Dive into the world of gluten-free baking with this simple yet incredibly delicious focaccia recipe. Perfect for those who love bread but need to avoid gluten, this dairy-free version promises flavor in every bite.
Baking bread is an art form that requires the perfect blend of ingredients, timing, and technique. But when it comes to gluten-free baking, the challenge intensifies. Gluten-free bakers often find themselves in a trial-and-error spiral, especially when trying to recreate classic favorites. Fear not, because our Gluten-Free Focaccia recipe is about to end that cycle. This recipe not only delivers on texture and taste but also caters to dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy the comforting joy of freshly baked bread.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Gluten-Free Flour
The foundation of any good bread is the flour, and when it comes to gluten-free baking, not all flours are created equal. For this focaccia recipe, we've discovered the magical ingredient: King Arthur's Gluten-Free "00" Pizza Flour. This isn't just any flour blend; it's specifically designed to give your gluten-free baked goods an incredibly soft texture and a delightful chew that's often missing in gluten-free recipes.
Why does the flour matter so much? Gluten-free flours vary widely in their composition - some are rice-based, others might lean heavily on almond or coconut flours, and yet others try to mimic all-purpose wheat flour with a mix of several gluten-free grains and binders. The King Arthur Gluten-Free "00" Pizza Flour blend is meticulously balanced, ensuring your focaccia rises beautifully and has that classic airy, yet chewy texture we all love.
A Symphony of Simple Ingredients
Our Gluten-Free Focaccia is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a bread that's not only satisfying but also versatile. Here's a quick rundown of what you'll need:
Water & Dairy-Free Milk: The combination of these two creates a warm bath for the yeast to activate, with the dairy-free milk adding a subtle richness to the dough.
Instant Yeast & Sugar: Yeast is the lifeline of this recipe, giving it that beautiful rise and fluffy texture. The sugar is not just for sweetness; it's food for the yeast, helping it bloom.
Gluten-Free "00" Pizza Flour by King Arthur: The star of the show, ensuring your focaccia has the perfect texture.
Kosher Salt & Extra Virgin Olive Oil: These ingredients add flavor and moisture, contributing to the focaccia's delicious crust and soft interior.
Spices & Flaky Salt: Adding a personal touch to the focaccia, these elements bring aroma and a burst of flavor with every bite.
Crafting Your Gluten-Free Focaccia
The process of making focaccia is as rewarding as it is therapeutic. From blooming the yeast to watching the dough rise, each step brings you closer to that perfect loaf. Here's a condensed version of the process:
Warm the liquid ingredients slightly in the microwave. This ensures the environment is just right for the yeast to activate.
Bloom the yeast by combining it with the warm liquid and sugar, watching as it comes to life.
Mix the dry ingredients before gradually incorporating the yeast mixture and olive oil, transforming the mixture into a soft dough.
Let the dough rise, draped under a towel in a warm spot, setting the stage for that beautiful, airy texture.
Bake to golden perfection, finishing with a sprinkle of flaky salt and spices for that ultimate flavor punch.
Final Thoughts: The Joy of Gluten-Free Baking
Baking gluten-free bread can be daunting, but with the right recipe and ingredients, it's incredibly rewarding. This Gluten-Free Focaccia not only tastes amazing but also brings the joy of bread back to those who might have thought it was off-limits. Remember, the key to a great gluten-free focaccia lies in the flour blend you choose, so opting for King Arthur's Gluten-Free "00" Pizza Flour will ensure your success. This recipe may work with other 1:1 gluten free flour blends, but be prepared for different dough consistencies and varied results.
Whether you're sharing the focaccia with friends or savoring it alongside your favorite meal, this focaccia recipe is a testament to the fact that gluten-free baking can produce results just as delicious, if not more so, than traditional methods. So, preheat your oven and get ready to fall in love with the art of gluten-free baking, one loaf at a time.
FAQs
Can I use any gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Not all gluten-free flours are suitable for this recipe. For best results, use King Arthur's Gluten-Free "00" Pizza Flour or a 1:1 GF bread flour due to the specific blend designed for bread baking.
How long does gluten-free focaccia keep?
While best enjoyed fresh, this focaccia can be stored in an airtight container for 5-7 days, maintaining its flavor and texture beautifully.
Can I customize the spices in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to find your perfect flavor combination. Consider using Italian seasoning, fresh rosemary, or adding in chunks of roasted garlic and parmesan. The possibilities are endless.
Gluten Free Focaccia Recipe
Ingredients:
¾ cup water
1 ¼ cup dairy-free milk (I used Forager Project Cashew Oat Milk)
1.5 TBSP Instant Yeast
1 TBSP granulated sugar
1.5 tsp kosher salt
6 TBSP extra virgin olive oil - divided
2 tsp spices of choice (I used Noble Made AP Spice blend)
1 tsp flaky salt
Let's Get Baking!
Warm it Up: Start by combining the water and dairy-free milk in a glass liquid measuring cup. Warm it in the microwave for 90 seconds. Remember, we're aiming for warm, not hot. Hot liquids can bid farewell to your yeast before it even has a chance to say hello! Aim to heat your liquid to around 110 degrees F
Yeast, Meet Sugar: Sprinkle your yeast and sugar into the warm liquid. Stir with a fork to dissolve the yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom. If it doesn't start to foam, you likely killed your yeast and might have to add more or start over to ensure your bread will rise.
Mixing Dry Ingredients: While your yeast is getting ready, whisk together the gluten-free flour, salt, and spices in a stand mixer. This ensures your flavors are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Combine and Knead: Using a dough hook, add the yeast mixture and 3 TBSP of olive oil to your dry ingredients. Start mixing on low speed, then crank it up to medium-high. You're looking for a soft but not runny dough consistency.
Prep and Proof: Line your quarter baking sheet with parchment and drizzle with olive oil. Lightly oil or wet your hands to spread the dough evenly in the pan. Then let the dough it sit under a towel in a warm spot for 1 hour. This is where the magic happens, and your dough transforms into a fluffy base for your focaccia.
Bake to Perfection: After an hour, it's showtime. Drizzle the remaining olive oil, add a sprinkle of flaky salt and more spices to the top of the dough then gently make indentations with your four fingers into the dough. Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown. The aroma alone will be worth the wait!
Cool, Serve & Store: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing and cooling on a wire rack or slicing and enjoy warm. Store focaccia in an airtight container for 5-7 days. For best flavor and consistency enjoy with in the first 48 hours and reheat in a toaster or oven.
