Skillet Focaccia Bread Recipe

I’ve included some videos below for those who prefer to watch rather than read.

Skillet focaccia bread is a simple and delicious way to enjoy homemade bread without much fuss. All you need are some basic ingredients, a skillet, and a little bit of time.

You mix together flour, salt, yeast, water, and olive oil, then let the dough sit and rise. The best part is that you can customize your focaccia with your favorite toppings, like rosemary, garlic, or Parmesan cheese.

Baking it in a cast iron skillet gives the bread a crispy crust and soft inside. If you’re looking for an easy way to make homemade bread, skillet focaccia is a great place to start.

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

Main Ingredients

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  Flour
  Use 2 cups of all-purpose flour. You can substitute with bread flour for a chewier texture.

  
  
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  Yeast
  Use 1 1/2 teaspoons of instant yeast. Active dry yeast works too but needs to be activated in warm water first.

  
  
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  Salt
  Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Try using sea salt or kosher salt for more flavor.

  
  
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  Sugar
  Include 1/2 teaspoon of sugar. This helps to activate the yeast. You can use honey or agave syrup as well.

  
  

Liquid Ingredients

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  Water
  Use 3/4 cup of warm water at about 130°F. You can substitute with milk for a richer dough.

  
  
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  Olive Oil
  Required 2 teaspoons of olive oil. You can swap with vegetable oil or melted butter.

  
  

Optional Ingredients

• Herbs
  Add 1/2 teaspoon of rosemary salt for extra flavor. Try thyme, oregano, or garlic powder as substitutes.

Toppings

• Olive Oil
  Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil before baking. This helps to get a crispy crust.
• Herbs and Spices
  Use a variety of toppings such as rosemary, thyme, or sea salt to enhance flavor.

It’s important to use quality ingredients for the best results. Experiment with substitutes to find what works best for you and your taste!

Instructions

1. 
   

   Mix the Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 teaspoons of yeast.

   
   
2. 
   

   Add Water and Olive Oil:
   Pour in 1 1/2 cups of warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Use a spatula or your hands to mix until a rough dough forms.

   
   
3. 
   

   Let It Rise:
   Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

   
   
4. 
   

   Prepare the Skillet:
   Grease a 10-inch cast iron skillet with 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle a little bit of cornmeal if desired.

   
   
5. 
   

   Shape the Dough:
   Punch down the dough and stretch it to fit the skillet. Make sure it covers the bottom evenly.

   
   
6. 
   

   Make Indentations:
   Use your fingers to poke holes all over the surface of the dough. This helps it cook evenly and allows the toppings to settle in.

   
   
7. 
   

   Add Toppings:
   Brush the dough with melted butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and any seasoning you like (e.g., rosemary, garlic).

   
   
8. 
   

   Second Rise:
   Let the dough sit in the skillet for another 20-30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

   
   
9. 
   

   Bake the Focaccia:
   Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and crispy on the edges.

   
   
10. 
    

    Cool and Serve:
    Allow the focaccia to cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy your homemade skillet focaccia bread!

    
    

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Tips & Tricks

• Preheat Your Pan: Always preheat your skillet before adding the dough. This helps ensure a crispy bottom crust.
• Olive Oil: Generously coat your skillet with olive oil. This prevents sticking and adds flavor.
• Herbs & Toppings: Experiment with rosemary, sea salt, garlic, or cherry tomatoes for added flavor.
• Dimpling: Press your fingers into the dough to create deep dimples. This helps the dough rise evenly and hold more olive oil and toppings.

Storing

• Room Temperature: For short-term storage, place your cooled focaccia slices in an airtight container. Line the container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. This keeps it fresh for up to two days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, slice the focaccia into portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to one month.
• Reheating: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the focaccia on a baking sheet and heat for about 6-8 minutes until crispy.

Making skillet focaccia bread is both fun and delicious. Use these tips to ensure your focaccia is crispy, fluffy, and stored perfectly every time.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

Variations:

1. Garlic and Rosemary: Add minced garlic and fresh rosemary to the dough before baking.
2. Cheese Lover’s: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese on top before baking.
3. Olive and Herb: Mix in chopped olives and your favorite herbs for a Mediterranean touch.
4. Spicy Jalapeno: Add sliced jalapenos and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions:

• With Soup: Serve warm focaccia with tomato soup or minestrone.
• Sandwich Base: Cut slices and use them to make sandwiches with ham, cheese, or veggies.
• Appetizer: Serve with a side of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
• Brunch: Pair with scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, and cream cheese for a tasty brunch option.

Toppings:

• Herbs: Sprinkle with fresh basil, thyme, or oregano.
• Vegetables: Add thin slices of tomatoes, bell peppers, or onions on top.
• Fruits: For a sweet twist, try adding thin apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Using these variations, you can easily customize your skillet focaccia to fit any meal or taste preference.