Focaccia Barese Recipe Guide

Focaccia Barese is a delightful, traditional Italian bread that hails from the region of Puglia. This focaccia is known for its rich olive oil flavor and distinctive topping of cherry tomatoes and olives, making it a perfect accompaniment to meals or a tasty snack on its own. It’s soft and airy on the inside with a crispy crust, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. From my own personal experience, baking this focaccia fills the kitchen with a wonderful aroma that invites everyone to the table.

Let me show you how I make Focaccia Barese.

Notes on What to Expect

Expect a soft, airy texture with a slightly chewy crust. The combination of cherry tomatoes and olives adds a burst of flavor with every bite. The rich olive oil used in the dough and as a topping ensures that the focaccia stays moist and delicious.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour for rising)
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Time to Stand: 1 hour (rising time)
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 8
• Calories: Approximately 180 calories per slice (based on 8 servings)
• Cost of Ingredients: $10 – $15, depending on local prices
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Appetizer or Side Dish

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet (with raised edges)
• Plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel
• Oven
• Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Focaccia Barese  here.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 ½ cups warm water (around 110°F or 43°C)
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)

For the Topping:

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup black olives, pitted and sliced (you can use green olives if preferred)
• Sea salt, for sprinkling
• Fresh rosemary (optional)
• Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Focaccia Barese  here.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and instant yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
   • Add the flour, salt, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil to the yeast mixture. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, mix until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough:
   • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed, but be careful not to add too much.
3. First Rise:
   • Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Baking Sheet:
   • While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil on a baking sheet, ensuring the bottom is well-coated.
5. Shape the Focaccia:
   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to the prepared baking sheet and gently stretch it out to fit the pan, using your fingers to create dimples all over the surface.
6. Add the Toppings:
   • Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced olives over the top of the dough. Sprinkle sea salt and fresh rosemary (if using) over the focaccia. Drizzle a little more olive oil on top.
7. Second Rise:
   • Cover the focaccia again with a towel and let it rise for another 20-30 minutes.
8. Bake:
   • Place the focaccia in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
9. Cool and Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before cutting into squares. Drizzle with a little more olive oil before serving if desired.

Variations

• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme or oregano for varied flavor profiles.
• Cheese Lovers: Add some grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top before baking for a cheesy twist.
• Vegan Option: This recipe is naturally vegan, but ensure that any toppings (like olives) are also vegan-friendly.
• Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Focaccia Barese  here.

Tips and Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
• Dairy-Free: This recipe is dairy-free, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
• Storage: Focaccia can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 300mg (may vary based on salt used)

I hope this guide has made making Focaccia Barese seem a little less daunting! Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below; I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment!