Focaccia is a beloved Italian bread known for its airy, tender crumb and crisp, golden crust. The best part? This no-knead focaccia recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy homemade bread without the hassle. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delicious, flavorful focaccia that pairs beautifully with any meal. Whether you’re dipping it in olive oil, using it for sandwiches, or serving it alongside your favorite dishes, this focaccia will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Recipe: No-Knead Focaccia
Ingredients:
- 470g (2 cups) warm water
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil (with additional oil for greasing the tray)
- 7g (2 tsp) yeast
- 560g (4 cups) bread flour
Instructions:
- Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast is dissolved and starts to foam.
- Add the salt and 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
- Gradually add the bread flour, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a sticky, shaggy dough forms. The dough should be well mixed, but there’s no need to knead it.
- First Rise:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel and let the dough rise at room temperature for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. The dough will be bubbly and very soft.
- Prepare the Baking Tray:
- Generously coat a large baking tray or sheet pan (about 9×13 inches) with olive oil to prevent sticking and to add flavor.
- Transfer the risen dough onto the prepared tray. Using your fingers, gently press and stretch the dough to fill the tray. If the dough is too elastic and springs back, let it rest for a few minutes and then continue stretching.
- Second Rise:
- Once the dough is spread out, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise again at room temperature for 30-40 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven:
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
- Add Dimples and Toppings:
- After the second rise, use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface of the dough. These dimples give focaccia its characteristic appearance and help hold the olive oil and any additional toppings.
- Drizzle the top of the dough generously with extra virgin olive oil. You can also add toppings like fresh rosemary, flaky sea salt, sliced cherry tomatoes, or olives at this stage for extra flavor.
- Bake the Focaccia:
- Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Cool and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool in the tray for a few minutes.
- Serve the focaccia warm or at room temperature, with a side of olive oil for dipping, or use it as the base for sandwiches.
Conclusion:
This no-knead focaccia is a game-changer for home bakers, offering the perfect balance of ease and deliciousness. With its soft, airy interior and crisp, flavorful crust, it’s an ideal bread for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it plain or topped with your favorite herbs and vegetables, this focaccia will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. So why not give it a try? With minimal effort and maximum reward, you’ll have a fresh, homemade bread that’s sure to impress!