Garlic Focaccia Bread Recipe for Bread Machine: Easy and Delicious Homemade Bread

Create delicious garlic focaccia bread at home using your bread machine with this simple and flavorful recipe. Focaccia is a classic Italian bread known for its soft texture, chewy crust, and aromatic toppings, making it a versatile choice for sandwiches, dipping, or enjoying on its own.

1. Ingredients for Garlic Focaccia Bread

- Bread Flour:

2 cups of bread flour for a sturdy and chewy texture.

- Water:

1 cup of lukewarm water to activate the yeast and hydrate the dough.

- Olive Oil:

2 tablespoons of olive oil for richness and flavor.

- Sugar:

1 tablespoon of sugar to feed the yeast and aid in fermentation.

- Salt:

1 teaspoon of salt for seasoning and enhancing the bread's flavor.

- Active Dry Yeast:

1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) of active dry yeast to leaven the dough.

- Toppings:

  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil for brushing.
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
  • Coarse sea salt and dried herbs (such as rosemary or thyme) for sprinkling.

2. Instructions for Making Garlic Focaccia Bread in a Bread Machine

  1. Prepare the Dough:

    • Add the lukewarm water, olive oil, sugar, salt, and bread flour into the bread machine pan in the order recommended by the manufacturer.
    • Make a small well in the center of the flour and add the yeast.
  2. Set the Bread Machine:

    • Select the "Dough" or "Pizza Dough" setting on your bread machine and start the cycle. Allow the machine to knead and rise the dough.
  3. Prepare the Toppings:

    • While the dough is rising, prepare the garlic topping by mixing minced garlic with olive oil in a small bowl. Set aside.
  4. Form the Focaccia:

    • Once the dough cycle is complete, remove the dough from the machine and place it onto a lightly floured surface.
    • Gently flatten and stretch the dough into a rectangle or oval shape, about ½ inch thick.
  5. Second Rise:

    • Transfer the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
    • Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, or until slightly puffy.
  6. Preheat the Oven:

    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) during the last 10 minutes of the rising time.
  7. Add Toppings and Bake:

    • Once risen, use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface of the dough.
    • Brush the garlic and olive oil mixture evenly over the dough.
    • Sprinkle coarse sea salt and dried herbs on top.
  8. Bake the Focaccia:

    • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and cooked through.
  9. Cool and Serve:

    • Remove from the oven and let the focaccia cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before slicing.
    • Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your homemade garlic focaccia bread!

3. Tips for Perfect Garlic Focaccia Bread

  • Variations: Customize your focaccia by adding toppings like olives, cherry tomatoes, or cheese before baking.

  • Storage: Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

  • Serve with: Serve with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping, or use as a base for sandwiches and paninis.

4. Conclusion

Making garlic focaccia bread in a bread machine is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with wonderful aromas and yields delicious results. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy freshly baked focaccia anytime at home.

Try this garlic focaccia bread recipe in your bread machine today and delight in the savory flavors and fluffy texture of homemade bread.