Party Friendly Rosemary Focaccia Bread Bake
Posted By Savita
Sharing with you Traditional Rosemary Focaccia Bread, suitable for family get-together, especially lunch parties when you do not have time to shop for fresh breads from store before event and still you want to serve the very best, fresh bread to your guests (the lazy way). :)
Now, why I call this lazy way? Good question :) It is because, I do not knead/mix dough on the day of event, yet this is not frozen dough bread. And I am able to give time to all other stuff needed for the party or luncheon and still my guests usually arrive welcoming the fragrance of fresh bread, just out of the oven. So homey!! Sounds interesting! Right?
Here is what I do to make this magic happen. The previous night, I make the Focaccia Dough, transfer it to an oil covered bowl, cover with a clean towel and throw it in refrigerator for slow yeast action overnight. In the morning, just take out the dough 4 hrs before event/lunch. Let it come to room temperature on kitchen counter while you making other arrangements. Then, grease a baking sheet with oil, transfer the dough to sheet and flatten it, leave it for second rise. Just 30 mins before your guest arrive, bake bread in pre-heated oven for 22-25 minutes. Voila!! Your guest arrive on time and so does the fresh bread from the oven.
Bread comes out super fluffy, moist, rich and delicious every time. Serve it warm in starters with some balsamic and olive oil for dipping Or serve it with soup or grilled meat for main course.
Your guests will be impressed with this warm and homey welcome!!
Now, why I call this lazy way? Good question :) It is because, I do not knead/mix dough on the day of event, yet this is not frozen dough bread. And I am able to give time to all other stuff needed for the party or luncheon and still my guests usually arrive welcoming the fragrance of fresh bread, just out of the oven. So homey!! Sounds interesting! Right?
Here is what I do to make this magic happen. The previous night, I make the Focaccia Dough, transfer it to an oil covered bowl, cover with a clean towel and throw it in refrigerator for slow yeast action overnight. In the morning, just take out the dough 4 hrs before event/lunch. Let it come to room temperature on kitchen counter while you making other arrangements. Then, grease a baking sheet with oil, transfer the dough to sheet and flatten it, leave it for second rise. Just 30 mins before your guest arrive, bake bread in pre-heated oven for 22-25 minutes. Voila!! Your guest arrive on time and so does the fresh bread from the oven.
Bread comes out super fluffy, moist, rich and delicious every time. Serve it warm in starters with some balsamic and olive oil for dipping Or serve it with soup or grilled meat for main course.
Your guests will be impressed with this warm and homey welcome!!
Total Time:
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
Cuisine:
Italian
Category:
Bread
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Serves:
6
Ingredients
- 1 Active Dry Yeast (1 packet of 1/4 oz)
- 1/3 Cup Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Rosemary (fresh or dry fine chopped, plus extra for spreading on top)
- 3 & 1/4 Cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 & 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 1 & 1/2 Cup Water
Directions
- 1. Make Dough - A night before the event, spread yeast and 1 tbsp sugar in 1 cup lukewarm water and let it foam up for 10 minutes stir once in between. In a mixer with dough hook attached, add olive oil, chopped rosemary, remaining 1/2 cup lukewarm water, yeast mixture and salt.
- 2. Make Dough - Add 2 and 1/2 cups of flour, knead till sticky dough forms. Now add ¼ cup flour at a time till dough comes together and make slightly sticky ball (about 5 minutes) At this stage knead for additional 4-5 minutes. Transfer dough to an oiled bowl, turn upside down, so that dough is completely covered with oil. Cover and refrigerate the dough for slow yeast action overnight.
- 3. Shape the dough - About 4 hrs before lunch or party, transfer the dough bowl to kitchen counter and let it come to room temperature (about 1 hr). Spray oil in 12 to 14 inch sheet pan, transfer the dough to pan and spread gently to make rectangle covering the pan. Cover with dry towel and let rise at room temperature for 1 and 1/2 hr.
- 4. Bake and Serve - Pre-heat oven to 425 F. Spread 1 tbsp oil and rosemary leaves on risen dough and make signature focaccia indentation if you like. 30 minutes before guest arrive, bake the bread for 22-25 minutes till bread leaves sides of pan and has light golden crust on top. Transfer the bread to wire rack for cooling, slice and serve while still warm. Enjoy!!
© Chef De Home. Post content including video and photos are copyright protected.