focaccia olive bread recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
focaccia olive bread recipe
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The Best focaccia olive bread recipe

Focaccia olive bread is a classic Italian recipe that has been a staple in my household for years. I love this recipe because it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.

The combination of the crispy crust, soft interior, and savory olives makes it a perfect snack or side dish for any occasion. My kids adore helping me shape the dough into balls and rolling them out with the rolling pin.

They also enjoy watching the bread rise in the oven, which always seems to captivate their attention. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also relatively healthy compared to many other bread recipes. The addition of olive oil and herbs provides a boost of antioxidants and flavor without adding extra calories.

I’ve found that using high-quality ingredients like fresh olives and real butter makes all the difference in the taste and texture of this bread.

Focaccia Olive Bread

Focaccia Olive Bread

4.8 from 1002 votes

This focaccia olive bread recipe is a savory Italian flatbread infused with herbs and olives. It’s perfect for a snack or a side dish, and it’s easy to make at home.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

500 grams all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp instant yeast
1 tsp sugar
300 ml warm water
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Toppings

1 cup pitted olives
1 tbsp fresh rosemary
1 tbsp fresh thyme
1 tbsp olive oil
Sea salt flakes

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, yeast, and sugar.
4Add warm water and olive oil, then mix until a dough forms.
5Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour.
7Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
8Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.
9Using your fingers, gently stretch the dough to fit the baking sheet, creating a rectangular shape about 1/2 inch thick.
10Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
11Using your fingertips, dimple the surface of the dough all over.
12Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with rosemary, thyme, and olives.
13Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the edges are crispy.
14The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
15Remove the focaccia from the oven and sprinkle with sea salt flakes.
16Let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
17Serve warm with additional olive oil for dipping.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven
Parchment paper

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 700mg🌾Total Carbs: 50g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 8g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add other toppings like cherry tomatoes, onions, or peppers for extra flavor.

This focaccia olive bread recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a comforting snack on a chilly evening. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit your family’s tastes.

For example, if you prefer a gluten-free option, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, feel free to get creative with your toppings – from diced tomatoes to chopped fresh herbs – to make this recipe truly your own.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Focaccia Olive Bread

Q: What type of flour should I use for this focaccia olive bread recipe?

In this recipe, you can use either all-purpose flour or a bread flour with a high protein content. Both types of flour will produce excellent results, but bread flour will yield a more chewy crumb.

Q: Can I substitute the olives with another type of cured meat?

While you can certainly use other types of cured meats like prosciutto or salami, traditional Italian focaccia typically features green or black olives as its main topping.

Q: How do I ensure my dough rises properly?

A key factor in achieving proper rise is making sure your yeast is fresh and active. Also, ensure your environment is warm enough for the yeast to activate – ideally between 75°F and 80°F (24°C and 27°C).

Q: Can I make this focaccia olive bread recipe in advance?

You can prepare the dough ahead of time, but it’s best to let it rise in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Q: What temperature should I bake my focaccia olive bread at?

Bake your focaccia olive bread at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

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