Best 8 Focaccia For A Crowd Recipes

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Focaccia, an iconic Italian flatbread, is a versatile culinary delight that can be enjoyed on its own, paired with your favorite toppings, or served as a side dish. With its crispy crust, airy interior, and delectable flavor, focaccia has captivated taste buds worldwide. This article presents a collection of exceptional focaccia recipes, each offering a unique twist on the classic.

From the traditional Genovese focaccia with its simple yet irresistible combination of olive oil, salt, and rosemary to the indulgent focaccia al formaggio, a cheesy delight from Liguria, these recipes showcase the diversity and creativity of focaccia. For those seeking a flavorful variation, the Pugliese focaccia with its tangy cherry tomatoes and oregano is a must-try. And if you're looking for a sweet treat, the focaccia with grapes and honey will surely satisfy your cravings. With step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, these recipes ensure that even novice bakers can create stunning focaccia at home. So, prepare to embark on a culinary journey as you explore the delectable world of focaccia and discover the perfect recipe to tantalize your taste buds.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

FOCACCIA FOR A CROWD



Focaccia For A Crowd image

I've been making this bread for quite a few years...even my Italian friends tell me it's delicious. When it's in season, I like to substitute 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil for the dried basil. -Betty Peyret, Pine Grove, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 45m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3/4 teaspoon salt
2-2/3 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar; let stand for 5 minutes. Add 1/4 cup oil, salt and 2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. , Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 40 minutes., Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Pat dough flat; let rest for 5 minutes. Press dough into a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 20-30 minutes or until dough begins to rise., With a wooden spoon handle, make indentations in the dough at 1-in. intervals. Brush with 2 tablespoons of the remaining oil. Combine Parmesan cheese, basil, garlic salt and garlic powder; sprinkle over top. Drizzle with remaining oil. , Bake at 450° for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Cut into squares; serve warm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 91 calories, Fat 4g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 105mg sodium, Carbohydrate 11g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein.

THE BEST FOCACCIA



The Best Focaccia image

It's easy to make classic focaccia at home. Our version is airy and slightly chewy, with a delicate golden crust. A drizzle of salt water over the dough during the final rise gives the bread a deeper flavor.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 3h45m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

6 cups all-purpose flour (see Cook's Note)
One 1/4-ounce package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
2 teaspoons sugar
2 1/2 cups warm water (80 to 85 degrees F)
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
Nonstick cooking spray, for the plastic wrap
Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • For the dough: Whisk together the flour, yeast and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the dough hook on low speed, stir in the warm water and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, mixing until the flour is completely moistened. Let stand 5 minutes.
  • Add the salt and knead on medium speed for 5 minutes. (The dough will tighten up, then begin to relax. After 5 minutes it will be very wet and stick to the bottom of the mixer but not the sides.)
  • Rub 2 tablespoons olive oil around the bottom and sides of a large mixing bowl (big enough to hold at least double the volume of the dough). Using a scraper or spatula, transfer the dough to the bowl, flipping once to coat completely with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit until doubled in size, about 2 hours.
  • Pour the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil into the bottom of an 18-by-13-inch rimmed baking sheet. Use your hands to evenly distribute the oil along the bottom and up the sides. Scrape the dough into the baking sheet, flattening it slightly with your hands. Flip the dough once and gently stretch it to fit into an even layer in the baking sheet. (The dough may not stretch to the edges at this point. If it starts to pull back, let rest 10 minutes and re-stretch, making sure to pull from the center as well as the edges to get an even thickness.) Use your fingertips to make dimples over the surface of the focaccia, pressing firmly but not so hard you make holes in the dough.
  • For the brine and finish: Dissolve the kosher salt in 1/3 cup warm water. Drizzle over the surface of the focaccia, letting it pool in the dimples. Cover loosely with plastic wrap that has been lightly sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Let sit in a warm place for 45 minutes to relax and rise again.
  • Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
  • Remove the plastic wrap from the dough and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Bake, rotating the baking sheet once halfway through, until the focaccia is deep golden brown on the top and bottom, 30 to 35 minutes. Drizzle with the olive oil and let sit for 5 minutes. Use a spatula to remove the focaccia to a wire rack to cool completely.

FOCACCIA SANDWICHES FOR A CROWD



Focaccia Sandwiches for a Crowd image

Time 2h

Yield Servings: About 12 sandwiches

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 cups (520 grams) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon instant yeast
2 cups lukewarm water, made by mixing 1/2 cup boiling water with 1 1/2 cups cold water
4 tablespoons olive oil
Flaky sea salt

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Add the water. Using a rubber spatula, mix until the water is absorbed and the ingredients form a loose, sticky dough. Cover with a tea towel or plastic wrap and [choose your schedule]:Quickest rise: Set aside in a warmish spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until doubled.Overnight in fridge: Set inside your refrigerator overnight, about 8 to 10 hours.Overnight at room temperature: For this method, you will need to use only cold, no lukewarm, water. Leave the bowl on your counter at room temperature for 10 hours. When you're ready to make your focaccia: Pour 3 tablespoons oil onto a rimmed sheet pan (can use a 13×18, or half-sheet pan, but if you have something more 11×17-ish, as I use here, will make for slightly thicker loaf; you can line it first with parchment paper for maximum nonstick security). Heat oven to 425°F. Using two forks, deflate the dough by releasing it from the sides of the bowl and pulling it toward the center. Rotate the bowl in quarter turns as you deflate, turning the mass into a rough ball. Use the forks to lift the dough onto the prepared sheet pan. Roll the dough ball in the oil to coat it all over. Let dough rest for 20 minutes (for Quickest rise or Overnight at room temperature) or 1 hour (if you used the Overnight in the fridge rise, so it warms up) without touching it. Then, drizzle last 1 tablespoon of olive oil over and use your fingertips to stretch and press the dough to the edges, leaving it intentionally dimply. If your dough resists being stretched all the way, get it as stretched as you can, wait 5 minutes, and return to stretch it the rest of the way, repeating this rest if needed. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt all over and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, checking in on the earlier end, until lightly puffed on top and golden and crisp underneath. Remove from oven and let cool completely (this will go faster if you transfer the bread to a cooling rack) before assembling sandwiches. To make sandwiches: If you'd like, you can trim off the very outer edges - this exposes the crumb and makes it a little easier to halve. (I didn't do this because I like to make things hard, also I like edges.) Stafford recommends you begin the halving process by cutting through each corner, then running the serrated knife through the short end until you get to the midway point, then starting from the other short end until I get to the midway point. A sharp, serrated knife is helpful. Try to keep your knife as parallel to the bread as possible. She says she finds if she hugs the top layer as opposed to aiming for the center, she gets a more even cut. Some ideas for sandwich fillings:Avocado + Crispy Kale [Shown]: First, crisp your kale. I used a 5-ounce clamshell of curly kale leaves, tearing out and discarding any thick ribs. Rub/toss them with 1 tablespoon olive oil, spread them on a large baking sheet in one layer, seasoned them with salt and pepper, and baked them at 375°F for 10 to 15 minutes, until crispy and just barely brown at the edges (keep an eye on it). Then, scoop out and slice 4 avocados, fan the slices across the bread and mash/spread them smooth. Coat with olive oil, lemon juice, flaky salt, and red pepper flakes (like we do here). Spread crispy kale over avocado.Hummus + Cucumber + Pickled Carrots [Shown]: First, coarsely grate 1 pound of carrots. Pour 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup cold water, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 to 2 teaspoons (to taste) of granulated sugar over it and stir to combine. (You could also add mustard or dill seeds or fresh chile peppers here.) Chill in the fridge for as long as you have - 30 minutes, an hour, and up to a few days. Carrots will get more pickled the longer it soaks. To make your sandwiches, schmear the bottom half of the bread with about 1 1/2 cups hummus (storebought or homemade). Squeeze out little handfuls of pickled carrot and sprinkle this on as your next layer. For you final layer, use a y-peeler to shave long ribbons off 1 large (1/2 to 3/4 pound) seedless cucumber. Tousel these on top; season them with salt and pepper.Walnut pesto + grilled zucchini ribbons (skip the parmesan in the pesto to make it vegan)This grilled pepper and torn mozzarella panzanella, minus the croutonsThis crunchy asparagus and egg saladPickled vegetable sandwich slaw + anything else you love on sandwichesThis salsa verde + any grilled or roasted vegetablesThis zucchini carpaccio salad, as a sandwich fillingAny of the sandwiches from the archivesMany of the salads from the archives, such as this egg salad, this chicken salad (not vegetarian, of course), that chicken salad, or even (I love this as a sandwich) this chicken caesar, with the dressing spread on both sides of the bread, the chicken thinly sliced, and the romaine cut into thin ribbons. I wouldn't be sad to have a broccoli or cauliflower slaw between bread, either.Or, of course, endless slices of peak-season tomatoes + mayo + salt, or the same plus sliced mozzarella + basil pesto

FOCACCIA



Focaccia image

This Italian flatbread, focaccia, is perfect for sandwiches like our Sauteed Mushroom, Prosciutto, and Taleggio Panini.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Breakfast & Brunch Recipes     Bread Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 envelope dry yeast (1/4 ounce)
Pinch of sugar
2 1/2 cups warm water
4 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for bowl and baking sheet
6 to 7 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon coarse salt

Steps:

  • Sprinkle yeast and sugar over 1/2 cup warm water in a large bowl. Stir to dissolve, and let stand 10 minutes, until the mixture is foamy. Add remaining 2 cups warm water, 2 tablespoons oil, 2 cups flour, and salt; stir with a wooden spoon until smooth. Gradually add 4 cups flour, using your hands once mixture becomes too thick to stir. If dough is still too wet, add just enough of the remaining cup flour until it is no longer sticky.
  • Turn out dough onto a clean work surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes, using any remaining flour, if needed. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Transfer dough to an oiled 11-by-17-inch rimmed baking sheet; stretch to fill sheet, and press to form an even thickness. If dough shrinks back, cover with a damp towel, and let rest 10 minutes before proceeding. Once dough fills sheet, cover with a damp kitchen towel; let rise again until doubled in bulk, about 30 minutes.
  • Using your fingers, make dimplelike indentations all over surface of dough. Drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons oil; spread with your hands to coat evenly.
  • Place baking sheet in oven. Toss a cup of ice cubes into bottom of oven to create steam (if using a gas oven, place a small baking dish of ice water on oven floor). Bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes, rotating pan halfway through; avoid opening oven any more than necessary or the steam will escape. Transfer focaccia to a wire rack to cool.

FOCACCIA



Focaccia image

Focaccia is one of my favorite bread recipes. It's one of the least labor-intensive since there isn't any kneading. The dough is very wet, which is perfect for a tender, yet chewy, bread with a very distinct salt bite. -James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 45m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1-1/4 cups warm water (110° to 115°), divided
1 tablespoon honey
3 cups (375 grams) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon flaky sea salt, optional

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/2-cup warm water and honey; let stand for 5 minutes. Add flour, 1/4 cup oil, salt and remaining 3/4-cup water; mixing until smooth (dough will be wet). Scrape the sides of the bowl clean; cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes., Preheat oven to 425°. Brush a 13x9-in. baking pan with 1 tablespoon oil. Gently scrape dough directly into pan. With oiled hands, gently spread dough. If dough springs back, wait 10 minutes and stretch again. Make indentations in the dough with your fingers. Drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons oil; let rise until doubled in size, 30-40 minutes. , If desired, sprinkle with sea salt. Bake until golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Cut into squares; serve warm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 95 calories, Fat 4g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 61mg sodium, Carbohydrate 13g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.

EASY ITALIAN FOCACCIA BREAD FOR A CROWD



Easy Italian Focaccia Bread for a Crowd image

Don't be intimidated by this recipe! It's the easiest and fastest I've ever made! Great for making party sandwiches with my roasted garlic chicken salad and homemade pesto!

Provided by Cheryl Jacobs

Categories     Savory Breads

Time 2h25m

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 1/2 c bread flour
1 1/2 c unbleached white flour
2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp granulated sugar
1 1/2 Tbsp active dry yeast (2pkgs)
1 1/3 c water, warm
3 Tbsp olive oil, extra virgin
2 Tbsp chopped fresh rosemary or basil
2 Tbsp freshly grated parmesan

Steps:

  • 1. DO NOT PREHEAT OVEN. In a large stoneware bowl, stir flours and salt. Make a well in the center, sprinkle sugar and yeast into well. Carefully pour water into well & let stand till yeast begins to act, about 5 minutes.
  • 2. Pour 2 tablespoons oil into the well. With a wooden spoon stir the mixture in center of bowl, gradually widening the circle of stirring to take in all of the flour on the sides. Turn out on floured surface and knead just till smooth. Divide in half. Pour 1/2 teaspoon of oil into two clean bowls, place dough in bowls, turning once to coat. Cover and let rise until doubled.
  • 3. Punch dough down. Use 1 teaspoon oil to coat a baking sheet and place dough on the center. Gently press the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Pour 1 1/2 teaspoons oil over the top of the dough. Use the handle end of a wooden spoon or your fingers to "dimple" the dough at 1 1/2 inch intervals. Sprinkle with rosemary or basil and then cheese. Place in a COLD oven on center shelf. Place a flat pan of very hot water on the shelf below the bread. Let rise until doubled.
  • 4. Turn on oven to 375° and bake 20-25 minutes or until browned on top. Remove from pan and cool on a wire rack. Makes 2 very large loaves

FOCACCIA SANDWICHES



Focaccia Sandwiches image

Slices of this pretty sandwich make any casual get-together more speical. Add or change ingredients to your taste. -Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 can (4-1/4 ounces) chopped ripe olives, drained
1 focaccia bread (about 12 ounces), split
4 romaine leaves
1/4 pound shaved deli ham
1 medium sweet red pepper, thinly sliced into rings
1/4 pound shaved deli turkey
1 large tomato, thinly sliced
1/4 pound thinly sliced hard salami
1 jar (7 ounces) roasted sweet red peppers, drained
4 to 6 slices provolone cheese

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and olives; spread over the bottom half of bread. Layer with remaining ingredients; replace bread top. Cut into 24 wedges; secure with toothpicks.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 113 calories, Fat 6g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 13mg cholesterol, Sodium 405mg sodium, Carbohydrate 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 5g protein.

CLASSIC FOCACCIA



Classic Focaccia image

Seasoned with little more than olive oil and crunchy sea salt, focaccia is an ancient flatbread that is unexpectedly easy to make. Once a staple at Caroline Fidanza's now-closed sandwich shop, Saltie, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, this recipe from the "Saltie: A Cookbook" is perfect on its own, but also serves as a base upon which you can experiment. If you want to alter its flavor, sprinkling some aromatic dry herbs on top of the dough provides deep savory notes. Or decorate it vibrantly with the vegetables and fresh herbs of your choosing for an Instagram-worthy focaccia garden (see Tip).

Provided by Amelia Nierenberg

Categories     breakfast, brunch, dinner, lunch, snack, breads, quick breads, appetizer, side dish

Time 30m

Yield One 9-by-13-inch pan

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 1/4 cups/415 grams all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
1 3/4 cups/420 milliliters warm water
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing
1 1/2 teaspoons coarse sea salt
Whole or chopped fresh rosemary leaves, dried oregano, fennel seeds, herbes de Provence or other dried herbs, for garnish (optional)

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, kosher salt and yeast. Add the warm water to the flour mixture and stir until all the flour is incorporated and a sticky dough forms. (Expect a very wet dough; no kneading required.) Pour 2 tablespoons oil into a medium bowl. Transfer the dough to the bowl, turn to coat, and cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator to rest for at least 24 hours or for up to 2 days.
  • When you're ready to bake, brush the inside of a 9-by-13-inch baking sheet with oil. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and transfer to the prepared pan. Using your hands, spread the dough out as much as possible, adding oil to the dough if needed to keep it from sticking. (Don't worry if the dough doesn't yet cover the full pan; it will once it relaxes and rises.) Place the dough in a warm place and let rise until about doubled in bulk. The rising time will vary considerably depending on the season. (In the summer, it may take only 20 minutes for the dough to warm up and rise; in the winter, it can take 1 hour or more.) When the dough is ready, it should be room temperature, spread out on the sheet and fluffy.
  • Heat the oven to 450 degrees. Using your palms, pat down the focaccia to an even thickness of about 1 inch, then, using your fingertips, dimple the entire dough. Drizzle it with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Sprinkle the entire surface of the focaccia evenly with the sea salt and herbs, if using.
  • Bake, rotating once front to back, until the top is uniformly golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer the focaccia on the baking sheet to a wire rack to cool, then slide out of the pan. Enjoy it hot. (Focaccia deteriorates in quality after the first day. If there is some left over, wrap it tightly in plastic and store at room temperature for another day. Day-old focaccia is delicious in soup.)

Tips:

  • Use a stand mixer with a dough hook to make the kneading process easier. If you don't have a stand mixer, you can knead the dough by hand, but it will take longer.
  • Let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size. This will take about 1 hour.
  • Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) before baking the focaccia. This will help the focaccia to rise and brown evenly.
  • Brush the top of the focaccia with olive oil before baking. This will help to create a crispy crust.
  • Sprinkle the top of the focaccia with flaky sea salt before baking. This will add flavor and texture to the focaccia.
  • Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, or until it is golden brown.
  • Let the focaccia cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Conclusion:

This focaccia recipe is perfect for a crowd. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. You can add different herbs, cheeses, or vegetables to the dough. You can also brush the top of the focaccia with garlic oil or pesto before baking. Serve the focaccia warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

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