Hairy Bikers Focaccia Bread Recipe
The Hairy Bikers Focaccia Bread Recipe is soft, fluffy and full of beautiful flavor.
Ingredients
- 500 g strong white bread flour
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 2 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- 325 ml warm water
- 3 tbsp olive oil for dough
- 3 tbsp olive oil for topping
- 2 cloves garlic sliced
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Sea salt flakes
- Black pepper
Instructions
Activate the yeast
- Add warm water, sugar and yeast in a bowl. Mix gently. Let it sit for five minutes.
Mix dry ingredients
- Add flour and salt into a large bowl. Mix well using a wooden spoon.
Add yeast mixture
- Pour yeast mixture into flour. Add olive oil. Mix until sticky dough forms.
Knead the dough
- Knead dough on floured surface for ten minutes until smooth and elastic.
First rise
- Place dough in oiled bowl. Cover with towel. Let it rise for one hour.
Prepare baking tray
- Line tray with parchment paper. Brush with olive oil to stop sticking.
Shape the dough
- Place dough on tray. Stretch gently into a rectangle shape.
Second rise
- Cover dough again. Let it rest for 20 minutes until puffy.
Make dimples
- Press fingers into dough to make deep holes across the surface.
Add toppings
- Drizzle olive oil. Add garlic slices, rosemary, sea salt and black pepper.
Bake the bread
- Bake at 200°C for 18 to 20 minutes until golden and fluffy.
Cool slightly
- Remove from oven. Place on rack. Let it cool before slicing.
Notes
- Use good quality olive oil.
- Let dough rise fully for softness.
- Do not rush the rising time.
- Add cherry tomatoes for color.
- Add olives for Mediterranean taste.
- Use thyme instead of rosemary.
- Add cheese for cheesy focaccia.
- Make mini focaccia for snacks.
- Brush with butter after baking.
- Serve warm for best taste.