You’re going to love learning how to make Jamie Oliver’s focaccia bread – I sure did!
This Italian flatbread is not only rich with texture but also incredibly versatile.
Using olive oil really makes the dough aromatic and flavorful.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it all the time my friends.
How to Make Jamie Oliver Focaccia Bread
Ingredients
- 1 packet Yeast (active dry)
- 3 1/2 cups Bread Flour
- 1 1/2 cups Water (lukewarm)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/2 tbsp Sea Salt
- 1 tsp Sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Dissolve the yeast and sugar in lukewarm water and let it sit until it becomes frothy.
This should take about 5-10 minutes depending on the temperature of your kitchen.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, combine flour and sea salt.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
Step 3:
Slowly pour the yeast mixture into the well and add olive oil.
Stir with a fork to combine everything into a dough.
Step 4:
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest in a warm place for about 1 hour until it doubles in size.
Step 5:
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Spread the dough onto a greased baking sheet, dimpling the top with your fingers.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Choose Quality Olive Oil
Using a high-quality olive oil can significantly enhance the flavor of your focaccia bread, so pick the best one you can find!
Don’t Rush the Rising
Allowing the dough to rise fully gives the bread its airy texture, so be patient during this step.
Variations of Toppings
Experiment with toppings like rosemary, garlic, or cherry tomatoes to personalize your focaccia to your taste.
Temperature Matters
Ensure your oven is fully preheated to the right temperature before baking so your bread cooks evenly.
Achieve the Perfect Texture
For an authentic texture, make sure to dimple the dough generously with your fingers before baking.
What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Focaccia Bread
Classic Tomato Basil Soup
You can’t go wrong with serving your homemade Jamie Oliver focaccia with a classic Tomato Basil Soup.
The warm, creamy texture complements the soft, airy feel of the bread beautifully.
Fresh Caprese Salad
How about pairing that with a Caprese Salad?
The combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella offers a refreshing and authentic taste that works wonders with focaccia.
Zesty Olive Tapenade
For something a bit different, you could try an Olive Tapenade.
The robust, savory flavor brings out the subtle notes in the focaccia, creating a harmonious experience.
Garlic Herb Butter
Try a spread of Garlic Herb Butter on your focaccia.
It’s a simple yet flavorful addition that takes the bread to another level with its rich taste.
Creative Whipped Goat Cheese
Spread some Whipped Goat Cheese with a bit of honey over your focaccia.
This unconventional pairing is both creamy and slightly sweet, balancing the savory nature of the bread in an unexpected way!
Refreshing Cucumber Mint Salad
A cool and crisp Cucumber Mint Salad brings a refreshing twist that goes beyond the traditional accompaniments.
This light and invigorating option enhances your focaccia experience with a hint of minty freshness.
Embrace the versatility of Jamie Oliver’s focaccia, and get creative with these pairing ideas to elevate your meal!
Variations and Substitutions
Ingredient Swaps
You can experiment with different types of flour, like whole wheat or spelt, for a slightly nutty flavor profile.
Try swapping regular olive oil with extra virgin olive oil for a richer taste.
If you’re out of fresh rosemary, dried thyme or oregano can add a different aroma to your focaccia.
Flavor Enhancements
If you like heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking for a spicy kick.
Add sliced olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the dough before baking for an added layer of flavor.
Consider infusing the olive oil with garlic for a subtle, aromatic change.
Dietary Modifications
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread flour available in most grocery stores.
You can reduce sodium by using a salt substitute, though it might slightly change the taste.
To make it vegan, this recipe works as is, so no need for any major adjustments.
How to Store Leftover Focaccia Bread
You want to keep that Jamie Oliver focaccia bread as fresh as when you pulled it out of the oven!
Wrap It Right
Wrap the leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
This keeps the bread from drying out, which is crucial for keeping that lovely texture.
Airtight Storage
Place the wrapped focaccia in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
Keeping the air out helps maintain moisture and preserves the bread’s soft interior.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term
For short-term storage, leaving the focaccia on the counter for up to two days is fine.
For anything longer, consider refrigerating or even freezing it for future use.
Whenever you’re storing, remember a simple tight wrap with a good container can work wonders!
These small efforts help in enjoying your focaccia anytime.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using The Wrong Type of Flour
Start your focaccia journey with the right flour!
Using all-purpose flour can affect the texture of the bread by making it too soft.
Go for bread flour, which has a higher protein content and will give you a chewier, more authentic texture.
Overworking The Dough
Kneading too much can be a real issue, leaving you with dense focaccia.
You should knead until smooth and elastic, but not for too long.
After kneading, let the dough rest and rise properly to develop flavors and structure.
Wrong Baking Temperature
Baking at an incorrect temperature can ruin all your hard work!
A hot oven is key, around 220°C / 430°F, to get that golden crust.
Make sure your oven is preheated thoroughly before you pop in the focaccia.
Happy baking, and enjoy your delicious focaccia!
Jamie Oliver Focaccia Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 packet Yeast active dry
- 3 1/2 cups Bread Flour
- 1 1/2 cups Water lukewarm
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/2 tbsp Sea Salt
- 1 tsp Sugar
Instructions
- Dissolve the yeast and sugar in lukewarm water and let it sit until it becomes frothy.
- This should take about 5-10 minutes depending on the temperature of your kitchen.
- In a large bowl, combine flour and sea salt.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
- Slowly pour the yeast mixture into the well and add olive oil.
- Stir with a fork to combine everything into a dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest in a warm place for about 1 hour until it doubles in size.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Spread the dough onto a greased baking sheet, dimpling the top with your fingers.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.