Easy Italian Focaccia Bread For A Crowd Recipes

ITALIAN FOCACCIA BREAD {LIGURUIAN FOCACCIA}

Steps:

• In a mixer bowl add lukewarm water and yeast.Let sit for a few minutes until yeast is completely dissolved.
• If you're using a stand mixer use dough hook attachment.Combine in a mixer bowl malt (or honey), flour, olive oil and salt. Give a quick stir with a spatula or a fork.
• Start kneading on low speed. Once flour has been completely incorporated increase the speed and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough comes together around the kneading hook, becomes elastic and smooth.Add a bit more flour if needed.
• Place the dough in a large bowl greased with extra virgin olive oil.Cover the bowl with a plastic wrap and kitchen towel.Let rise for 1.5 - 2 hours in a warm place (75-80F).Past that time the dough should double or even triple in size.
• Pour extra virgin olive oil on a quarter-sheet (9x13 inch) baking pan.Let the dough come out from the bowl onto the pan. Turn it over to coat another side of the dough with olive oil.
• Using your hands pat the dough down to fit the pan. Try to maintain the same thickness all over the pan.Cover with a lid if you have a lid that fits the pan or with linen towel and let rise for another 30-60 minutes or until it has doubled in size.In the meantime, prepare salamoia: beat quickly lukewarm water with extra virgin olive oil.Beat quickly lukewarm water with extra virgin olive oil for salamoia. Once your focaccia has doubled in size pour salamoia all over it.
• Lightly oil your hands and using your fingers press down the dough to imprint typical dimples all over focaccia.Sprinkle with coarse sea salt or sea salt flakes.
• Bake in a preheated to 450F oven for 15-20 minutes (preferably in the lower part of the oven).Once out of the oven brush your focaccia with extra virgin olive to taste.

EASIEST FOCACCIA RECIPE

Steps:

• In a small bowl, dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
• In a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture with flour; stir well to combine. Stir in additional water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until all of the flour is absorbed. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly for about 1 minute.
• Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 475 degrees F (245 degrees C).
• Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface; knead briefly. Pat or roll the dough into a sheet and place on a lightly greased baking sheet. Brush the dough with oil and sprinkle with salt.
• Bake focaccia in preheated oven for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on desired crispness. If you like it moist and fluffy, then you'll have to wait just about 10 minutes. If you like it crunchier and darker in the outside, you may have to wait 20 minutes.

FOCACCIA FOR A CROWD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar; let stand for 5 minutes. Add 1/4 cup oil, salt and 2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. , Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 40 minutes., Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Pat dough flat; let rest for 5 minutes. Press dough into a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 20-30 minutes or until dough begins to rise., With a wooden spoon handle, make indentations in the dough at 1-in. intervals. Brush with 2 tablespoons of the remaining oil. Combine Parmesan cheese, basil, garlic salt and garlic powder; sprinkle over top. Drizzle with remaining oil. , Bake at 450° for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Cut into squares; serve warm.

EASY ITALIAN FOCACCIA BREAD FOR A CROWD

Steps:

• DO NOT PREHEAT OVEN. In a large stoneware bowl, stir flours and salt. Make a well in the center, sprinkle sugar and yeast into well. Carefully pour water into well & let stand till yeast begins to act, about 5 minutes.
• Pour 2 tablespoons oil into the well. With a wooden spoon stir the mixture in center of bowl, gradually widening the circle of stirring to take in all of the flour on the sides. Turn out on floured surface and knead just till smooth. Divide in half. Pour 1/2 teaspoon of oil into two clean bowls, place dough in bowls, turning once to coat. Cover and let rise until doubled.
• Punch dough down. Use 1 teaspoon oil to coat a baking sheet and place dough on the center. Gently press the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Pour 1 1/2 teaspoons oil over the top of the dough. Use the handle end of a wooden spoon or your fingers to "dimple" the dough at 1 1/2 inch intervals. Sprinkle with rosemary or basil and then cheese. Place in a COLD oven on center shelf. Place a flat pan of very hot water on the shelf below the bread. Let rise until doubled.
• Turn on oven to 375° and bake 20-25 minutes or until browned on top. Remove from pan and cool on a wire rack. Makes 2 very large loaves