How to Make Perfect Focaccia with Mushrooms: A Simple and Flavorful Italian Recipe

What Makes Focaccia with Mushrooms So Special?

Focaccia is an Italian flatbread that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. It’s known for its light, fluffy texture and savory flavor, often enhanced with toppings like rosemary, garlic, and, in this case, mushrooms. The combination of focaccia with rosemary and mushrooms is a match made in heaven — the savory, earthy mushrooms balance perfectly with the aromatic rosemary, while the soft focaccia bread acts as the perfect canvas for these bold flavors.

Why This Easy Focaccia Recipe Works

This easy focaccia recipe simplifies the bread-making process while still delivering an incredible result. You don’t need to be an expert baker to create focaccia at home. The dough is straightforward to prepare, and it’s naturally forgiving, allowing for a deliciously rustic, homemade loaf every time.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to create a mushroom focaccia that’s just as good as what you’d find at an Italian bakery, with the added bonus of being completely customizable.

Key Ingredients for Mushroom and Rosemary Focaccia

• Focaccia Dough: This is the foundation of the recipe. The dough consists of simple ingredients: flour, yeast, salt, and olive oil. The combination of these ingredients creates a soft, airy texture.
• Mushrooms: We recommend using champignon mushrooms for this recipe. Their mild flavor and tender texture make them an ideal choice for focaccia. You can also experiment with other types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or cremini, for a more intense flavor.
• Rosemary: Fresh rosemary is key to making the bread aromatic and fragrant. It enhances the flavor profile of the focaccia and pairs wonderfully with the mushrooms.
• Olive Oil: Use a generous amount of olive oil in the dough and as a topping for added richness and flavor.
• Parmesan: Grated parmesan cheese is optional but adds a lovely umami flavor when sprinkled on top of the finished focaccia.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Homemade Focaccia with Mushrooms and Rosemary

Step 1: Prepare the Focaccia Dough

1. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of warm water with 1 teaspoon of instant yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let this sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast begins to foam.
2. In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of salt. Add the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the flour.
3. Mix everything together until the dough starts to come together. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Form the dough into a ball, coat it with a little olive oil, and place it back into the bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms

1. While the dough is rising, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add 1 cup of sliced champignon mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened and golden.
2. Add a teaspoon of fresh rosemary, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper. Stir the mushrooms to combine.
3. Once the mushrooms are cooked through, remove them from the heat and set them aside.

Step 3: Shape the Focaccia and Add Toppings

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and transfer it onto a greased baking tray.
2. Use your fingers to stretch the dough out into an even rectangle. Press your fingers into the dough to create little indentations across the surface.
3. Brush the dough with olive oil and sprinkle some salt and fresh rosemary over the top. Let the dough rest for 15 minutes.
4. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 4: Bake the Focaccia

1. Before baking, top the dough with the sautéed mushrooms and sprinkle a little grated parmesan cheese over the top for extra flavor.
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and crispy on the edges. The aroma will fill your kitchen, signaling that your bread is nearly done.
3. Once baked, remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

How to Serve Focaccia with Mushrooms

Focaccia with mushrooms is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

• Italian Brunch: Serve this savory focaccia with a side of fresh fruit, a hearty Italian coffee, and a few slices of prosciutto for a true Italian breakfast experience.
• Dinner Bread: Pair the focaccia with a rich pasta dish or an Italian salad for a complete meal.
• As a Snack: Sliced into smaller pieces, focaccia with mushrooms can be enjoyed as an appetizer or snack with a glass of wine or cheese.

Why This Focaccia Recipe is Perfect for Fall

As the weather cools, there’s nothing better than a warm, savory loaf of bread to fill your kitchen with comforting smells. Focaccia with mushrooms is especially perfect for fall due to the earthy flavors of the mushrooms and rosemary. It’s an ideal dish to make for cozy evenings or for serving at holiday gatherings.

Tips for Making the Best Mushroom Focaccia

• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Focaccia dough is meant to be soft and slightly sticky, so avoid over-kneading it. This ensures the bread remains airy and light.
• Use Olive Oil Generously: Olive oil gives focaccia its signature flavor and texture, so don’t be shy about using it to coat the dough and top the bread.
• Experiment with Toppings: While mushrooms and rosemary are a fantastic combination, don’t hesitate to experiment with other ingredients like garlic, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes.

Freezing and Reheating Focaccia

If you have leftover focaccia, you can easily freeze it for later. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. To reheat, place the focaccia in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until it’s warmed through and crispy again.

Conclusion

Making focaccia with mushrooms and rosemary is a simple and rewarding process that results in a bread that’s full of flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for an easy Italian bread recipe for a savory breakfast or a delicious side dish to complement your dinner, this focaccia recipe is sure to impress.

With just a few ingredients, you can create a homemade focaccia that rivals anything from an Italian bakery. Plus, the mushroom and rosemary topping adds depth and richness, making it a standout dish. Enjoy this easy focaccia recipe as part of your next Italian brunch, dinner, or simply as a savory snack to brighten your day.