Experience the delightful aroma and exquisite taste of homemade focaccia bread with this easy-to-follow recipe, designed specifically for your trusty KitchenAid stand mixer. Unlike other bread recipes, focaccia is an Italian flatbread known for its dimpled surface, soft interior, and delightful olive oil flavor. Let's embark on this culinary adventure together.
This recipe uses a simple focaccia dough, requiring just a few basic ingredients. No need for complicated techniques or expensive ingredients. With your KitchenAid, you'll have a delicious loaf ready to enjoy in no time. So, let's dive right in!
Understanding Focaccia Dough
Focaccia dough is a simple mixture of flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil. It's a versatile dough that can hold its own as a meal or a side dish. The key to a perfect focaccia is understanding the proper hydration and how to handle the dough.
Focaccia dough is typically wetter than other bread doughs, which gives it a distinctive chewy texture. This wetter dough allows for easier shaping and creates those beautiful air pockets when the bread bakes. Don't be tempted to add more flour to try and achieve a drier dough; trust the process, and you'll be rewarded with a perfect loaf.
Ingredients and KitchenAid Preparation
The beauty of focaccia lies in its simplicity. Here are the ingredients you'll need:
- 500g all-purpose or bread flour
- 350ml warm water
- 1 tsp (7g) active dry yeast
- 1.5 tsp (9g) sea salt
- 4 tbsp (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing
To prepare the dough in your KitchenAid, follow these steps:
- In the bowl of your KitchenAid, combine warm water and yeast. Stir well and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast is frothy.
- Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Using the paddle attachment, mix on low speed (Speed 2) until a rough dough forms.
- Switch to the dough hook attachment. Knead the dough on medium-low speed (Speed 4) for about 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky.
- Add the olive oil to the dough. Continue kneading on low speed (Speed 2) for another 2 minutes, until the oil is fully incorporated.
Proving and Shaping the Dough
Once your dough is kneaded, it's time to let it rise, or prove. Coat a large bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside, turning it to coat the top. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it sit in a warm, draft-free place for about 1.5 to 2 hours, until the dough has doubled in size.
After proving, turn the dough out onto a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet. Gently stretch and press the dough until it reaches the edges of the pan. Don't worry if it shrinks back; that's normal. Let it rest for 15 minutes. After resting, dimple the surface of the dough with your fingers, creating those signature focaccia indentations. Drizzle with more olive oil, and let it prove for another 45 minutes to an hour.
Baking and Serving Your Focaccia
Once your focaccia has proved a second time, it's ready to bake. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the internal temperature reads 190°F (88°C).
Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice and serve with your favorite toppings - from simple olive oil and sea salt to sundried tomatoes, olives, or even fresh herbs like rosemary. This versatile bread is perfect on its own or as an accompaniment to soups, salads, or pasta.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store your leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, place the container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for about a week. To reheat, slice the focaccia and toast in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until heated through.
There you have it - a delicious, homemade focaccia bread recipe, tailored for your KitchenAid. Happy baking, and enjoy the delightful aroma and taste of your perfect Italian flatbread!