I remember the first time I baked focaccia. It was a chilly Sunday afternoon, and I wanted something warm, comforting, and homemade. I had heard of Mary Berry’s focaccia recipe and was curious to see if it would live up to the hype. I had no clue about the subtle art of focaccia making-the way the dough comes together, the smell of it baking, and how a few simple ingredients can transform into something so delicious. When I finally pulled that golden, aromatic loaf from the oven, it was like opening a door to a new world of baking.
That moment sparked a deep love for focaccia, and Mary Berry’s recipe became my go-to. It’s simple, straightforward, and just foolproof. If you’ve ever felt like baking bread is too complicated or intimidating, this recipe will show you just how easy and rewarding it can be.
Mary Berry Focaccia Recipe
Mary Berry’s focaccia is a perfect starting point for anyone new to bread baking. It’s not overly complicated, and you don’t need any fancy tools. What I love about this recipe is that it doesn’t require you to be a professional baker to pull it off. The dough is forgiving, and the toppings add a layer of customization that feels like you’re giving the bread a personal touch.
From the first bite, you’ll get a taste of that perfect balance between soft, airy dough and a slightly crispy crust. Topped with fresh rosemary, sea salt, and a drizzle of olive oil, it’s the ideal bread to accompany any meal-or just to snack on while it’s still warm from the oven.
Ingredients Needed
The beauty of Mary Berry’s focaccia recipe is that it doesn’t require an arsenal of hard-to-find ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Strong white bread flour: This provides the structure and elasticity to the dough.
- Instant yeast: It gives the bread a quick rise without the need for proofing.
- Olive oil: Adds richness to the dough and is key for that signature flavor. You’ll also drizzle some on top.
- Warm water: To activate the yeast and help the dough come together.
- Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the bread’s taste.
- Fresh rosemary: For that wonderful aroma and savory flavor.
- Sea salt: A sprinkling on top gives a delightful crunch.
That’s all! The recipe is minimalist but packed with flavor.
Equipment Needed
I’m the kind of person who likes to keep things simple in the kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to bake Mary Berry’s focaccia:
- Large mixing bowl: To bring the dough together. You don’t need anything fancy, just a solid bowl that can handle the mixing and rising.
- Baking tray: For shaping and baking the focaccia. A rectangular or square tray works best, but any similar-sized tray will do.
- Tea towel: To cover the dough as it rises.
- Oven: Of course, you’ll need an oven to bake your focaccia. The key is preheating it properly to ensure the bread bakes evenly.
- Small bowl: To mix your olive oil and water before adding it to the dough.
- Pastry brush (optional): If you want to brush on the olive oil before baking.
How To Make Mary Berry Focaccia?
Making Mary Berry’s focaccia is easier than you might think, even for beginners. Let me walk you through it, step by step:
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.
- Add the yeast: Sprinkle the yeast in with the dry ingredients. Instant yeast doesn’t need to be activated, so just stir it in.
- Add water and olive oil: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, and pour in the warm water and 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Form the dough: Mix everything together until a dough starts to form. It should feel soft but not too sticky.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
- First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a tea towel, and leave it to rise for 1-2 hours, until it’s doubled in size.
- Shape the dough: Once risen, punch the dough down to deflate it, then transfer it to a baking tray. Use your fingers to stretch it into a rough rectangle or square shape, pressing your fingers into the dough to create dimples.
- Second rise: Cover it with a tea towel again and leave it to rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven: While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F.
- Toppings: Once the dough has risen, drizzle it with olive oil, sprinkle over the rosemary leaves, and finish with a pinch of sea salt.
- Bake: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Cool and serve: Let the focaccia cool for a few minutes before slicing. It’s best served warm.
Recipe Variations
While the classic Mary Berry focaccia is amazing on its own, I’ve experimented with a few variations over the years that I thought you might enjoy:
- Garlic and Herb: Add a few minced garlic cloves and extra herbs like thyme or oregano for a Mediterranean twist.
- Tomato and Olive: Top your focaccia with halved cherry tomatoes and black olives for a savory, Mediterranean-inspired version.
- Cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or mozzarella on top before baking for a cheesy, golden finish.
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a little balsamic vinegar reduction over the focaccia once it’s out of the oven for a sweet and tangy contrast.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Focaccia?
There’s something so versatile about focaccia. It’s not just for dipping in olive oil or serving with pasta. Here’s what I like pairing it with:
- Soups: A slice of warm focaccia is perfect alongside a bowl of tomato soup or minestrone.
- Salads: Try it with a fresh salad, like a Caprese or a mixed green salad.
- Cheese and Charcuterie: Focaccia is ideal for a cheese board. Pair it with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese and a selection of cured meats.
- Roast meats: Whether it’s a Sunday roast or grilled chicken, focaccia can soak up all those delicious juices.
What I Have Learnt
Making focaccia taught me a lot about the joys of baking bread. Here are a few things I’ve picked up along the way:
- Patience pays off: The rise times may feel long, but that’s where the magic happens. It’s during those quiet moments that the dough transforms.
- Flour makes a difference: The type of flour you use really impacts the texture of your focaccia. Strong white bread flour creates the ideal soft and airy crumb.
- Simple ingredients can create something amazing: Sometimes, the best things come from just a few basic ingredients. Focaccia is proof of that.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For Mary Berry’s Focaccia Recipe?
Mary Berry’s focaccia recipe requires the following ingredients: strong white bread flour, instant yeast, olive oil, salt, sugar, warm water, and fresh rosemary (optional). You can also top the focaccia with sea salt or olives for extra flavor.
How Long Does It Take To Prepare And Bake Mary Berry’s Focaccia?
The preparation time for Mary Berry’s focaccia recipe is about 15 minutes, with an additional 1 hour for proving (allowing the dough to rise). Baking time is approximately 25-30 minutes at 220°C (200°C for fan ovens), until the bread is golden and cooked through.
Can I Add Toppings To Mary Berry’s Focaccia Recipe?
Yes, you can add a variety of toppings to Mary Berry’s focaccia, such as olives, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Simply press the toppings into the dough before baking for enhanced flavor and texture.