Food Network.
Focaccia bread recipe
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons rapid-rising dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon coarse salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Cornmeal, for dusting
Toppings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 10 Kalamata olives, pitted and quartered
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon coarse salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary
Directions
In a bowl, proof the yeast by combining it with warm water and sugar. Stir gently until it dissolves. Let stand for about 3 minutes until there is foam. Mix lightly while slowly adding flour to the bowl. In 2 tablespoons of water, dissolve the salt, then add it to the mixture. Pour in the olive oil. As the dough starts to come together, begin stirring more vigorously. Mix until the dough is elastic and smooth, adding flour as needed. The mixing process can take about 10 minutes, so using a standing mixer may be preferable.
Place the dough on a clean work surface and fold it over a few times. Form the dough into a ball and place it in an oiled bowl. Coat the entire ball with oil. Then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise on the stovetop or another warm surface. Wait until the dough doubles in size, which will take approximately 45 minutes.
Brush a sheet pan with olive oil and cornmeal. When the dough has risen, flip it onto the counter. Roll and stretch the dough, then form an oval about 1/2-inch thick. Place the dough on the pan and cover it with plastic wrap. Let the dough sit for another 15 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the dough rests, throw olive oil and the onion in a small saute pan over low heat. Allow the onions to caramelize. Remove the plastic wrap from the dough and dimple it with your fingers. Brush more olive oil on the surface and then garnish with the toppings. Bake on the bottom rack for 15 to 20 minutes.
