FAQ About Focaccia Bread

To achieve a crispy exterior on your Focaccia, you can follow these tips and techniques:

• High Oven Temperature: Preheat your oven to a high temperature, typically around 425°F (220°C) or higher. The initial high heat helps create a crispy crust.
• Use Olive Oil: Generously brush the Focaccia dough with olive oil before baking. The oil not only adds flavor but also contributes to a crispy crust.
• Dimple the Dough: After shaping the Focaccia dough on your baking sheet or pan, use your fingertips to make deep dimples or indentations in the dough. These dimples will hold the olive oil and create uneven surfaces that crisp up beautifully during baking.
• Sea Salt: Sprinkle coarse sea salt or kosher salt over the top of the dough before baking. The salt not only enhances flavor but also aids in achieving a crispy crust.
• Herbs and Seasonings: Add fresh or dried herbs and seasonings, such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, or garlic, to the dough or on top. These herbs and seasonings can create a flavorful and crispy crust.
• Baking Surface: Use a baking stone or a preheated cast-iron skillet to bake your Focaccia. These surfaces retain and distribute heat evenly, which promotes a crispy crust.
• Steam: Place a pan of boiling water in the oven, either on a lower rack or the oven floor, while the Focaccia bakes. The steam generated helps create a crispy exterior. You can also mist the dough with water just before placing it in the oven.
• Bake Directly on Oven Rack: For an even crisper crust, you can slide the Focaccia directly onto the oven rack (without a pan or baking sheet underneath) for the final minutes of baking. This allows for maximum heat circulation.
• Baking Time: Pay close attention to the baking time. Focaccia should be baked until it's golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. This may take 15-20 minutes, but it can vary based on your oven and the thickness of your Focaccia.
• Cooling Properly: Allow the Focaccia to cool on a wire rack after baking. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy due to trapped steam.