Description
Jamie Oliver’s Focaccia Bread is a classic Italian flatbread made with a simple yeast dough, generously flavored with olive oil and herbs. It’s baked until golden, resulting in a soft and aromatic bread.
Ingredients
Scale
- 500g (4 cups) strong bread flour
- 7g (1 packet) dried yeast or 15g fresh yeast
- 325ml (1⅓ cups) lukewarm water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
- Sea salt flakes for sprinkling
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced cherry tomatoes
- Pitted olives
- Thinly sliced garlic
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
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- In a small bowl, mix the yeast, sugar, and lukewarm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
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- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
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- Mix until a sticky dough forms. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: First Rise
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- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
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- Punch down the dough and transfer it to a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Flatten the dough into a rectangle or oval shape about 1 inch thick.
Step 5: Second Rise and Add Toppings
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- Cover the dough loosely with a damp cloth and let it rise again for 30 minutes.
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- Use your fingers to press dimples into the surface of the dough. Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle with rosemary and sea salt. Add any optional toppings like tomatoes, olives, or garlic slices.
Step 6: Bake the Focaccia
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- Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F). Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
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- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.