Focaccia(Genoan Flat Bread)
Genoan focaccia is a flavorful Italian flatbread with a crispy crust, topped with red onion, Parmesan, thyme, and black pepper, perfect for sharing or as a snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine yeast, 1 cup flour, and 1 teaspoon salt.
- In a 1-quart saucepan over medium heat, heat milk, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1/4 cup water until very warm (120° to 130°).
- With mixer at low speed, gradually beat milk mixture into dry ingredients just until blended.
- Increase speed to medium; beat 2 minutes, occasionally scraping bowl with rubber spatula.
- Beat in 1/2 cup flour to make a thick batter; continue beating 2 minutes, scraping bowl often.
- With a wooden spoon, stir in 1 cup flour to make a soft dough.
- Sprinkle work surface with remaining 1/2 cup flour, turn dough onto work surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
- Shape into a ball and place in a greased large bowl, turning dough to grease top.
- Cover; let rise in warm place until double, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Punch down dough and transfer to a greased baking sheet.
- Use fingertips to dimple the surface of the dough.
- Sprinkle with thinly sliced red onion, grated Parmesan cheese, thyme leaves, and cracked black pepper.
- Bake until golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter focaccia, consider using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour. If you don't have fresh thyme, dried thyme works well too. Experiment with toppings by adding olives, cherry tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor. If you prefer a more intense flavor, let the dough rise longer, even overnight in the refrigerator.
Serving Suggestions
Focaccia is best served warm, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. It pairs beautifully with Italian Sweet Cream Cake for dessert. Serve alongside a fresh salad or as a side to hearty soups and stews. Try it as a base for sandwiches or enjoy it on its own as a tasty appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Focaccia(Genoan Flat Bread) contains roughly 1082 calories, with 45g protein, 200g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (110% of the Daily Value), protein (90% of the Daily Value), and iron (53% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 31g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and more fiber. However, keep in mind that this may change the texture slightly, so you might need to adjust the liquid amounts.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough isn't rising, it could be due to using expired yeast or a temperature that is too cold. Ensure your yeast is fresh and activate it properly. If your kitchen is cool, try placing the bowl in a warm spot, like an oven with the light on, to help it rise.
Can I add different herbs or toppings to the focaccia?
Absolutely! Focaccia is very versatile. You can add herbs like rosemary or oregano, or toppings such as sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, or cheese. Just ensure not to overload the dough to keep it from becoming too wet.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).