Italian bread and focaccia are beloved staples of Italian cuisine, perfect for any meal or occasion. Whether you’re serving them alongside pasta, using them for sandwiches, or simply enjoying them with olive oil, making your own bread adds a personal touch and irresistible flavor. Below are three diverse examples to help you create your own delicious Italian bread and focaccia right in your kitchen!
This classic Italian bread recipe is perfect for beginners and serves as a great side dish for any meal. It’s crusty on the outside and soft on the inside—ideal for dipping in olive oil or enjoying with your favorite pasta dish.
Start by gathering the following ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly. Then, add the flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough starts to form.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Once risen, punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover it again, and let it rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Before baking, make a few slashes on the top of the loaf with a sharp knife. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Focaccia is a versatile Italian flatbread that can be flavored in numerous ways. This herb-infused focaccia is a delightful choice for gatherings, and it pairs beautifully with soups and salads.
Ingredients you’ll need:
Start by mixing warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then, add flour, salt, and olive oil to the mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour.
Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased baking pan (a 9x13 inch pan works well). Use your fingers to stretch it out to fill the pan. Let it rise again for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Before baking, dimple the surface of the focaccia with your fingers and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle fresh herbs and coarse salt on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
This sweet focaccia is a delightful twist on traditional focaccia, making it a perfect dessert or treat for breakfast. It’s aromatic and indulgent, and the combination of honey and almonds brings a unique flavor profile.
For this recipe, gather:
Start by mixing the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl, allowing it to bubble up for about 5 minutes. Combine the flour, salt, and olive oil, then add the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 6-8 minutes. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Once risen, punch the dough down and place it in a greased baking pan. Stretch it out to fit the pan and let it rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Drizzle the dough with honey and sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing.