How to Make a Perfect Homemade Focaccia

This recipe explains how to make a simple focaccia that fills the house with the smell of fresh bread. The finished loaf is described as having a golden crust, coarse salt, and bubbling olive oil on top, giving it the feel of a real Italian bakery product.

The dough uses 500 grams of flour, 1 tablespoon of dry yeast, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1.5 cups of lukewarm water. For the topping, the recipe calls for olive oil, coarse salt, and optional rosemary, olives, or cherry tomatoes.

To prepare it, all the ingredients are mixed in a bowl and kneaded for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes soft and elastic. It is then covered and left to rise for about an hour. After that, the dough is transferred to an oiled baking tray, pressed out by hand, and dimpled with the fingers.

Before baking, a generous amount of olive oil is drizzled over the top and any preferred additions are sprinkled on. The focaccia is baked in an oven preheated to 220 degrees Celsius for about 20 minutes, until golden and fragrant. It can be served with dips, cheese, fresh salad, or eaten straight from the oven.