ADVERTISEMENT
#### Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine **warm water** (about 100°F) and **sugar**. Stir to dissolve the sugar, then sprinkle the **active dry yeast** on top. Allow the mixture to sit for about **5-10 minutes** until it becomes frothy. If your yeast doesn’t foam, it may be expired or the water temperature might have been too hot or cold. Try again with fresh yeast and properly warmed water.
#### Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the **flour** and **salt**. Add the frothy yeast mixture and **2 tablespoons of olive oil**. Stir the mixture with a spoon until a sticky dough forms. You don’t need to knead the dough—just mix until everything is combined.
#### Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and set it aside in a warm place to rise. The dough needs to rest for about **1-2 hours**, or until it has doubled in size. This is the beauty of no-knead bread—while the dough rises, you can relax and let the yeast do all the work.
#### Step 4: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to **425°F (220°C)**. Drizzle **1 tablespoon of olive oil** into a **9×13-inch baking pan** or similar-sized dish, ensuring that the bottom and sides are well-oiled. This helps to create a crispy crust on the bottom of your focaccia.
#### Step 5: Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, transfer it to the prepared pan. With your hands, gently stretch and press the dough into the corners of the pan. If the dough resists, let it rest for a few minutes and then try again. No need to worry about perfection—focaccia is supposed to have a rustic, irregular shape.
#### Step 6: Add the Garlic and Toppings
In a small bowl, mix the **minced garlic** with **1 tablespoon of olive oil**. Brush this garlic-oil mixture over the top of the dough. Use your fingers to dimple the dough, pressing down gently to create small indentations all over the surface—this is a signature characteristic of focaccia that helps the olive oil and garlic infuse the bread.
If you’d like, you can also sprinkle some **fresh rosemary** leaves over the top for a fragrant herbal flavor. You can also sprinkle some **coarse sea salt** on top for a touch of crunch and flavor.
#### Step 7: Bake the Focaccia
Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for about **20-25 minutes** or until it’s golden brown and crispy on top. Keep an eye on it towards the end, as oven temperatures can vary, and you want to avoid overbaking.
#### Step 8: Let It Cool and Serve
Once the focaccia is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing it into squares or rectangles. Drizzle with a little extra **olive oil** if desired, and serve it warm. It’s perfect for dipping in extra olive oil or serving alongside your favorite soup, salad, or main dish.
### Tips for Perfect Focaccia Every Time
1. **Use High-Quality Olive Oil**: Since olive oil plays a significant role in the flavor of focaccia, use a good-quality **extra virgin olive oil** for the best taste.
2. **Add Toppings**: Focaccia is a highly customizable bread. Try adding **cherry tomatoes**, **olives**, **caramelized onions**, or even a sprinkle of **parmesan cheese** for a delicious twist.
3. **Don’t Skip the Resting Time**: Giving the dough enough time to rise is essential for developing the perfect texture. Even though it’s “no-knead,” the dough still needs to rest and rise properly.
4. **Flavor Variations**: For a more traditional flavor, you can sprinkle **rosemary**, **oregano**, or **thyme** on top before baking. Or, mix in **garlic powder** or **onion powder** into the dough for added flavor.
5. **Make It Ahead**: Focaccia is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make the dough a day ahead. Simply let it rise in the fridge for a slow, overnight fermentation, which will give the bread extra flavor and a chewy texture. The next day, bring it to room temperature, shape it, and bake as usual.
### Serving Ideas for Garlic Focaccia Bread
– **As a Side Dish**: Serve this garlic focaccia alongside soups, stews, or salads. Its crispy edges and soft interior make it the perfect companion to hearty dishes.
– **Sandwiches**: Use slices of focaccia as the base for delicious sandwiches. It’s especially great for filling with grilled vegetables, deli meats, or roasted chicken.
– **Dipping Bread**: Serve it with a side of **balsamic vinegar** and **olive oil** for dipping, or with your favorite tomato-based dips like **bruschetta** or **pesto**.
– **Snack**: Cut the focaccia into smaller pieces for a quick snack that’s perfect for pairing with a glass of wine or as an appetizer at parties.
### Why This Recipe Works
– **No-Knead Simplicity**: The no-knead method cuts down on prep time and effort, yet the dough still rises beautifully, resulting in a perfect focaccia.
– **Flavorful Garlic Infusion**: The garlic and olive oil bring robust flavor to every bite, making this bread irresistible.
– **Crispy and Soft Texture**: Thanks to the oil and dimpled surface, this focaccia has a crispy crust and a tender, airy interior, just like it should.
### Conclusion
This **Easy No-Knead Garlic Focaccia Bread** is a simple, delicious way to bring the aroma and taste of homemade Italian bread into your kitchen with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it as a side, using it for sandwiches, or simply enjoying it with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, this bread will become a staple in your cooking routine. Give it a try, and you’ll see just how easy and satisfying baking your own bread can be!
ADVERTISEMENT
