Best Easy Focaccia Barese Recipe

Pugliese focaccia loaded with cherry tomatoes, olives, and olive oil is crunchy, fluffy, and addictive. A vegetarian mediterranean bread perfect for family snacking and fresh seasonal enjoyment.

Cook 120 min Difficulty NORMAL 270 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • bread flour 3.25 cups
  • lukewarm water 1.25 cups
  • cherry tomatoes 1 cup
  • pitted Kalamata olives 0.5 cup
  • instant yeast 2.25 tsp
  • boiled potato, mashed 0.5 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • extra virgin olive oil 0.5 cup
  • coarse sea salt 2 tsp
  • dried oregano 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 40 g 59%
Protein 6 g 9%
Fat 10 g 32%
Serving size 100g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    In a large bowl, combine bread flour, mashed potato, instant yeast, and 1 tsp sea salt. Mix well to evenly distribute yeast.

  2. 2

    Add lukewarm water and 0.25 cup olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  3. 3

    Form dough into a ball, lightly oil the bowl, and cover. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 60-75 minutes.

  4. 4

    Transfer dough to a well-oiled 9x13 inch pan. Stretch gently to fit; cover and proof 30 more minutes until puffy.

  5. 5

    Press cherry tomatoes and olives into the dough surface. Drizzle with remaining olive oil, sprinkle with oregano and 1 tsp sea salt.

  6. 6

    Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes until deep golden and crisp around the edges. Rest in pan 10 minutes before slicing.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What are the key ingredients that give Focaccia Barese its authentic flavor?
The signature taste and texture of Focaccia Barese comes from a combination of bread flour, mashed potato, extra virgin olive oil, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives. The potatoes add fluffiness, while generous olive oil ensures a crisp exterior and rich flavor. Cherry tomatoes and olives contribute a savory, tangy finish and define the bread's Mediterranean identity.
Q. How do I achieve a crunchy crust and fluffy interior at home?
For the best texture, thoroughly knead the dough to develop gluten and allow full rising for softness. Generously oil the baking pan and drizzle more oil on top before baking—this promotes an ultra-crunchy crust. Baking at a high heat (425°F) and letting the bread rest in the pan before slicing preserves both fluff and crunch, mimicking a traditional bakery result in your oven.
Q. How can I prevent the focaccia from becoming dry or overbaked?
Monitor the bread closely during the last 5 minutes of baking. A properly baked Focaccia Barese should have deep gold edges but remain yielding when pressed at the center. Letting it rest briefly in the pan after baking retains moisture and prevents toughness. Avoid overbaking, which would dry out the crumb and make the crust too hard.
Q. What is the nutritional breakdown per serving of this focaccia?
Each 100g serving contains approximately 270 kcal, with 40g of carbohydrates (59% of calories), 6g of protein (9%), and 10g of fat (32%). This makes Focaccia Barese energy-rich, with carbs as the main caloric source and a moderate amount of vegetable-based fats and protein.
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