Easy Focaccia

This easy focaccia is one of my favorites when I’m in a hurry and want a warm, flavorful bread with little effort and in less than 2 hours.

BAKE: 25 to 30 mins at 375°F

YIELD: one 9" by 13" loaf

Ingredients

Dough

5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 1/2 cups water, warm
1 1/4 teaspoons salt ( I prefer kosher salt)
3 1/2 cups unbleached white flour
1 tablespoon instant yeast

Seasoning (optional)

1 teaspoon rosemary, freshly chopped or finely ground depending upon your preference

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon oregano, dried and crumbled

¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper

½ teaspoon kosher salt

2  teaspoons basil, dried and crumbled

Combine all and reserve half for the topping

Topping

2 tablespoons remaining olive oil, for drizzling
Seasoning (above)
Sea Salt, flakes or additional kosher salt

Freshly grated Asiago, Parmesan or Pecorino Romano Cheese

Instructions

1. Use non-stick vegetable oil spray to lightly grease a 9" x 13" pan or baking dish.

2. Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of the olive oil on top of the spray.

3. Measure the flour by spooning it into a cup, then leveling off with a straight edge such as the back of a knife.

4. Combine the remaining 3 tablespoons of the olive oil with the rest of the dough ingredients and optional seasonings, and beat at high speed with an electric mixer for 60 seconds.  The batter will be sticky.

5. Turn it into the prepared pan. Allow it to rise for approximately 60 minutes.

6. While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 375°F.

7. Once the dough has risen, poke the top with your index finger. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with remaining seasoning and additional kosher or flaked sea salt.

8. Bake until golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow the bread to rest for 5 minutes before serving.