Focaccia is not just another bread recipe; it is a culinary experience that invites you into the world of Italian cuisine. If you’re looking to enhance your baking repertoire, making Jamie Oliver’s focaccia is an excellent choice! This fluffy, flavorful flatbread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed as a snack, a side, or the star of any meal. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the entire process of creating this delightful focaccia, from gathering your ingredients to serving it fresh from the oven.
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Focaccia Special?
Jamie Oliver, renowned for his rustic and approachable cooking style, has created a focaccia recipe that brings together the essence of simplicity and depth of flavor. These attributes make his focaccia a beloved choice among home bakers and food enthusiasts alike.
The key features of Jamie Oliver’s focaccia include:
- Simple, accessible ingredients
- A straightforward, step-by-step method
- Delicious toppings that enhance the flavor
- The delightful texture and crispy crust
By following Jamie’s recipe, you can produce focaccia that is delicious and a true testament to artisanal bread-making.
Gathering Your Ingredients
Before diving into the baking process, let’s take stock of what you’ll need. Jamie Oliver’s focaccia recipe calls for a few essential ingredients:
Ingredients List
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Strong white bread flour | 500g |
| Fresh yeast or dried yeast | 7g (if using dried yeast) or 15g (for fresh) |
| Warm water | 300ml |
| Sea salt | 10g |
| Olive oil | Extra for drizzling and 3 tablespoons for the dough |
| Your choice of toppings (e.g., herbs, olives, or cherry tomatoes) | To taste |
These ingredients come together to create the perfect blend of flavor and texture that makes Jamie Oliver’s focaccia a showstopper.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver’s Focaccia
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s dive into the process of making Jamie Oliver’s focaccia. Follow these steps carefully for the best results.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the strong white bread flour and sea salt, ensuring that the salt is well mixed with the flour.
- If you’re using fresh yeast, crumble it into a small bowl and dissolve it in the warm water. If you’re using dried yeast, mix it in with the flour and then add it to the warm water later.
- Gradually create a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the dissolved yeast and water (or just the water if you’re using dried yeast).
- Next, add the 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Mix the ingredients together with a fork, then use your hands to knead the dough until it comes together. This process should take about 5-10 minutes.
Step 2: Kneading and Proving the Dough
To develop gluten and achieve that characteristic focaccia texture, kneading is essential. Here’s how to do it correctly:
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it vigorously for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- First Proving: Place the dough back into the mixing bowl, cover it with a damp kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 3: Shaping and Second Proving
Once the dough has risen beautifully, it’s time to shape it into focaccia.
- Grease Your Tray: Drizzle some olive oil into an oven tray (about 30 cm x 40 cm) and spread it around to cover the surface.
- Shape the Dough: After proving, tip the dough onto a floured surface. Flatten it gently with your hands, trying to retain as much air as possible. Transfer the dough to the oiled tray and press it out to fill the tray.
- Second Proving: Again, cover the tray with the damp towel and let it rise for approximately 30-45 minutes, or until the dough puffs up.
Step 4: Preparing to Bake
While your focaccia is proving, it’s time to prep for the toppings and preheat your oven.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 220°C (428°F) to get it nice and hot.
- Prepare Your Toppings: You can get creative here! Jamie Oliver loves using a mixture of fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, but you can also choose sliced olives, cherry tomatoes, garlic, or even cheese.
- Dimple the Dough: Once the dough has proved, use your fingers to poke holes all over the surface of the dough, creating dimples that will capture the olive oil and toppings.
Step 5: Adding the Finishing Touches
- Drizzle a good amount of olive oil over the top of the dough, allowing it to pool in the dimples.
- Sprinkle your choice of toppings generously, along with a pinch of sea salt.
Step 6: Baking the Focaccia
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the focaccia is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 7: The Final Touch
Once baked, remove your focaccia from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. For a final flourish, brush it with a little more olive oil and sprinkle some fresh herbs on top.
Serving Suggestions
Jamie Oliver’s focaccia is incredibly versatile; here are some delightful ways to serve it:
As an Appetizer
Slice your focaccia into squares and serve warm with a dipping oil mixture of balsamic vinegar and olive oil for an irresistible starter.
With Your Favorite Meal
Pair your focaccia with soups, salads, and main courses. It’s perfect for sopping up sauces or enjoying alongside a delicious pasta dish.
Storing and Reheating Focaccia
Once you’ve made this delicious focaccia, you may wonder about storing it properly. Here’s how:
Storage
- At Room Temperature: Wrap your focaccia in a kitchen towel and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- In the Refrigerator: If you want to extend its shelf life, place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Reheating Tips
For the best taste and texture, reheat slices in the oven at 180°C (356°F) until warmed through. A few minutes in a toaster oven can also revive the crust.
Conclusion
Making focaccia is a rewarding process that yields delicious results, and Jamie Oliver’s recipe is one of the best for home bakers. With a little practice, you can master the art of focaccia and impress your friends and family with your newfound baking skills. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the incredible journey of baking your focaccia from scratch. Whether you serve it on its own or as a complement to a variety of dishes, one thing is for sure: this focaccia will steal the show. Happy baking!
What ingredients do I need to make Jamie Oliver’s focaccia?
To make Jamie Oliver’s focaccia, you’ll need a selection of basic ingredients that are essential for creating this delicious bread. The primary ingredients include flour, water, yeast, and salt. Olive oil is also a key component, giving the focaccia its signature flavor and moist texture. Additionally, you can customize your focaccia with toppings like fresh herbs, olives, or cherry tomatoes, according to your taste preferences.
When choosing your flour, it’s best to use high-protein bread flour for the best rise and texture. Active dry yeast is typically recommended, but you can also use instant yeast. Ensure that your ingredients are fresh, especially the yeast, as this will affect the dough’s ability to rise properly. By gathering these essentials, you’re setting up for a successful focaccia-making experience.
How do I prepare the dough for focaccia?
Preparing the dough for Jamie Oliver’s focaccia is a straightforward process but requires patience and attention to detail. Start by mixing the warm water with yeast and allowing it to activate for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt, and then create a well in the middle for the yeast mixture and olive oil. Gradually mix the ingredients together until they form a shaggy dough.
Once the dough comes together, transfer it to a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. After kneading, place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for about an hour or until it doubles in size. This rising process is crucial for developing a light and airy texture in your focaccia.
What is the best way to shape focaccia before baking?
Shaping the focaccia is an essential step to achieve its signature dimpled texture. After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air bubbles and transfer it to a well-oiled baking tray. Using your fingers, stretch and press the dough to fit the shape of the tray while creating dimples across the surface. Be careful not to deflate the dough too much; retaining some air pockets is vital for a fluffy final product.
Once shaped, you can drizzle additional olive oil on top of the dough and sprinkle it with sea salt, herbs, or other desirable toppings. Let the focaccia rest for another 20-30 minutes to allow for a final rise. This step will help the dough expand further and create that beautiful lift and airy structure once baked.
How long does the focaccia need to bake?
Jamie Oliver’s focaccia typically bakes for about 20-25 minutes in a preheated oven set to 220°C (428°F). It’s important to monitor the focaccia towards the end of the baking time. The bread is done when it turns a lovely golden brown on the top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. A slightly crispy exterior paired with a soft, airy interior is the hallmark of a well-baked focaccia.
For best results, you can rotate the tray halfway through baking to ensure even browning. Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s wise to keep an eye on your focaccia during the last few minutes. When it’s ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoying it warm will help you appreciate its texture and flavor even more!
Can I make focaccia in advance?
Yes, you can definitely make focaccia in advance, which can be a convenient option for meal prepping or entertaining guests. Once the focaccia has baked and cooled completely, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep it fresh for a longer period, consider wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a resealable freezer bag, where it can last up to a month.
When you’re ready to enjoy the focaccia, you can reheat it in the oven for a few minutes to restore its crispy texture. Alternatively, you can also slice and toast individual pieces for a warm treat. Making focaccia ahead of time allows the flavors to deepen and makes it even more delicious when you serve it later!
What are some topping ideas for focaccia?
One of the wonderful aspects of focaccia is its versatility, especially when it comes to toppings. Jamie Oliver suggests a variety of delicious options such as fresh rosemary, sea salt, olives, and sliced cherry tomatoes. You can also experiment with other herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil for added flavor. Mixing and matching these toppings can elevate your focaccia and cater to different taste preferences.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding caramelized onions, grated cheese, or even roasted garlic for a unique twist. Sweet options like thinly sliced apples with a sprinkle of cinnamon can also be delightful. The key is to balance the toppings to complement the rich, fluffy texture of the focaccia without overwhelming it. Enjoy creating your own signature focaccia with your favorite toppings!