Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1/2 + 1/8 tsp Active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp Sugar
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 4 tsp Olive oil
Toppings
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh rosemary
- Sea salt flakes
Instructions
- Activate yeast: Stir the yeast and sugar into lukewarm water and let it sit until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and salt evenly.
- Form dough: Pour the yeast mixture over the flour mixture and stir well with a spatula until a sticky dough forms.
- Oil dough surface: Pour a teaspoon of olive oil over the dough and rub it over the surface to prevent drying.
- First proof: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 18-24 hours or place in a warm spot for 1.5 to 2 hours until the dough doubles in size.
- Prepare baking pan: Line the bottom of a 6" cast-iron skillet or similar pan with parchment paper and pour 2 teaspoons of olive oil in the center.
- Fold dough: Oil your hands and carefully bring the dough in from the sides of the bowl by folding it over itself. Rotate the bowl a quarter turn and fold again, repeating until four folds are done.
- Second proof: Transfer the dough to the prepared pan, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size and fills the pan.
- Preheat oven: Heat the oven to 250°C (482°F).
- Prepare dough for baking: Pour the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil over the dough and spread it evenly. Use your fingers to dimple the dough's surface.
- Add toppings: Scatter fresh rosemary, cherry tomatoes, and sea salt flakes over the top.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 200°C (392°F). Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the bottom crispy.
- Cool: Let the focaccia rest in the pan for 5 minutes before turning it out onto a cooling rack. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use lukewarm water (around 100°F/38°C) to properly activate the yeast.
- The long cold ferment in the refrigerator improves flavor and texture.
- Folding the dough instead of kneading develops gluten gently due to the no-knead method.
- A cast-iron skillet helps achieve a crispy bottom crust.
- Feel free to customize toppings based on your preference.
- The recipe can be doubled but baking times may vary.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes (active) plus 1.5-24 hours (proofing)
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian