Overnight Focaccia

This bubbly Overnight Focaccia is the perfect combination of salty and fluffy. It’s easy to make and ideal for any occasion, from family dinners to casual brunches. With its airy texture and rich flavor, this focaccia will quickly become your go-to bread for dipping, sandwiches, or simply enjoying on its own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: With an overnight rise, you can set this dough and forget about it until the next day.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of olive oil, garlic, and herbs infuses each bite with a savory taste.
• Versatile Uses: Serve it as a side dish, use it for sandwiches, or enjoy it with dips—it’s perfect for any meal.
• Gorgeous Texture: The airy bubbles in this focaccia create a delightful contrast between crispy crust and soft interior.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to mix in your favorite herbs or toppings to make it your own.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your focaccia, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Plastic wrap
• Kitchen towel
• 9×13 baking pan

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows enough space for the dough to rise without spilling over.
• Spatula: This tool helps combine ingredients efficiently and ensures no dry bits are left behind.
• Plastic wrap: Covering the dough prevents it from drying out during the rising process.

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Ingredients

This bubbly overnight focaccia is salty, fluffy, and will become your go-to bread.

For the Dough:

• 480 grams King Arthur All-Purpose Flour
• 390 grams warm water
• 14 grams honey
• 14 grams kosher salt
• 2 grams active dry yeast
• 40 grams extra virgin olive oil

For the Brine:

• 3 tbs warm water
• 1 tsp iodized salt

For Dimpling:

• 1 tbs water
• 2 tbs extra virgin olive oil

For Topping:

• 1-2 rosemary sprigs (chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (finely minced)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp oregano
• Pinch red pepper flakes
• Parmigiano-Reggiano (freshly grated)

How to Make Overnight Focaccia

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

1. Add the honey and yeast to the warm water.
2. Mix to combine and let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and kosher salt.
2. Pour in the yeast mixture along with the olive oil.
3. Use a spatula to stir until all dry ingredients are incorporated.

Step 3: First Stretch and Fold

1. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel for 5 minutes.
2. Wet your hand, stretch out a section of dough, then fold it over itself like wrapping a gift.
3. Repeat this stretching and folding 4-5 times before covering again.

Step 4: Second Stretch and Fold

1. After resting for 15 minutes, repeat the stretch-and-fold process.
2. Drizzle more olive oil on top of the dough ball before covering again.
3. Refrigerate for 12-18 hours.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

1. Grease a 9×13 pan with olive oil.
2. Remove dough from fridge; it should have risen with air bubbles.
3. Pour out onto baking pan, ensuring smooth side is up.

Step 6: Final Rise

1. Cover with plastic wrap again and let sit in a warm place for 2-4 hours until expanded.

Step 7: Make Brine & Dimple Dough

1. Combine warm water with salt until dissolved.
2. Uncover dough; dimple using fingers by pressing firmly but gently.
3. Pour brine over dimpled surface.

Step 8: Prepare Topping & Bake

1. Preheat oven to 500 degrees while resting dough for an additional 45 minutes.
2. Mix topping ingredients together before pouring over bread.
3. Reduce oven temperature to 425 degrees; bake for ~30 minutes until golden brown.

Step 9: Cool & Serve

1. Allow baked focaccia to cool in the tray for 7 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
2. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature—enjoy your delicious homemade focaccia!

How to Serve Overnight Focaccia

Overnight focaccia is a versatile bread that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a quiet meal at home, here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

As a Dipper

• Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar: Drizzle high-quality extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar on a plate for a simple, yet flavorful dip.
• Herbed Hummus: Pair your focaccia with creamy hummus infused with herbs for a delicious spread.

In Sandwiches

• Caprese Sandwich: Layer fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil leaves between slices of focaccia for a refreshing bite.
• Turkey Avocado Toast: Spread mashed avocado on focaccia, top with sliced turkey, and sprinkle with salt and pepper for a hearty option.

With Soups

• Tomato Basil Soup: Serve warm slices of focaccia alongside this classic soup for a comforting meal.
• Lentil Soup: The fluffy texture of focaccia complements the rich flavors of lentil soup perfectly.

As Appetizers

• Bruschetta Topping: Cut focaccia into bite-sized pieces and top with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil for an Italian-inspired appetizer.
• Cheese Board Addition: Include slices of focaccia on your cheese board alongside assorted cheeses and fruits.

How to Perfect Overnight Focaccia

Achieving the perfect overnight focaccia requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your bread turns out fluffy and flavorful every time.

• Bold Ingredients Matter: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for both the dough and topping; it enhances flavor significantly.
• Bold Hydration Levels: Ensure the dough is adequately hydrated. A wetter dough usually results in airier bread.
• Bold Proofing Time: Allow the dough to rise properly in the refrigerator. Longer fermentation develops better flavor.
• Bold Topping Options: Experiment with toppings like sea salt, fresh herbs, or even olives to customize your focaccia.
• Bold Oven Temperature: Preheat your oven fully before baking to achieve that golden crust; starting hot helps create steam in the oven.
• Bold Cooling Technique: Let the focaccia cool on a wire rack after baking; this prevents sogginess by allowing air circulation.

Best Side Dishes for Overnight Focaccia

Pairing side dishes with overnight focaccia can enhance your meal. Here are some delicious choices that complement this fluffy bread beautifully.

1. Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and vinaigrette balances the richness of focaccia.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted seasonal vegetables provide color and flavor contrast alongside the bread.
3. Garlic Butter Shrimp: This savory dish pairs wonderfully with focaccia; use it to soak up the delicious garlic-infused sauce.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers filled with quinoa or rice make for a hearty accompaniment.
5. Creamy Spinach Dip: This rich dip is perfect for slathering on warm slices of focaccia during gatherings.
6. Chickpea Salad: A refreshing salad made with chickpeas, cucumber, and lemon dressing adds protein and zest to your meal.
7. Pasta Primavera: A vibrant vegetable pasta dish offers freshness that contrasts nicely with the soft texture of focaccia.
8. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken skewers seasoned well bring protein and flavor that pairs excellently with your bread choice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overnight focaccia can be a rewarding baking experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold Measurement Errors: Always measure your ingredients accurately using a kitchen scale. This ensures the right balance of flour and water for perfect dough consistency.

• Bold Ignoring Dough Resting Times: Don’t skip the resting periods! Allowing your dough to rest develops flavor and texture. Follow the timing in the recipe closely.

• Bold Not Using Enough Olive Oil: Olive oil helps create that signature crust and prevents sticking. Make sure you generously coat your pan and the dough itself for best results.

• Bold Overproofing Dough: Keep an eye on your dough during its final rise. If it rises too long, it can collapse. Check it regularly to achieve the right puffiness.

• Bold Baking at Incorrect Temperatures: Preheat your oven properly before baking. The initial high temperature is crucial for getting that golden crust while keeping the inside fluffy.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container.
• It will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Overnight Focaccia

• Wrap the focaccia tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Overnight Focaccia

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over low heat, briefly warm each side until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making overnight focaccia, along with their answers.

What is Overnight Focaccia?

Overnight focaccia is a type of Italian bread that is prepared by allowing the dough to rise slowly in the refrigerator, enhancing its flavor and texture.

Can I customize my Overnight Focaccia toppings?

Absolutely! You can add different herbs, cheeses, or even vegetables like olives or sun-dried tomatoes for unique flavors with each batch.

How do I know when my Overnight Focaccia is done baking?

Your focaccia should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of at least 200°F (93°C) indicates it’s fully baked.

Can I make Overnight Focaccia gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for bread. Be sure to follow package instructions for best results.

Final Thoughts

This overnight focaccia is not just a bread; it’s a canvas for creativity! Its salty, fluffy texture makes it perfect as a side dish or an appetizer. Feel free to experiment with different toppings and flavors to suit your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy fresh homemade bread any day of the week!