Description
This Small Batch Focaccia recipe offers an easy and quick way to bake a classic Italian bread with a soft, fluffy interior and a crispy, golden crust. Perfect for a few servings, the dough is simple to prepare with basic pantry ingredients and enhanced with olive oil, flaky sea salt, and optional fresh rosemary. Suitable for vegetarians, this focaccia can be customized with your favorite toppings such as cherry tomatoes, olives, or Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Topping
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a medium bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes slightly foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly until a soft, sticky dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot. Allow the dough to rise for 45 to 60 minutes or until it has doubled in size, developing a light and airy texture.
- Prepare Pan and Shape Dough: Lightly grease a small baking dish or loaf pan with olive oil. Transfer the risen dough into the pan and gently stretch and press it to fit the shape of the pan evenly.
- Second Rise: Cover the dough again and let it rest for another 20 minutes to allow for a second, shorter rise, which will help create a tender crumb.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking.
- Add Toppings and Dimple: Drizzle the remaining teaspoon of olive oil over the surface of the dough. Using your fingertips, gently press dimples all over the surface, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt and fresh rosemary leaves if using.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the focaccia turns golden brown on top and the edges are crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the focaccia to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm as a delicious accompaniment or snack.
Notes
- You can enhance the focaccia by adding toppings like sliced cherry tomatoes, olives, caramelized onions, or grated Parmesan before baking for extra flavor.
- If the dough feels too sticky to handle, lightly oil your hands instead of adding more flour to maintain the desired texture.
