11 Must-Bake Breads for Winter Celebrations and Beyond

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Focaccia

Focaccia is a flavorful, rustic bread that’s wonderfully soft on the inside with a perfectly golden, slightly crisp crust. This bread is easy to customize by adding your favorite toppings like sundried tomato, olives, or garlic! Its dimpled surface captures pools of olive oil and herbs, making it an irresistible appetizer or side dish for any occasion. Serve it warm and watch it disappear!

Ingredients (for one 9x13-inch focaccia):

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• Flaky sea salt, for topping

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 min. until frothy.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until a dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 min., or until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
   
5. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with olive oil. Punch down the dough and press it evenly into the pan. Use your fingers to create dimples across the surface.
6. Cover the dough with a towel and let it rise for another 20-30 min. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
7. Drizzle the olive oil over the dough, ensuring it gets into the dimples. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top. Feel free to add your favorite toppings evenly on top.
8. Bake for 20-25 min., or until golden brown.
9. Allow the focaccia to cool slightly before slicing. Drizzle with a little more olive oil if desired.