Jamie Oliver’s Focaccia Bread Recipe

If you love homemade bread with a perfect balance of crispy crust and soft, airy texture, Jamie Oliver’s focaccia bread recipe is a must-try, offering a simple yet flavorful approach that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Focaccia Bread

Jamie Oliver’s focaccia bread is a flavorful, Italian-style bread known for its fluffy texture and light, airy crumb. The recipe is simple, utilizing minimal ingredients, but the results are stunning.

This type of focaccia features a golden-brown crust with a slightly chewy interior, infused with the rich flavors of olive oil, rosemary, and sea salt. The dough is naturally flavored with fresh herbs and the addition of olive oil creates an irresistible taste. It’s perfect as a side to soups, stews, or served as a standalone snack with dips.

Jamie Oliver’s Focaccia Bread Recipe

Ingredients Needed

• 500g strong white bread flour – Provides structure and a strong gluten network for the perfect texture.
• 10g sea salt – Enhances the flavor and balances the richness of the olive oil.
• 2 tsp dried yeast – Helps the dough rise and create a light, fluffy bread.
• 2 tbsp olive oil – Adds richness and flavor, also helps to create a golden, crispy crust.
• 1 tsp sugar – Feeds the yeast for a faster rise and boosts flavor.
• 350ml warm water – Activates the yeast, helping the dough to come together.
• Fresh rosemary (optional) – For a fresh, aromatic flavor that’s quintessential to classic focaccia.
• Sea salt flakes – Sprinkled on top for added crunch and saltiness.
• Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling) – To enrich the dough and finish the focaccia with a glossy, flavorful touch.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl – For combining the ingredients and kneading the dough.
• Baking tray – To shape the dough and bake the focaccia.
• Tea towel or plastic wrap – To cover the dough while it rises.
• Oven – To bake the focaccia until golden brown.
• Fork – For making dimples in the dough, which help it cook evenly and provide a characteristic texture.
• Pastry brush – To brush olive oil onto the dough before baking for a golden finish.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Focaccia Bread?

1. Prepare The Dough

   • In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Combine Ingredients

   • Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture. Add the olive oil, and stir to combine. Once a rough dough forms, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.

3. Knead The Dough

   • Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, but don’t overdo it.

4. First Rise

   • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a tea towel or plastic wrap, and leave it to rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

5. Shape The Dough

   • Preheat your oven to 220°C (450°F). Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Drizzle olive oil onto a baking tray and spread the dough onto it. Press your fingers into the dough to make dimples.

6. Second Rise

   • Cover the dough again and let it rise for an additional 20 minutes. In the meantime, chop the fresh rosemary and prepare sea salt for sprinkling.

7. Bake The Focaccia

   • Drizzle more olive oil over the dough, sprinkle with fresh rosemary and sea salt. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and crisp on the edges.

8. Serve

   • Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Slice and serve warm with your favorite dipping oil, soup, or cheese.

Expert Tips

• Use Strong Flour: Strong white bread flour contains more gluten than regular flour, which helps the dough rise and gives the focaccia its characteristic texture.
• Don’t Over-Knead: Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, but avoid overworking it, as this can lead to a denser loaf.
• Generously Oil the Pan: Olive oil not only adds flavor but also helps create a crispy, golden crust. Don’t skimp on the oil when greasing the baking tray.
• Let the Dough Rest: Allowing the dough to rise twice ensures a lighter, airier texture. Patience is key to getting that perfect focaccia.
• Experiment with Toppings: While rosemary and sea salt are classic, you can add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, or even caramelized onions for variety.

Jamie Oliver’s focaccia bread is an incredibly satisfying recipe, perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. With simple ingredients, minimal hands-on time, and an irresistible outcome, this bread is perfect for making at home for family meals or impressing guests at a dinner party. Whether served with a hearty soup, as a sandwich base, or enjoyed on its own with a little olive oil, this focaccia will become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Easy Recipe Variations For Jamie Oliver’s Focaccia Bread

Jamie Oliver’s focaccia recipe is a delightful treat on its own, but with a few creative tweaks, you can make it even more versatile and personalized. Here are some easy variations to try:

1. Herb Infused Focaccia

   While Jamie Oliver’s recipe already calls for olive oil and rosemary, you can get more creative by infusing the oil with additional herbs such as thyme, oregano, basil, or sage. Simply warm the oil with the herbs for a few minutes before drizzling it over the dough, allowing the flavors to soak in deeply. You can even experiment with garlic, either fresh or roasted, for an aromatic punch.

2. Cheese Focaccia

   Add cheese to your focaccia for a decadent twist. Fresh mozzarella or grated parmesan added to the dough or sprinkled on top before baking adds a rich, savory flavor.

   For a more complex taste, consider mixing in some crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese. The cheese will melt into the bread, creating pockets of deliciousness.

3. Caramelized Onion Focaccia

   Sweet, caramelized onions pair beautifully with focaccia. To prepare this variation, cook thinly sliced onions in olive oil over low heat until they soften and brown, then scatter them on top of the dough before baking. For added depth of flavor, you can mix in a little balsamic vinegar during the caramelization process.

4. Olive and Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia

   If you love Mediterranean flavors, add some black or green olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a handful of capers to the dough or scatter them over the top. The briny, savory taste from these ingredients adds an amazing contrast to the soft, pillowy bread.

5. Sweet Focaccia with Fruit

   Focaccia doesn’t have to be savory!

   For a sweet variation, try adding fresh fruit like figs, grapes, or pears on top of the dough before baking. Drizzle with honey after baking for a wonderful sweet-and-salty combination. This is especially good for brunch or dessert.

6. Spicy Focaccia

   Add a bit of heat to your focaccia with chili flakes or chopped fresh chilies. You can mix them into the dough or sprinkle them on top for an extra kick. To balance the spice, drizzle the bread with a little honey or balsamic glaze.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

Once you’ve made Jamie Oliver’s focaccia bread, you’ll likely have some delicious leftovers. To keep the bread fresh for as long as possible, here are some best practices for storage:

1. Room Temperature Storage

   If you plan to eat the leftover focaccia within a day or two, it’s best to store it at room temperature. Place the bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil.

   This will prevent it from drying out while maintaining its soft texture. Make sure it’s kept in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat.

2. Refrigeration

   If you want to keep focaccia for a longer period, storing it in the fridge is a good option, though it may cause the bread to become a bit firmer. Wrap the focaccia in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to avoid it absorbing moisture from the fridge. When you’re ready to eat it, you can reheat it by popping it in the oven or a toaster to bring back some of its original texture.

3. Freezing for Long-Term Storage

   Focaccia freezes very well. To freeze, slice the bread into portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat it, let the bread thaw at room temperature or reheat it in the oven for a few minutes to revive its delicious flavor and texture.

4. Reheating Tips

   To keep focaccia from getting too dry when reheating, spritz it lightly with water before placing it in the oven. This will help retain moisture and result in a fresher, fluffier texture. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until it’s heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.

What Goes Well With Focaccia Bread?

Focaccia is incredibly versatile and can pair with a variety of dishes. Whether you enjoy it as a snack, appetizer, or part of a full meal, here are some great pairing ideas:

1. Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar

   One of the simplest and most beloved ways to enjoy focaccia is to dip it in high-quality olive oil mixed with balsamic vinegar. The rich oil and tangy vinegar complement the soft, savory bread beautifully. You can also add a sprinkle of sea salt or a pinch of herbs like oregano for extra flavor.

2. Cheese

   Focaccia and cheese are a match made in heaven. Soft cheeses like mozzarella or ricotta pair perfectly with focaccia, but harder cheeses like Parmesan, Manchego, or pecorino also work wonderfully. Serve slices of cheese alongside the bread or melt it on top for a more indulgent treat.

3. Salads

   Focaccia works excellently as a side to fresh, vibrant salads. A classic Italian Caprese salad, with tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil, goes wonderfully with the rich, savory flavor of focaccia. A light green salad with lemon vinaigrette also provides a refreshing contrast to the rich bread.

4. Soup

   Focaccia’s dense, airy texture makes it perfect for dipping into soups. It pairs beautifully with hearty soups like minestrone, tomato basil, or a creamy potato leek soup. The bread can be torn into pieces and soaked in the warm, flavorful broth, creating a satisfying combination.

5. Charcuterie and Antipasti

   For an Italian-inspired spread, serve focaccia with a charcuterie board filled with prosciutto, salami, capicola, and a variety of olives and pickled vegetables. The bread adds a comforting base to these savory elements, and the pairings are sure to elevate any gathering.

6. Grilled Meats and Roasted Vegetables

   Focaccia also makes a great accompaniment to grilled meats such as steak, chicken, or lamb, as well as roasted vegetables like peppers, zucchini, and eggplant. The bread helps balance the smoky, charred flavors of grilled foods while soaking up all the delicious juices.

Conclusion

Jamie Oliver’s focaccia bread is a simple yet extraordinary recipe that allows for a lot of creativity. Whether you prefer a classic, herb-infused version or want to experiment with ingredients like cheese, olives, or caramelized onions, there’s no wrong way to make focaccia your own.

By following proper storage techniques, you can keep any leftovers fresh for days, ensuring you can enjoy this delicious bread even after the first serving. Whether you pair it with olive oil, a fresh salad, or hearty soups and meats, focaccia is a versatile bread that complements a wide range of dishes.

It’s perfect for sharing at gatherings, accompanying a meal, or even enjoying as a standalone snack. So, get creative and let focaccia elevate your culinary experience!.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For Jamie Oliver’s Focaccia Bread Recipe?

To make Jamie Oliver’s focaccia bread, you will need 500g of strong white bread flour, 7g of fast-action dried yeast, 10g of fine sea salt, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 350ml of lukewarm water, and extra olive oil for drizzling. You can also add toppings like rosemary, garlic, or olives to enhance the flavor.

How Long Does It Take To Prepare Jamie Oliver’s Focaccia Bread?

The total preparation time for Jamie Oliver’s focaccia bread is about 2 hours and 30 minutes. This includes roughly 1 hour for the dough to rise and 20 minutes for baking. The hands-on preparation time is around 20 minutes.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Focaccia Bread Without Yeast?

While yeast is essential for traditional focaccia bread to rise and give it the characteristic airy texture, you could experiment with alternatives like baking powder. However, this may alter the taste and texture significantly.

What Can I Use Instead Of Olive Oil For The Dough In Jamie Oliver’s Focaccia Recipe?

If you don’t have olive oil, you can use other oils like vegetable oil, sunflower oil, or canola oil. However, olive oil provides a distinctive flavor that is traditional to focaccia, so using an oil with a mild flavor is recommended for the closest result.

Can I Freeze Jamie Oliver’s Focaccia Bread?

Yes, you can freeze Jamie Oliver’s focaccia bread. After baking, let the bread cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil.

It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm in the oven for a few minutes.

What Temperature Should The Oven Be When Baking Jamie Oliver’s Focaccia Bread?

The oven should be preheated to 200°C (400°F) for Jamie Oliver’s focaccia bread. Make sure the oven is fully heated before placing the dough inside to ensure an even bake.

How Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Focaccia Bread Crispy On The Outside?

To achieve a crispy crust on Jamie Oliver’s focaccia bread, ensure that the dough is well-oiled before baking. Additionally, you can place a tray of water at the bottom of the oven to create steam, which helps the bread form a crispy crust.

Can I Add Toppings Like Olives Or Garlic To Jamie Oliver’s Focaccia Bread?

Absolutely!

Jamie Oliver’s focaccia bread is quite versatile when it comes to toppings. You can add ingredients like olives, rosemary, garlic, or sun-dried tomatoes to the dough before baking. Just press them gently into the surface of the dough.

Why Does Jamie Oliver’s Focaccia Bread Recipe Call For Sugar?

The sugar in Jamie Oliver’s focaccia bread recipe helps activate the yeast, promoting fermentation and aiding in the rise of the dough. It also slightly enhances the flavor of the bread without making it sweet.

How Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Focaccia Bread Recipe Gluten-free?

To make Jamie Oliver’s focaccia bread gluten-free, you can substitute the strong white bread flour with a gluten-free flour blend specifically designed for baking. You may also need to adjust the amount of water as gluten-free flours tend to absorb more liquid.