Focaccia Bread

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Ingredients

• 4 cups (512 g) all-purpose flour or bread flour

• 2 to 3 teaspoons (10 to 15 grams) kosher salt

• 2 teaspoons (8 g) instant yeast or activated yeast

• 2 cups (455 g) lukewarm water, made by combining 1/2 cup boiling water with 1 1/2 cups cold water

• butter for greasing

• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• flaky sea salt, such as Maldon

• 1 to 2 teaspoons whole rosemary leaves, optional

Instructions - Let’s Get Started

Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Add the water, mix until the liquid is absorbed and the ingredients form a sticky dough ball. Cover the bowl, and let rest for 30 minutes, then stretch and fold the dough 8-10 times.

• Cold proof: Rub the surface of the dough lightly with olive oil. Cover the bowl with a lid (ideally) or plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours. NOTE: It is important the dough really be slicked with olive oil, especially if you are not using a hard lid. If you do not slick the dough with enough oil, you risk the dough drying out and forming a crust over the top layer.

• Line two 8- or 9-inch pie plates or a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper or grease with butter or coat with nonstick cooking spray. 

• Pour a tablespoon of oil into the center of each pan or 2 tablespoons of oil if using the 9×13-inch pan. Using two forks, deflate the dough by releasing it from the sides of the bowl and pulling it toward the center. Rotate the bowl in quarter turns as you deflate, turning the mass into a rough ball. Use the forks to split the dough into two equal pieces (or do not split if using the 9×13-inch pan). Place one piece into one of the prepared pans. Roll the dough ball in the oil to coat it all over, forming a rough ball. Repeat with the remaining piece. Let the dough balls rest for 3 to 4 hours depending on the temperature of your kitchen (Note: no need to cover for this room temperature rise).

• Set a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat it to 425°F. If using the rosemary, sprinkle it over the dough. Pour a tablespoon of oil over each round of dough (or two tablespoons if using a 9×13-inch pan).  Rub your hands lightly in the oil to coat, then, using all of your fingers, press straight down to create deep dimples. If necessary, gently stretch the dough as you dimple to allow the dough to fill the pan. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt all over.

• Transfer the pans or pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the underside is golden and crisp. Remove the pans or pan from the oven and transfer the focaccia to a cooling rack. Let it cool for 10 minutes before cutting and serving; let it cool completely if you are halving it with the intention of making a sandwich.

• To store the focaccia: When it has completely cooled, transfer it to an airtight bag or vessel and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. Otherwise, freeze it for up to 3 months. Always reheat it on subsequent days to revive its crust: 350ºF for 15 minutes. 

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