Beach Focaccia
James Carrier
A simple topped bread will stand up to coastal conditions, especially when cut into squares and individually wrapped in waxed paper. Our easy version is conveniently made from purchased bread dough; you can top it off with items from an Italian deli counter or supermarket. We especially like silvery little marinated anchovies plus a sprinkling of coarse sea salt—both of which add appealing flavors from the briny deep. You can also use sliced marinated artichoke hearts, pitted oil-cured black olives, cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, and/or roasted red peppers.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Thaw bread dough at room temperature.
Step 2
2
Pour 3 tablespoons olive oil into a 10- by 15-inch nonstick baking pan.
Step 3
3
If you are using two 1-pound loaves, pinch dough together firmly. Spread dough flat in pan, pushing to cover bottom of pan (if dough pulls back and will not spread, let it rest 5 minutes and try again). Let rise until surface is bubbled, 45 to 60 minutes.
Step 4
4
With your fingers, poke dough at 1-inch intervals until entire surface is dimpled (do not pierce dough).
Step 5
5
Drizzle surface evenly with 1/4 cup olive oil and top as desired. Drizzle with additional olive oil and sprinkle with rosemary and sea salt.
Step 6
6
Bake in a 400° regular oven until top and bottom surfaces are golden, 20 to 25 minutes.
Step 7
7
7 Remove from pan and let cool on a wire rack at least 10 minutes before serving; to serve, cut into squares.
Ingredients
2 pounds frozen bread dough
About 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Toppings (see notes)
Fresh rosemary leaves
Coarse sea salt
Directions
Step 1
1
Thaw bread dough at room temperature.
Step 2
2
Pour 3 tablespoons olive oil into a 10- by 15-inch nonstick baking pan.
Step 3
3
If you are using two 1-pound loaves, pinch dough together firmly. Spread dough flat in pan, pushing to cover bottom of pan (if dough pulls back and will not spread, let it rest 5 minutes and try again). Let rise until surface is bubbled, 45 to 60 minutes.
Step 4
4
With your fingers, poke dough at 1-inch intervals until entire surface is dimpled (do not pierce dough).
Step 5
5
Drizzle surface evenly with 1/4 cup olive oil and top as desired. Drizzle with additional olive oil and sprinkle with rosemary and sea salt.
Step 6
6
Bake in a 400° regular oven until top and bottom surfaces are golden, 20 to 25 minutes.
Step 7
7
7 Remove from pan and let cool on a wire rack at least 10 minutes before serving; to serve, cut into squares.
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