Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Olive Oil Bread That Feels Like a Hug – a delicious 5-ingredient homemade focaccia recipe that’s perfect for family dinner nights and easy school lunch ideas. This easy focaccia is a game-changer for busy parents who want to serve healthy, freshly baked bread without spending hours in the kitchen. With only 5 ingredients, you can create an authentic Italian bread that’s soft, flavorful, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re a beginner in baking or a seasoned pro, this easy bread recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. So go ahead, give your family the comfort of a warm, oven-baked hug in a loaf, and enjoy the simplicity of a homemade meal together.
Ingredients:
- 415 ml warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
- 2 tsp sugar
- 7 g (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 500 g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 60 ml (6 tbsp) olive oil + 3 tbsp extra for handling
- Optional: flaky sea salt or sesame seeds for topping
Method:
- In a mixer bowl, stir warm water with sugar. Sprinkle in yeast, stir, and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, foamy yeast mixture, and olive oil. Mix by hand (about 4 minutes) or use a dough mixer until the dough is elastic and sticky.
- Lightly coat the dough with oil. Cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1½ hours.
- Brush a 9×13-inch pan with 2 tbsp olive oil or line with parchment paper. Transfer dough to the pan, turn to coat in oil, and press to the edges. Let rise again for 45 minutes.
- After 30 minutes of rising, preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
- Drizzle dough with 2 tbsp olive oil. Oil your hands and dimple the dough with your fingers. Top with flaky salt or sesame seeds.
- Bake for 20–30 minutes, until golden brown.