Have you ever wanted to impress your friends with homemade bread, but felt it was too complicated? This overnight refrigerator focaccia is the answer. It’s the perfect bread for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself to something special. With minimal effort and a little patience, you’ll have a golden-brown, airy focaccia that is sure to be the star of the meal.
Picture this: waking up to freshly baked focaccia that requires only a few simple ingredients. You can customize it with your favorite toppings, from fresh herbs to olives or sun-dried tomatoes. This recipe allows the dough to develop flavor slowly in the fridge, giving it an incredible texture and taste.
If you love the idea of freshly baked bread without spending all day in the kitchen, this focaccia is for you. It’s easy to make, and you can prepare it ahead of time, making it a perfect option for busy days.
The Ultimate Overnight Focaccia
This focaccia boasts a crispy exterior with a soft, chewy interior. It’s infused with olive oil, salt, and whatever toppings you desire, creating a delicious balance of flavors. The overnight fermentation process results in a deep, rich taste that sets it apart from regular bread.
The aroma of freshly baked focaccia is irresistible, and the texture is both airy and satisfying. Serve it warm, and watch it disappear from the table!
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 cups warm water
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- Toppings (optional): sea salt, fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, olives
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and salt.
- Add Water and Oil: Pour in the warm water and olive oil. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it rise at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Refrigerate: After the initial rise, transfer the bowl to the refrigerator and let the dough rest overnight (12-18 hours).
- Prepare for Baking: The next day, remove the dough from the refrigerator. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a baking pan with olive oil.
- Shape and Top: Transfer the dough to the greased pan, gently stretching it to fit. Use your fingers to create dimples in the dough, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with your choice of toppings.
- Second Rise: Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30-60 minutes at room temperature.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let it cool slightly before cutting into squares and serving.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Rest Time: 12-18 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 12-18 hours 40 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 12 pieces
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 24g