Print

Fluffy Focaccia Bread From Scratch Easy Recipe Without Stand Mixer

fluffy focaccia bread - featured image
Print Recipe

A simple and approachable recipe for fluffy focaccia bread made by hand without a stand mixer, featuring a golden crust and tender crumb perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (one packet)
  • 1 ½ cups (355ml) warm water (around 105°F / 40°C)
  • ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
  • 2 teaspoons fine sea salt for the dough
  • Flaky sea salt for topping (such as Maldon)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, honey, and instant yeast. Stir gently and let sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: Add flour and sea salt to the yeast mixture. Pour in olive oil and stir with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until dough starts to come together; it will be sticky.
  3. Hand-knead the dough: Lightly flour a counter and knead dough gently for 8-10 minutes until elastic and smooth. Add flour sparingly if too sticky.
  4. First rise: Place dough in bowl, cover with kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the pan: Generously oil a baking sheet or 9×13-inch rimmed pan with olive oil.
  6. Shape and second rise: Transfer dough to oiled pan, stretch to fill pan, resting and stretching as needed. Cover loosely and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  7. Dimple the dough: Press deep dimples all over the surface with fingertips.
  8. Add toppings: Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons olive oil over dough, sprinkle chopped rosemary and minced garlic if using, and finish with flaky sea salt.
  9. Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake focaccia for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy on top.
  10. Cool and serve: Let cool at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Do not add too much flour during kneading to keep the bread light and fluffy. Use fingertips to dimple dough to trap olive oil and herbs. If crust browns too fast, tent with foil. Dough can be refrigerated overnight for slow fermentation and better flavor. Let bread cool before slicing to set crumb.

Nutrition

Keywords: focaccia, bread, homemade bread, no stand mixer, hand kneaded, easy focaccia, olive oil bread, rosemary focaccia, simple bread recipe

Find it online: https://evabake.com/fluffy-focaccia-bread-from-scratch-easy-recipe-without-stand-mixer/