Name: Mini Loaf Pan Focaccia
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 140 min
Ingredients: 120 grams all-purpose flour; 5 grams diamond crystal kosher salt; 3 grams instant yeast; 5 grams sugar; 10 grams extra virgin olive oil; 90 grams warm water; additional oil for the pan and drizzling on top; additional salt and/or herbs for topping

Introduction to Mini Loaf Pan Focaccia

Focaccia is more than just bread; it’s an experience! Making mini loaf pan focaccia at home not only fills your kitchen with delightful aromas, but it's also a wonderfully satisfying culinary project, especially for beginners. So, why should you try making focaccia at home?

First off, the process is simple and forgiving, making it perfect for those who might feel intimidated by baking. You can easily customize flavors and toppings, from herbs to olives, allowing you to create a focaccia that matches your tastes. Plus, using a standard loaf pan makes it manageable, whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends.

Did you know that baking your own bread can also be a healthier option? You control the ingredients, avoiding preservatives often found in store-bought options—plus, there's nothing quite like the joy of pulling a fresh, golden loaf from your oven.

This mini loaf pan focaccia recipe from Rebecca Eisenberg is a delightful way to dive into home baking, with only one cup of flour required! Whether you're a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this focaccia recipe is bound to elevate your meal. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and let’s get started!

Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Focaccia

If you’re diving into the world of baking, making a mini loaf pan focaccia is a delightful and achievable choice. Let’s talk about the essential ingredients that will elevate your focaccia game.

All-Purpose Flour (120 grams): This is the star of your focaccia. Using high-quality all-purpose flour provides the perfect structure and texture.
Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt (5 grams): The magic of seasoning! It enhances all the flavors and helps create that mouthwatering crust.
Instant Yeast (3 grams): The leavening agent that will make your dough rise beautifully. Don’t have instant? You can swap it with active dry yeast, but with a slight increase!
Sugar (5 grams): A little sweetness helps feed the yeast and contributes to a lovely golden brown crust.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (10 grams + for drizzling): This adds richness and flavor to the dough. Plus, it helps achieve that crispy bottom.
Warm Water (90 grams): The hydration element, vital for activating the yeast and developing the dough’s texture.

Feel free to get creative with additional toppings, such as flaky sea salt or fresh herbs, to truly make this mini loaf pan focaccia your own. Happy baking!

Preparing Mini Loaf Pan Focaccia

Making mini loaf pan focaccia is not just about enjoying delicious bread; it's a lovely way to immerse yourself in the art of baking. Each step offers a chance to engage with your ingredients and bring a little warmth into your kitchen. Let’s dive into the process, shall we?

Gather Your Ingredients and Tools

Before you embark on this baking adventure, you'll want to gather everything you need:

Ingredients:
120 grams all-purpose flour
5 grams diamond crystal kosher salt
3 grams instant yeast
5 grams sugar
10 grams extra virgin olive oil
90 grams warm water
Additional olive oil for the pan and drizzling
Optional toppings: flaky salt, herbs, or even sun-dried tomatoes
Tools:
A mixing bowl
A fork or small spatula
A bowl scraper or spatula
A spray bottle for oil
A standard loaf pan
A clean damp cloth or plastic wrap to cover the dough

Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix

Start by combining the dry ingredients—flour, salt, and sugar—in a medium bowl. Use your hands to mix them well. Create a well in the center for the next steps; this helps in the activation of the yeast and integrates flavors seamlessly.

Activate Your Yeast

In that lovely well, pour in the warm water and sprinkle the yeast on top. Allow it to bloom for 30-60 seconds. This step is essential as it ensures your yeast is alive and well, ready to make that dough rise. The aroma of active yeast is delightful—and a sure sign of good things to come!

Form the Dough

After letting the yeast bloom, add the olive oil to the mixture. Use a fork or small spatula to stir the liquids, slowly incorporating the flour from the edges of the bowl until a sticky dough forms. Don’t worry too much about achieving perfection here; this is part of the charm!

Rest and Fold the Dough

Cover your dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 15 minutes. Why rest? It allows the gluten to relax. After, you’ll want to give it some muscle—slap and fold the dough (and don’t be shy!) about 4-6 times. This builds the structure you'll need for that fluffy texture we all crave.

Transfer to Loaf Pan and Rise

Spray your loaf pan with cooking spray, drizzle in some olive oil, and gently stretch the dough to fit into the pan. Though it won’t reach all the corners yet, that’s perfectly fine. Cover it again and let it rise in a warm spot for an hour, until it puffs up beautifully.

Prepare for Baking

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 400°F. If you notice your dough isn’t rising as quickly as you'd like, place the pan on top of the preheating oven to give it a little boost.

Bake to Golden Perfection

Once it's ready, drizzle more olive oil over the top and sprinkle it with flaky salt or herbs. Pop your mini loaf pan focaccia in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it; if it doesn't look golden after that time, give it an extra 5 minutes. The aroma will be heavenly, inviting you to slice into that soft, fluffy goodness.

Happy baking! Enjoy this delightful journey, and savor every bite of your homemade mini loaf pan focaccia!

Variations on Mini Loaf Pan Focaccia

Herb-infused Focaccia Variations

Elevate your mini loaf pan focaccia with vibrant herb infusions! Consider mixing in fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil into the dough. You can also experiment with garlic powder or dried Italian herbs for a savory twist. To enhance the flavor, try brushing the dough with garlic-infused olive oil before baking. It's all about personal taste—feel free to play with your favorite herbs!

Toppings for a Gourmet Twist

Toppings can transform your focaccia from simple to spectacular. Try:

Slices of cherry tomatoes or olives for a burst of flavor.
Crumbled goat or feta cheese for creaminess.
Crunchy toppings like roasted beef or turkey bacon bits.
A drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking for a sweet finish.

These additions not only make your bread visually stunning but also add layers of flavor that are sure to impress your friends and family!

Baking notes for Mini Loaf Pan Focaccia

Tips for achieving the perfect crust

To create a mini loaf pan focaccia with a delightful, crispy crust, follow these simple tips:

Oil it Well: Generously oil your loaf pan with extra virgin olive oil. This not only prevents sticking but also enhances that golden, crispy bottom.
High Heat: Preheat your oven to 400°F. A hotter oven ensures that the heat hits the dough quickly, which is essential for forming a crust.
Dimpling Technique: When stretching and dimpling the dough, don't be shy! Press down firmly to allow the oil and seasonings to seep into the dough, enhancing flavor and texture.
Let it Rise: Be patient during the rising time. A well-aerated dough leads to a beautifully crusty focaccia. For an extra boost, place the dough near a warm spot, like the preheating oven.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to baking a stunning focaccia that’s crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside!

Serving suggestions for Mini Loaf Pan Focaccia

Ideal pairings for your focaccia

Your mini loaf pan focaccia is not just a treat on its own; it’s a perfect complement to various dishes! Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

Brunch Delight: Serve warm pieces alongside scrambled eggs and Turkey Bacon for a delightful brunch spread.
Dip It: Pair focaccia with a flavorful dipping oil or balsamic vinegar for a simple appetizer.
Make It a Sandwich: Slice the focaccia and add layers of fresh veggies, Chicken Ham, or grilled chicken for a satisfying sandwich experience.
Grazing Platter: Include it on a charcuterie board with cheeses, olives, and roasted red peppers for a vibrant display.

With these pairings, your focaccia becomes a versatile culinary star!

Tips for Making Perfect Mini Loaf Pan Focaccia

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Creating the ultimate mini loaf pan focaccia can be a delightful experience, but there are a few common mishaps to steer clear of:

Skipping Measurements: Always use a kitchen scale for precise ingredient ratios. Small fluctuations can lead to inconsistent results. If you're measuring by volume, make sure to stir your flour well before scooping.
Ignoring Dough Consistency: Don’t be alarmed if your dough feels stickier than expected—it’s supposed to! If it appears dry, add warm water gradually until it comes together nicely.
Inadequate Rising Time: Resist the temptation to rush the rising process. Adequate time allows the yeast to work its magic, resulting in a fluffy texture.
Neglecting Toppings: Flavor your focaccia with herbs and flaky salt before baking. This simple step adds an extra burst of flavor that elevates your bread from good to extraordinary.

By keeping these tips in mind, you're well on your way to baking the perfect focaccia that will impress friends and family alike!

Time Details for Mini Loaf Pan Focaccia

Preparation Time

Getting your ingredients ready for the mini loaf pan focaccia will take about 30 minutes. You'll mix the flour, salt, and yeast, then let them cozy up together before the magic happens!

Baking Time

Once your dough has risen perfectly, pop it in the oven for a delightful 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it—if it’s not looking golden brown, give it an additional 5 minutes.

Total Time

From start to finish, this scrumptious focaccia will take around 2 hours and 20 minutes. This includes preparation, resting, and baking times. Perfect for a relaxed weekend baking session!

Nutritional Information for Mini Loaf Pan Focaccia

When you're diving into the delightful world of mini loaf pan focaccia, it’s not just about flavor—understanding the nutritional aspects can enhance your baking experience. Here’s a quick overview:

Calories

A single serving of this focaccia contains approximately 220 calories, making it a satisfying yet light treat.

Protein

This focaccia offers around 6 grams of protein per serving, providing a good balance to your meal when paired with healthy toppings.

Sodium

Keep in mind, the sodium content is about 350 mg, which is relatively moderate, especially when considering the delicious seasoning options you can add on top.

By being conscious of these nutritional details, you can better enjoy your mini loaf pan focaccia while being mindful of your dietary choices! For further reading on nutritional balance, check out resources like the USDA Nutrient Database.

FAQs about Mini Loaf Pan Focaccia

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

Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in your mini loaf pan focaccia. Just bear in mind that your focaccia may have a denser texture and nuttier flavor. You might also want to increase your warm water slightly to keep the dough from becoming too dry, as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.

What can I do if my focaccia dough is too sticky?

If your dough is feeling too sticky, don't despair! A little stickiness is normal, but if it's unmanageable, try adding flour in small increments—about 1 tablespoon at a time. Alternatively, using wet hands when handling the dough can help ease the sticking. This is key to achieving that beautiful, airy texture later on!

How to store leftover focaccia?

To keep your mini loaf pan focaccia fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to preserve its freshness longer, place your wrapped focaccia in the refrigerator or freeze it! Just make sure to reheat it in the oven for that crispy finish.

Conclusion on Mini Loaf Pan Focaccia

Crafting a mini loaf pan focaccia is a delightful experience, perfect for both seasoned bakers and novice cooks alike. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a fresh, fluffy loaf that's perfect for sharing or savoring solo. So, why not indulge in making your own focaccia today? Happy baking!