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Writer's pictureJane

Baking Focaccia!

 

My Focaccia Bread Exeriment


I vividly remember the first time I ordered a vegetable sandwich on focaccia bread. Each bite was an amazing contrast: the crust was firm, while the interior was wonderfully fluffy and chewy. I was hooked. I took a closer look at the sandwich and saw that the bread was labeled as focaccia. From that moment, I was determined to learn more about this Italian classic.


What is Focaccia Bread?

Focaccia bread is an Italian flatbread characterized by its dimples, which are created by pressing fingers or the back of a spoon into the dough. It’s a high-hydration bread, generously soaked in olive oil and sprinkled with salt. The result is a light, fluffy, and chewy bread that’s cherished throughout Italy.


My Focaccia Journey

After months of baking and tasting focaccia, I finally tried to make it myself. The result? Absolutely delicious! I found myself eating slice after slice, enjoying every bite thoroughly. The recipe I started with ticked all the boxes: a golden-brown crust with a sprinkle of kosher salt, a firm exterior, and a fluffy, flavorful interior.

As I refined my approach, I looked deeper into the science of bread-making. I’ve learned a lot about ingredient functions, dough hydration, and more details of recipe development. For focaccia, I’ve hit the mark with my current recipe, but I’m always eager to improve.


Experimenting with Pre-ferment

I’m excited to experiment with a pre-ferment method, which could enhance the focaccia’s flavor and texture. A pre-ferment is a portion of dough that’s allowed to ferment before being mixed into the final dough. This process can deepen the bread’s flavor and improve its texture.

My Ideal Focaccia Bread

Here’s what I’m aiming for on my next pan:

  • A crunchy, slightly flaky exterior with beautifully crisp golden edges.

  • A moist, fluffy, and chewy interior.

  • Enhanced flavor and texture through the use of a pre-ferment.

  • Generous olive oil application during the first rise, before the second proof, and right before baking, topped with kosher salt.

I’m eager to start this new experiment in a couple of weeks and see how these adjustments influence the final product.


Join the Journey

Would you like to experiment with focaccia bread recipes with me? If you prefer to wait, I’ll share the results of my experiment and the perfected recipe—whether it includes the pre-ferment or not. Stay tuned for updates!


A photo of the surface of focaccia bread.
Focaccia Bread

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