How to Make Focaccia

Step 1

In a large bowl, pour 1/3 cup of warm water, honey, and yeast. Wait 5 minutes until the the mixture froths. This step is optional to check if the yeast is alive.

Step 2

Next, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the remaining water, salt and mix with a wooden spoon. Add the flour and mix with a wooden spoon.

Step 3

Mix the dough until you form a semi smooth ball. The dough will be sticky so do not worry. Depending on the brand and type of flour, you made need to add additional 3-4 tablespoons of water or flour. Note: You are looking for a semi sticky dough that you can form into a dough ball.

Step 4

First Rise - Same Day : Coat a large bowl with olive oil, place the dough and cover with a large plate or tea towel and set aside in a warm place for at least 5-6 hours. Overnight: Proofing for 9-14 hours overnight in the fridge is better because of the slower fermentation. This process yields a better focaccia texture and taste. I like to make the dough the night before and place it the fridge to rise for anywhere between 9-14 hours.

Step 5

Second Rise - Coat a large rectangle or round baking pan with 4 tablespoons of olive oil ( maybe even more depending on the size of the pan. Be generous with the olive oil) and lightly spread the dough. Do not try to spread the dough to all the corners of the pan. I lightly spread the dough and cover the pan and place in a warm place to rise again for about 2 hours. The dough will rise and spread. *if you placed your dough in the fridge to rise overnight, the dough will be cold when spreading it out for the second rise in the pan. If you are having trouble spreading the dough out, cover and allow to rest for a couple of minutes to relax the gluten and then come back and spread it out again.

Step 6

After about 2 hours, using your fingers, imprint your fingers throughout the dough to create indents. Top the dough with any kind of toppings - garlic, red onion, rosemary etc. Make sure to drizzle some olive oil and flakey sea salt before and after you bake the bread.

Step 7

Preheat oven 450 F

Step 8

Place the pan in the oven on the middle rack for 35-45 minutes or until the edges and top is golden.

Step 9

Let the bread cool completely before cutting into it. Enjoy the focaccia bread with soup or on its own.