Bread Machine Focaccia All-Purpose Flour

Making focaccia bread using all-purpose flour in a bread machine is a convenient and rewarding baking project. Here’s a comprehensive guide to creating delicious focaccia using your bread machine and all-purpose flour:

1. Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

1 1/2 cups warm water
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
Optional toppings: rosemary, sea salt, cherry tomatoes, olives, or caramelized onions

2. Setting Up Your Bread Machine

Ensure your bread machine is clean and ready for use.
Insert the kneading paddle into the bread pan.
Follow your bread machine's instructions regarding the order of adding ingredients.

3. Preparing the Dough

In the bread pan, combine warm water, olive oil, sugar, and salt.
Add all-purpose flour evenly over the liquid ingredients.
Make a small well in the center of the flour and add yeast.
Place the bread pan into the bread machine and select the "Dough" or "Pizza Dough" setting. Start the machine.

4. Kneading and Rising

Allow the bread machine to knead the dough for the specified time, usually about 20-30 minutes.
Once kneading is complete, let the dough rise in the bread machine for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

5. Shaping and Second Rise

Remove the dough from the bread machine onto a lightly floured surface.
Gently shape the dough into a rectangle or oval shape, about 1 inch thick.
Transfer the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.

6. Topping and Baking

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Using your fingertips, create dimples in the dough.
Drizzle olive oil over the top and sprinkle with sea salt and any desired toppings.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

7. Cooling and Serving

Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm or at room temperature with additional olive oil for dipping, if desired.

8. Variations

Experiment with different toppings such as herbs, cheeses, or even sun-dried tomatoes to create unique flavors.
Adjust the thickness of the dough to your preference for a thinner or thicker focaccia.

9. Storage

Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze.

10. Enjoy Your Homemade Focaccia

Enjoy the delicious homemade focaccia bread made effortlessly with your bread machine and all-purpose flour. Perfect for sandwiches, as a side dish, or a savory snack.

By following these steps, you can create flavorful focaccia bread using all-purpose flour in your bread machine, elevating your baking experience at home.