Fluffy Jamie Oliver Focaccia Bread Recipe with Olive Oil

Jamie Oliver’s focaccia bread emerges as a culinary symphony that transforms ordinary kitchen moments into extraordinary experiences.

Imagine a bread so divine it whispers Mediterranean secrets with every slice.

Soft, billowing dough becomes an edible art form, dancing with robust olive oil and aromatic herbs.

Crisp golden edges promise a sensory adventure that tantalizes taste buds and warms hearts.

Sea salt crystals sparkle like delicate jewels, adding depth and character to each magnificent bite.

Home cooks and professional chefs alike fall in love with this simple yet stunning bread that elevates any meal from mundane to magnificent.

Let this focaccia recipe become your weekend kitchen passion.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 8

What to Gather for Jamie Oliver Focaccia Bread

• Flour: Choose high-protein bread flour for best texture and chewiness.
• Sea Salt: Select fine, fresh sea salt for subtle mineral flavor enhancement.

• Sugar: Use granulated white sugar to feed and activate yeast quickly.
• Yeast: Opt for fresh active dry yeast with recent expiration date for maximum rising power.
• Water: Select lukewarm filtered water to perfectly activate yeast without killing it.

• Onions: Pick sweet white or red onions for caramelization depth.
• Thyme: Use fresh thyme leaves for vibrant aromatic touch.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Choose aged balsamic for rich, complex sweetness.
• Olive Oil: Select extra virgin olive oil for robust flavor base.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Select ripe, firm tomatoes bursting with summer sweetness.
• Basil: Choose fresh, bright green basil leaves with intense aroma.
• Garlic: Use fresh, firm garlic cloves for sharp, pungent notes.
• White Wine Vinegar: Pick high-quality vinegar for tangy brightness.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Select cold-pressed for premium flavor.
• Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Use freshly ground for maximum flavor impact.

• Goat Cheese: Select creamy, fresh goat cheese for tangy richness.
• Taleggio: Choose ripe, soft Italian cheese for melty texture.
• Parmesan: Use freshly grated aged Parmesan for nutty complexity.
• Rosemary: Pick fresh rosemary sprigs with strong, piney.

Equipment for Jamie Oliver Focaccia Bread

• Mixing Bowl: Large, sturdy vessel for combining ingredients and kneading dough.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Precise tools for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Fork: For stirring yeast mixture and checking ingredient consistency.
• Tea Towel: Covers dough during rising process to retain moisture and warmth.
• Baking Sheet: Flat surface for spreading and baking focaccia.
• Cutting Board: For chopping herbs, onions, and preparing toppings.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.
• Wooden Spoon: Helpful for mixing and stirring ingredients.
• Small Bowl: For preparing tomato basil mixture and balsamic onion topping.
• Frying Pan: Used for cooking onions and thyme.
• Spatula: For spreading dough and scraping ingredients.
• Oven: Preheated to correct temperature for baking focaccia.

Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Focaccia Bread

• Craft Dough Foundation

Mix flour and sea salt in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a cozy nest for your yeast mixture. Gently awaken the yeast by blending it with warm water and a touch of sugar, watching it bubble with life.

• Knead and Nurture

Transform the mixture into a silky, elastic dough through vigorous kneading. Let the dough rest and rise in an olive oil-kissed bowl, allowing it to double in size and develop rich flavor.

• Build Flavor Layers

Caramelize onions with fragrant thyme, drizzling balsamic vinegar to create a deep, sweet base. Simultaneously, craft a vibrant tomato and basil mixture, dancing with garlic, olive oil, and a whisper of white wine vinegar.

• Shape and Decorate

Spread the risen dough across a baking sheet, creating playful dimples with your fingertips. Lavish the surface with your prepared toppings – scatter tomatoes, crumble creamy cheeses, sprinkle rosemary, and drizzle golden olive oil.

• Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to a blazing 220°C. Allow the focaccia a final rise, then bake until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown and the aroma fills your kitchen with Mediterranean magic. Serve warm and watch faces light up with delight.

Helpful Notes for Jamie Oliver Focaccia Bread

Experiment with different seasonal vegetables, herbs, and cheeses to personalize your focaccia. Roasted peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized garlic can add exciting flavor profiles.

Swap part of the flour with whole wheat or semolina for a nuttier, more complex bread texture. Adding potato flour can create an extra soft and tender crumb.

Ensure water temperature is precisely lukewarm (around 110°F) to activate yeast without killing it. Use fresh yeast and check expiration dates for optimal rising.

Try Mediterranean-inspired toppings like olives, anchovies, or za’atar spice blend for an authentic regional twist. Each variation tells a delicious culinary story.

How to Serve Jamie Oliver Focaccia Bread

• Serve with Fresh Companions: Pair this focaccia with crisp green salads, charcuterie boards, or fresh herb-infused dips for a complete Mediterranean-style meal experience.
• Elevate Wine Pairing: Match the focaccia's rich flavors with a light Italian white wine like Pinot Grigio or a crisp rosé to complement the cheese and herb notes.
• Create Beautiful Presentation: Slice focaccia into rustic triangles, arrange on a wooden board with fresh herbs scattered around, and drizzle with extra olive oil for a stunning visual appeal.
• Enjoy as Versatile Meal Base: Transform this focaccia into gourmet sandwiches, use as a base for bruschetta, or serve as a warm appetizer during dinner gatherings with friends and family.

Storage Details for Jamie Oliver Focaccia Bread

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Maximize Freshness: Store focaccia wrapped in parchment paper or aluminum foil at room temperature for 2-3 days, keeping its delightful soft texture and flavor intact.
• Refrigerate Wisely: When storing with cheese toppings, place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Gently reheat in the oven at 160°C for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.
• Freeze for Later: Slice focaccia into portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freezer bag. Freeze up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and warm in oven before serving.
• Serving Suggestions: Best enjoyed warm within 24 hours. Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or light lunch paired with fresh salad or soup. Slice and serve at gatherings or casual weekend meals to impress friends and family.

Rustic Jamie Oliver Focaccia Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Jamie Oliver’s focaccia bread recipe combines Italian tradition with simple ingredients for a delightful homemade experience. Kneading and rising create a pillowy texture that invites you to savor each flavorful slice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 400 g (14.1 oz) strong white bread flour
• 100 g (3.5 oz) semolina flour or strong white bread flour
• 300 ml (10.1 fl oz) lukewarm water
• 1 sachet dried yeast
• 0.5 tbsps golden caster sugar
• 30 g (1.1 oz) taleggio cheese
• 1 small log goat’s cheese
• parmesan cheese
• 1 large handful cherry tomatoes
• 2 red onions
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 1 bunch fresh basil (30 g/1.1 oz)
• A few sprigs fresh thyme
• olive oil
• extra virgin olive oil
• white wine vinegar
• balsamic vinegar

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Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: Craft a flour cavity in a large mixing bowl, integrating sea salt. Activate yeast with lukewarm water until frothy, then blend into flour mixture, creating a smooth, elastic dough through vigorous kneading.
2. First Rise: Transfer dough to an olive oil-coated bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm space for 30 minutes until significantly expanded.
3. Topping Composition: While dough rises, sauté thyme and onions in olive oil, deglaze with balsamic vinegar, and set aside to cool. Simultaneously, prepare a vibrant tomato-basil medley seasoned with garlic, sea salt, black pepper, extra virgin olive oil, and white wine vinegar.
4. Dough Shaping: Gently deflate risen dough and spread across a baking sheet, using fingertips to create signature focaccia dimples. Artfully distribute toppings – balsamic onions, crumbled goat and Taleggio cheeses, grated Parmesan, and fragrant rosemary leaves.
5. Final Embellishment and Baking: Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle sea salt and black pepper. Allow a final 20-minute proof before baking at 220 degrees Celsius for approximately 20 minutes, achieving a golden, crisp exterior.

Notes

• Dough Activation Tip: Ensure water is lukewarm (not hot) to properly activate yeast without killing its rising potential.
• Kneading Technique: Knead energetically for exactly 5 minutes to develop gluten structure and achieve smooth, elastic texture.
• Resting Crucial Step: Allow dough to rise in warm, draft-free area to double its volume, which guarantees proper bread texture and flavor development.
• Topping Distribution Strategy: Spread toppings strategically across different sections to create diverse flavor profiles and ensure balanced taste in every bite.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg