Focaccia bread is a traditional Italian flatbread made with olive oil and herbs. It has a unique texture that sets it apart from other breads, making it the perfect accompaniment for any meal.
Whether you’re looking for something new to serve at dinner or a way to use up leftover focaccia, here are some delicious ways to enjoy this versatile bread.
Table of Contents
Focaccia Sandwiches
Focaccia is the perfect base for sandwiches because it’s sturdy enough to hold all your favorite fillings without falling apart. Try topping yours with prosciutto, cheese, and fresh arugula for an easy yet sophisticated lunch.
You can also try using focaccia as “bread” for tartines, an open-faced sandwich made with spreadable ingredients like hummus and pesto.
Bruschetta
This classic Italian appetizer is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. To make bruschetta with focaccia, simply cut the bread into bite-sized pieces and lightly toast them in the oven.
Top each piece with diced tomatoes (or any other topping of your choice) and drizzle with olive oil before serving. For something extra special, try adding balsamic glaze or freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Pizza
Focaccia bread can also be used as a pizza base since it already has a similar shape and thickness. You can either use it as it is or brush it with some olive oil and garlic for extra flavor.
Then you can top it with your favorite pizza toppings, such as tomato sauce, cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, or whatever you like.
Bake it in a hot oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Salad
Focaccia bread can also be turned into a hearty and satisfying salad by tossing it with some fresh vegetables and dressing.
You can either tear or cube the bread and toast it lightly in the oven to make croutons, or you can leave it soft and moist.
Then you can mix it with some greens, such as spinach, arugula, or kale, and some other veggies, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, or bell peppers.
You can also add some cheese, nuts, or dried fruits for extra protein and flavor. Drizzle some dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.
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FAQs
How to store focaccia bread?
Focaccia bread should be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in aluminum foil. This will prevent it from drying out and help to preserve its texture and flavor. If possible, store focaccia bread at room temperature away from direct sunlight.
It is best to consume focaccia bread within two days of baking for the best flavor and texture. To extend the shelf life of focaccia bread, you can also store it in the refrigerator for up to five days.
First, wrap the focaccia tightly with aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container before placing it in the refrigerator. When ready to consume, let the focaccia sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
If you are not going to consume the focaccia within five days, it is best to freeze it and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. To thaw frozen focaccia bread, allow it to sit at room temperature until softened. For maximum flavor, reheat the focaccia in the oven before serving. When properly stored, focaccia bread can maintain its quality for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Why didn’t my focaccia rise?
One of the most common reasons why focaccia may not rise is that the dough was not kneaded long enough. Kneading helps to create gluten strands which give structure and elasticity to your dough, allowing it to trap air bubbles and therefore rise. If you have been short on time or just did not knead your dough enough, it is likely that your focaccia will not rise.
You can also check if you have added enough yeast to the recipe; a lack of yeast will also prevent your focaccia from rising. If you are using active dry yeast, make sure to rehydrate it in some warm water before adding it to the dough.
Finally, if you are using a bread machine, make sure that the dough cycle is set to “dough” and not “bake”. Otherwise, your focaccia will not have time to rise before baking. If you follow these steps, your focaccia should rise perfectly!
Can you bake focaccia in a glass pan?
Yes, you can bake focaccia in a glass pan. Glass is an excellent conductor of heat and can help ensure that your focaccia is cooked evenly throughout.
However, it’s important to remember that glass pans tend to hold heat longer than metal or ceramic pans, so you may need to decrease the cooking time slightly.
Additionally, you should reduce the oven temperature by 25°F to prevent the bottom of your focaccia from getting too dark.
Finally, because glass pans are thicker than metal or ceramic pans, you’ll need to increase the amount of liquid used in proportion with the dry ingredients to ensure that your focaccia is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. With these small adjustments, you can easily bake delicious focaccia in a glass pan.
Conclusion
No matter how you enjoy it, focaccia bread is sure to add an extra touch of deliciousness to any occasion! With its unique texture and flavor profile, this traditional Italian bread can be used in so many different ways—from savory sandwiches to sweet desserts. So the next time you find yourself wondering what to do with your leftover focaccia bread, just remember that there are plenty of creative options out there waiting for you!
Reference:
https://alexandracooks.com/2018/03/02/overnight-refrigerator-focaccia-best-focaccia/
https://www.inspiredtaste.net/19313/easy-focaccia-bread-recipe-with-herbs/
