How to Serve Focaccia Bread: A Versatile Delight

If you’re searching for a simple yet delicious way to impress your guests, look no further than focaccia bread. This Italian classic is the perfect accompaniment to any meal, offering a delightful flavor and texture that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. In this article, we will explore how to serve focaccia bread in all its delectable glory, from preparation to serving tips. So put on your aprons and let’s get baking.

What is Focaccia Bread?

Focaccia bread is a type of Italian bread made with yeast and high-gluten flour. Unlike pizza dough, focaccia is allowed to rise after being rolled out, resulting in a thick and fluffy texture. The dough is dimpled with fingertips, creating small indentations for olive oil to pool in. It can be topped with various ingredients like coarse salt, herbs, vegetables, or cheese before baking. Focaccia has a rich, soft, and fluffy middle with a thin, tender crust, making it truly delightful.

How is Focaccia Different from Other Bread?

Focaccia bread stands out from other bread in several ways. Despite being called “flatbread,” it is not flat but rather thick and fluffy. The name refers to the baking pan used. Focaccia also features distinct hills and valleys on the surface, created by pressing fingertips into the risen dough before baking. Additionally, it can be topped with various ingredients like rosemary, sage, olives, anchovies, and roasted red peppers, adding to its unique appeal.

How to Serve Focaccia Bread?

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Focaccia bread is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

1. Sandwiches: Use focaccia bread as a base for delicious sandwiches. Top it with ingredients like fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, balsamic vinegar, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Prosciutto and Arugula Sandwiches: Combine prosciutto and arugula with focaccia bread. Cut the bread into triangular shapes for easier sandwich assembly.
3. Appetizer or Side Dish: Cut focaccia bread into squares and serve it with soup or salad as an appetizer or side dish.
4. Paired with Soup or Salad: Pair focaccia bread with tomato bisque for lunch or dinner. It can also be served alongside scrambled eggs and bacon for brunch.
5. Toasted with Butter and Served with Eggs: Toast the focaccia bread until golden brown, spread it with butter, and serve it with eggs.

Remember that the type of bread and toppings used will influence the cooking time, so be mindful of that.

How to Make Focaccia Bread?

Making focaccia bread at home is a simple and rewarding process. Here’s how to make your own delicious batch:

1. Gather the ingredients: You’ll need flour, yeast, water, olive oil, salt, and any desired toppings.
2. Mix the dough: Combine flour, yeast, water, olive oil, and salt in a mixing bowl until it forms into a sticky dough.
3. Knead the dough: Flour your work surface and knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Let it rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it sit for about an hour to allow it to double in size.
5. Dimple the dough: Transfer the dough to a baking pan, press your fingertips into it to create indentations, and add toppings as desired.
6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 425°F and bake the focaccia for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
7. Serve: Slice and serve the focaccia bread while still warm for maximum flavor.

Check out this video for a visual guide on making focaccia bread:

Tips for Serving and Enjoying Focaccia Bread

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Here are some tips to enhance your experience with focaccia bread:

• Serve it warm or at room temperature for the best taste and texture.
• Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the freshly baked or reheated focaccia before serving.
• Experiment with different toppings like garlic, onions, cheese, and herbs to find your perfect flavor combination.
• If using a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven before placing the dough on top for a crispy crust.
• Focaccia bread can also be used as a base for pizza. Add your favorite toppings and bake until the cheese is melted for a unique twist.
• Brush the dough with garlic-infused olive oil before adding toppings for an extra layer of flavor.
• Cut the focaccia into smaller pieces for a party platter and serve with various dips like hummus or marinara sauce.

Tips for Storing Leftover Focaccia Bread

If you have any leftovers, follow these tips for storing and reheating focaccia bread:

• Store it in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, wrap the bread in foil and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it before reheating.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F, place the bread on a baking sheet, and bake for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave for about 15-30 seconds, depending on the size of the bread and your microwave’s power.

Conclusion

Serving focaccia bread is a simple yet versatile way to elevate any meal. Its unique texture and flavor make it stand out, and it can be enjoyed in various ways with different toppings. By following the tips for serving and storing leftover focaccia bread, you can enjoy this delicious dish anytime. So indulge in this Italian classic and impress your guests with your homemade focaccia bread. Keep experimenting with different toppings and serving ideas, and soon enough, you’ll become a focaccia pro.

FAQ: Serve Focaccia Bread

Q: What is the difference between focaccia and pizza dough?
A: Focaccia dough is lighter and fluffier compared to pizza dough, thanks to more yeast and its dimpled texture.

Q: Do you eat focaccia with olive oil?
A: Yes, focaccia is typically eaten with olive oil.

Q: What are the health benefits of focaccia bread?
A: Focaccia bread provides complex carbohydrates that promote sustained energy release and aid in blood sugar regulation.

Q: What types of cheese pair best with focaccia bread?
A: Provolone, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Gorgonzola are great choices. They can be enjoyed alongside olive tapenade or in combination with bruschetta!

Q: How do you know if focaccia is proofed?
A: Check for dimpling. When the dough is dimpled and the dimples remain while the dough is bubbly, it is ready. Allow the dough to proof longer if the dimples bounce back rapidly or bubbles aren’t forming well.