Best Easy Focaccia di Bari con Pomodoro e Olive Recipe

Barese focaccia crowned with tomatoes and olives has a crispy bottom and pillowy interior. A vegetarian mediterranean bread that's fresh, family-friendly, and perfect for sharing.

Cook 110 min Difficulty NORMAL 230 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • all-purpose flour 3.25 cups
  • lukewarm water 1.25 cups
  • instant yeast 2.25 tsp
  • russet potato, cooked and mashed 1 medium
  • cherry tomatoes 1 cup
  • pitted black olives 0.75 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • extra virgin olive oil 0.33 cup
  • kosher salt 1.5 tsp
  • dried oregano 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 36 g 63%
Protein 5 g 9%
Fat 7 g 28%
Serving size 100g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    In a large bowl, combine lukewarm water and instant yeast, letting it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

  2. 2

    Mix in mashed potato and 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then gradually add the flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Knead until a sticky but elastic dough forms—about 8 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a stand mixer.

  3. 3

    Cover the bowl and let the dough rise at room temperature until doubled, about 90 minutes. Oil a large baking pan generously, then gently press the risen dough into the pan, stretching it to the edges while preserving air bubbles for a pillowy texture.

  4. 4

    Top dough evenly with halved cherry tomatoes (cut side up) and black olives, pressing them slightly into the dough. Drizzle with remaining olive oil, sprinkle with oregano and the remaining salt.

  5. 5

    Let the assembled focaccia rise uncovered for 30 minutes while preheating oven to 425°F (220°C) for proper bottom crisping. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the bottom is golden and crisp and the top is lightly browned. Cool 10 minutes before slicing.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this focaccia recipe?
All-purpose flour forms the structure of the focaccia, but the addition of mashed potato is the defining ingredient for the Barese style. The potato makes the crumb tender and moist, while olive oil in the dough and topping provides signature flavor and a crisp crust.
Q. What step ensures a crispy bottom and pillowy interior?
Generously oiling the baking pan before pressing in the dough is crucial for a crispy bottom, while gentle stretching and a proper second rise preserve air bubbles, giving the focaccia its classic pillowy interior.
Q. How do I avoid overbaking or drying out my focaccia?
Monitor the focaccia during baking and remove it when the bottom is deep golden and the top just browns, about 25–30 minutes at 425°F. Letting it cool for 10 minutes before slicing helps retain moisture inside.
Q. How many calories and what is the carb to protein ratio per serving?
Each 100g serving provides approximately 230 kcal, with 36g carbs (63% of energy), 5g protein (9%), and 7g fat (28%). This means the bread is high in carbohydrates compared to protein.
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