Classic Italian Focaccia Recipe with Rosemary Seasalt and Brewer Yeast
Italian Focaccia Recipe Introduction
Focaccia has been one of the most popular dishes in Europe for quite some time. It can be served as an appetizer or as bread to accompany almost any dish. It can also be used as a Panini, cut in the middle and stuffed with your favourite charcuterie.
Indulge your senses in the irresistible allure of this homemade Italian focaccia bread recipe — a classic Italian delight that captivates with its airy texture and endless possibilities for filling.
Transport yourself to an authentic trattoria as we dive into the roots of this versatile bread and discover the art of creating luscious Italian focaccia, perfect for satisfying cravings and elevating any meal.
Quick Overview of this Classic Italian Focaccia Recipe
Focaccia is a flattened soft dough bread two or three centimetres thick. It has a rather honeycomb interior and a golden crust characterised by indentations that retain the oil, salt, and rosemary. This specific focaccia recipe is the classic Ligurian one.
Making the Perfect Italian Focaccia
Creating your Italian focaccia bread starts with a dough made from high-quality flour, yeast, salt, water, olive oil and the right recipe. The dough's rising process is the secret to achieving that desirable light and airy texture. Allowing ample time for the dough to ferment and develop flavour is essential.
The slow fermentation process creates air pockets throughout the dough, resulting in a tender yet slightly chewy bread perfect for absorbing the flavours of your chosen fillings.
Ingredients for this Italian Focaccia Recipe
250 grams of Caputo Nuvola
150 ml of water
10 grams of fresh Brewer’s yeast or 2 grams of dry Caputo Brewer Yeast
15 grams Extra virgin olive oil
5 grams of salt
For the Top of the Classic Italian Focaccia Top, before you Bake it
10 ml of water
10 ml of extra virgin olive oil
5 grams of coarse salt
Rosmery, if you like it (I certainly do)
Steps by Step - How to Prepare Your Italian Focaccia
First, add the fresh brewer's yeast to the water (it's better if it's from the bottle, as chlorine affects the yeast's work) and set it aside for about 10 minutes to do its magic.
Meanwhile, pour the Caputo Nuvola into a bowl, add the yeast mixture, water, and extra virgin olive oil, and mix it all with a fork. Make sure no lumps form in the mix. It should be smooth and homogenous to give it the right texture.
Adding the mixture into the mixer or any other machine you would like to use by hand is also acceptable, but it takes some work.
Add salt while kneading until the dough is smooth and has a nice texture. Use a spatula to empty the dough into a clean bowl, clean up all the edges of the bowl, and then set it aside for 2-3 hours. Make sure to cover it well with a clean cloth.
Take a baking tray and add parchment paper to it. Grease the tray with olive oil and spread the leavened dough on it.
Dab it with your hands and grease it with olive oil. The mixture should not overflow from the tray; it should only be filled to the thickness of half a cm. You can now emulsify water, coarse salt, and oil in a bowl and mix it well. Brush this mixture on the surface of the focaccia.
Heat the oven to a state mode of 250 degrees and let it rise to the set temperature. Before putting the baking tray in the oven, gently push the focaccia's surface with your fingers to make fine deeps.
Keep the tray inside the hot oven for 12-15 minutes, and watch the focaccia's colour.
It is ready to be removed from the oven when it turns a beautiful golden brown.
Your Italian Focaccia Bread with Rosemary Seasalt and Brewer Yeast should look and feel something like this now.
 Buon Appetito!
I hope you have enjoyed my work with Rosemary Seasalt and Brewer Yeast. If you have, or if you wish for some additional info or suggest any improvements, please leave feedback or get in touch.
Versatility in Filling the Original Italian Focaccia
One of the most exciting aspects of Italian focaccia bread for me is its versatility. You can, in fact, slice it in the middle and fill it with literally anything you may desire.
Let your culinary creativity shine through by choosing from various delicious fillings. The dimples punctuating the focaccia's surface act as wells for the fillings, ensuring a harmonious distribution of flavours throughout each bite.
Traditional fillings often include cherry tomatoes, olives, fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme, and a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. This combination celebrates the simplicity and flavours that Mediterranean cuisine is loved for. However, feel free to explore your unique combinations. Try roasted garlic, caramelized onions, artichoke hearts, or even slices of salty prosciutto for a more indulgent twist.
Alternatively, you can transform the focaccia into a savoury sandwich by layering it with various delicious ingredients. Slice the bread horizontally and fill it with flavorful cured meats, fresh greens, cheese, and condiments of your choice. The pillowy texture of the focaccia pairs beautifully with the contrasting textures and tastes of the fillings, creating a gourmet sandwich experience.
For those with a sweet tooth, Italian focaccia can also be an excellent canvas for dessert creations by reducing the amount of salt. Add a sprinkle of sugar or drizzle honey over the dough before baking, and then fill it with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a homemade fruit compote.
This unexpected twist on classic Italian focaccia bread will appease any dessert lover's cravings.
The Original Italian focaccia bread is a delightful culinary adventure with charm and versatility. Its roots stretch back to the coastal region of Liguria, where it has evolved into a beloved Italian tradition. With a light and airy texture and countless possibilities for fillings, Italian focaccia allows you to express your creativity in the kitchen. Whether you prefer a savoury or sweet combination, this bread will captivate your taste buds and transport you to a culinary paradise. So, embrace the Original Italian focaccia bread-making art, experiment with various fillings, and revel in the joy of sharing this delightful creation with loved ones. Buon Appetito!