One Hour Skillet Focaccia

There’s something magical about warm, freshly baked focaccia that brings comfort to any home. This One Hour Skillet Focaccia recipe is perfect for those moments when you crave that soft, pillowy bread but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen waiting for dough to rise. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of your time, you can create a stunning focaccia that’s ideal for dipping in olive oil, serving alongside soups, or just munching on as a snack. Let’s dive in!

Why Cooks Rave About It

One Hour Skillet Focaccia has earned rave reviews from home cooks everywhere, and for good reason. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly versatile. In just an hour, you can whip up a delicious bread that doesn’t require any special equipment or hours of kneading. The skillet method ensures a beautifully golden crust while keeping the inside tender and fluffy. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredient Breakdown

This focaccia is made with simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup warm water – This activates the yeast and helps the dough rise.
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar – A little sweetness to feed the yeast.
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast – This is the leavening agent that makes the bread rise.
• 2 tablespoons olive or canola oil – For moisture and flavor.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (divided) – The base of the focaccia.
• 2 teaspoons salt – Enhances the flavor of the bread.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted or salted butter, melted – Adds richness to the dough.
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese – For a savory touch.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that adds aromatic flavor.

Must-Have Equipment

To prepare your One Hour Skillet Focaccia, you’ll need a few basic tools:

• Large mixing bowl – For combining the ingredients.
• Whisk – To mix the wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
• Skillet (preferably cast iron) – For baking the focaccia and achieving that perfect crust.
• Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Kitchen towel – To cover the dough while it rises.

How to Prepare One Hour Skillet Focaccia

Making this focaccia is quicker than you might think! Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious bread.

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup warm water and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar. Sprinkle the 1 teaspoon active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

Once the yeast is frothy, add 2 tablespoons olive or canola oil, 2 cups of all-purpose flour (reserve 1/2 cup for later), and 2 teaspoons salt to the bowl. Mix until a rough dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it gently for about 5 minutes, adding the reserved flour as necessary until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Shape the dough into a ball and place it back in the mixing bowl. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm area for about 20 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare the Skillet

While the dough is rising, preheat your skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add 3 tablespoons melted butter and swirl it around to coat the bottom and sides.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

After the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to the skillet. Press and stretch the dough to fit the shape of the skillet, creating dimples with your fingers.

Step 7: Add Toppings

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning evenly over the surface of the dough.

Step 8: Final Rise

Cover the skillet again with the kitchen towel and let it rise for another 20 minutes.

Step 9: Bake

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Once the focaccia has risen, place the skillet in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Step 10: Enjoy!

Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Cut into wedges and serve warm. Enjoy your One Hour Skillet Focaccia with olive oil for dipping or alongside your favorite dishes!

Seasonal Flavor Boosts

While this focaccia is delightful as is, feel free to elevate the flavor with some seasonal ingredients:

• Fresh rosemary or thyme for an aromatic touch.
• Sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
• Olives for a savory twist.
• Caramelized onions for added sweetness.

What Not to Do

To ensure the perfect focaccia, avoid these common pitfalls:

• Don’t skip the yeast activation step – it’s crucial for the bread to rise.
• Don’t rush the rising times – allow the dough to rise fully for the best texture.
• Don’t overload the toppings – keep it simple so the bread shines through.
• Don’t open the oven door frequently while baking – this can cause the temperature to drop and affect the rise.

How to Store & Reheat

To keep your One Hour Skillet Focaccia fresh:

Store any leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

Common Qs About One Hour Skillet Focaccia

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes! You can substitute whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture and density of the focaccia. You might need to adjust the water content slightly.

What can I serve with focaccia?

Focaccia pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or as a side for pasta dishes. You can also serve it with dips such as olive oil, balsamic vinegar, or hummus.

Can I freeze focaccia?

Absolutely! Once the focaccia has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?

If your dough doesn’t rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Always check the expiration date of your yeast and ensure your water is at the right temperature (not too hot or too cold) when activating it.

What to Make After This

Once you’ve mastered your One Hour Skillet Focaccia, consider trying your hand at these delicious recipes:

• Easy Homemade Bread
• Quick Pizza Dough
• Rosemary Olive Oil Bread
• Cinnamon Rolls

Make It Tonight

There’s no need to wait for the weekend or a special occasion to enjoy homemade bread. With this One Hour Skillet Focaccia recipe, you can bring the taste of artisan bread right into your kitchen tonight! Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the aroma of freshly baked focaccia fill your home. Your taste buds will thank you!

The joy of baking is not only in the delicious results but also in the process of creating something beautiful with your own hands. So go ahead, make this focaccia, and share it with your loved ones. Happy baking!