Focaccia bread is a delightful Italian flatbread known for its fluffy texture and savory flavor.
Traditionally, making focaccia involves a long process of mixing and kneading dough, waiting for it to rise, and then baking it to perfection.
However, we’ve discovered a way to simplify this process significantly without compromising on taste or texture.
With just three simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy fresh, homemade focaccia bread.
This recipe is perfect for busy days or for those new to baking.
Ingredients
- 14-16 Rhodes frozen dinner rolls
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more for brushing)
- 1/4 cup za’atar seasoning
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preparing your baking dish. Use a 13×9 inch baking dish and butter it generously. This ensures that your bread won’t stick to the pan and will have a nice, buttery crust.
Step 2: Arrange the Frozen Rolls
Take the frozen Rhodes dinner rolls out of the freezer. Arrange them in the buttered baking dish, making sure to leave about 1/2 inch space between each roll. This space is essential as the rolls will expand significantly as they rise.
Step 3: Brush with Olive Oil
Lightly brush each frozen roll with extra virgin olive oil. This step adds a rich flavor and helps the rolls to rise and bake evenly.
Step 4: Cover and Let Rise
Cover the dish with plastic wrap (Saran wrap). This creates a warm, moist environment which is ideal for the rolls to rise. Set the dish aside in a warm place for 4-6 hours. During this time, the rolls will thaw and double in size, transforming into a fluffy, cohesive dough.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
About 30 minutes before the rising time is up, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your oven is ready to go as soon as the bread is ready to be baked.
Step 6: Prepare the Dough for Baking
Once the rolls have risen and doubled in size, remove the plastic wrap. Using your fingertips, gently press indentations into the dough. These indentations will give the focaccia its characteristic appearance and texture.
Step 7: Add Olive Oil and Za’atar
Drizzle more olive oil generously over the dough, allowing it to pool in the indentations. Then, sprinkle the za’atar seasoning evenly over the top. Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend that typically includes thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and salt. It adds a wonderful, aromatic flavor to the bread.
Step 8: Bake the Focaccia
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Once the focaccia is beautifully golden brown, remove it from the oven. Allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps to ensure that the bottom crust remains crisp.
Enjoying Your Homemade Focaccia
This 3-ingredient focaccia bread is incredibly versatile. It can be served warm as an appetizer with dips like hummus or olive tapenade. It also makes a fantastic side for soups, salads, or pasta dishes. You can even use it to make sandwiches. The possibilities are endless!
Tips and Variations
- Herb Variations: If za’atar isn’t available, or if you want to try different flavors, you can use other herb blends such as rosemary and sea salt, garlic and oregano, or Italian seasoning.
- Cheese Lovers: For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese over the top before baking.
- Extra Crunch: For added texture, you can sprinkle some coarse sea salt over the focaccia before baking.
This simple recipe brings the joy of fresh-baked focaccia to your home with minimal effort.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this easy-to-follow method ensures delicious results every time.
Happy baking!
Credit: @fooddolls