Big Bubble, NO-Knead Focaccia Bread | SOFT & EASY Focaccia!

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of making a soft and easy no-knead focaccia bread. With simple ingredients and no extensive kneading required, you’ll have a delicious focaccia that’s perfect as a side dish or for making sandwiches. Let's dive into the steps!

Step 1: Gather Ingredients

To make your focaccia, you will need the following ingredients:

• 470g warm water (2 cups)
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (plus more for greasing the tray)
• 7g (2 tsp) yeast
• 560g bread flour (4 cups)

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for a few minutes until bubbly.
2. Add the salt and olive oil to the yeast mixture.
3. Gradually add the bread flour, mixing with a spoon or spatula until a sticky dough forms.

Step 3: Stretch and Fold Technique

This dough will need to be stretched and folded several times to develop gluten without traditional kneading. Follow these steps:

1. After mixing, let the dough rest for 15 minutes.
2. Perform the first stretch and fold:
   • Wet your hands to prevent sticking.
   • Gently pull one side of the dough and fold it over to the opposite side.
   • Rotate the bowl and repeat until all sides have been folded (about 4 times).
3. Wait another 15 minutes and repeat this stretching and folding for a total of four series.

Step 4: Prepare the Pan and Final Shape

1. Lightly grease a baking tray with olive oil.
2. Transfer the dough to the tray, spreading it out gently with your fingers.
3. Cover the tray with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for 2 hours at room temperature. If you refrigerate the dough overnight, allow it to come to room temperature for the same duration.

Step 5: Dimple and Top the Focaccia

1. Once the dough has risen, use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface.
2. Add your favorite toppings. Suggestions include:
   • Fresh herbs (like rosemary)
   • Sliced olives
   • Cherry tomatoes
   • Sea salt

Step 6: Bake the Focaccia

1. Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F).
2. Bake the focaccia for about 20-25 minutes or until it is golden brown.
3. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve made a delicious no-knead focaccia bread. You can enjoy it as is, or use it to make tasty sandwiches. Feel free to experiment with different toppings to personalize your focaccia. Happy baking!