Description
This Mini No-Knead Focaccia is a simple and flavorful Italian flatbread that requires minimal effort and no kneading. With a long fermentation for enhanced taste and a crispy, golden crust topped with fresh rosemary, cherry tomatoes, and sea salt flakes, it’s perfect for a quick homemade bread experience. Ideal for serving warm as a side or snack.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1/2 + 1/8 tsp Active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp Sugar
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 4 tsp Olive oil
Toppings
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh rosemary
- Sea salt flakes
Instructions
- Prepare yeast mixture: Stir the active dry yeast and sugar into lukewarm water and let it sit until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt evenly.
- Form sticky dough: Pour the yeast mixture over the flour and salt, then mix well with a spatula until a sticky dough forms; no kneading is required.
- Oil the dough surface: Add a teaspoon of olive oil on top of the dough and rub it all over to coat the surface, which helps prevent drying.
- First fermentation: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 18-24 hours for slow fermentation or place it in a warm spot for 1.5 to 2 hours until the dough doubles in size, which develops flavor and texture.
- Prepare baking pan: When ready to bake, line a cast-iron skillet or baking pan with parchment paper and pour 2 teaspoons of olive oil into the center of the pan.
- Stretch and fold dough: Oil your hands and gently bring the risen dough from the sides of the bowl. Fold the dough over itself four times, turning the bowl a quarter turn each time to develop the structure.
- Transfer and proof: Transfer the dough to the prepared pan, cover, and let it rest in a warm place for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size and fills the pan.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 250°C (482°F) while the dough proofs to ensure a hot baking environment.
- Prepare dough for baking: Drizzle the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil over the dough and use your fingers to gently dimple the surface, creating classic focaccia texture.
- Add toppings: Evenly distribute fresh rosemary sprigs, halved cherry tomatoes, and sea salt flakes on the dimpled dough.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven, immediately reduce the temperature to 200°C (392°F), and bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bottom is crisp.
- Rest and serve: Let the focaccia rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. Slice while warm or wait until fully cooled and enjoy.
Notes
- Using cold fermentation in the refrigerator enhances flavor and texture by allowing slow yeast activity.
- If short on time, allow the dough to rise in a warm spot for 1.5 to 2 hours instead of refrigerating overnight.
- Adjust oven temperature as needed based on your specific oven’s characteristics for best crust results.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution and crispier crust, or a baking pan lined with parchment paper as an alternative.
- Feel free to customize toppings with olives, caramelized onions, or different herbs to suit your taste.