INTRODUCTION

Are you looking for a unique and delicious bread recipe? Look no further than 12-Grape Focaccia! This Italian bread is soft, flavorful, and topped with juicy grapes, making it perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet grapes and savory rosemary creates a delightful balance that will surprise and impress your family and friends. Focaccia is a versatile bread, making it suitable for serving with meals or enjoying as a snack. Let’s dive into why you will absolutely love making this delicious focaccia recipe.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

This 12-Grape Focaccia is not only easy to make but also offers a burst of flavor with every bite. Its soft and chewy texture is achieved through simple bread-making methods that anyone can master. The recipe uses strong white bread flour, which gives the focaccia its perfect structure. The addition of grapes adds sweetness and makes the focaccia stand out from traditional bread rolls. Furthermore, it’s straightforward and requires only a few ingredients, most of which you might already have in your kitchen.

By baking this focaccia at home, you can enjoy the warm, comforting smell of fresh bread any time you want. It’s suitable for sharing at gatherings, enjoying during cozy family dinners, or simply relishing a piece with your favorite dip. It is also a great way to get creative in the kitchen, inviting you to play with flavors according to your tastes. Overall, this recipe is a keeper that you will want to make again and again.

HOW TO MAKE 12-Grape Focaccia

Making 12-Grape Focaccia is a fun and satisfying process. With just a few steps, you can have this delicious bread ready to enjoy. Here’s how to get started on your focaccia journey.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Large mixing bowl
Baking tray
Clean kitchen towel or cling film
Oven
Measuring spoons and a scale
Rolling pin (optional)
Wooden spoon or dough scraper
Knife for slicing

Ingredients You’ll Need:

500g strong white bread flour
7g sachet easy bake yeast
1 tsp caster sugar
2 tsp fine sea salt
4 tbsp Italian extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for shaping
2 sprig/s rosemary
12 grapes (6 red, 6 white)
1 tsp sea salt flakes

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, yeast, caster sugar, and fine sea salt.
Make a well in the center and add the olive oil. Gradually add warm water and mix to form a dough.
Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preheat oven to 220°C (428°F).
Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased baking tray.
Stretch and shape the dough into a flat rectangle.
Press the grapes into the surface of the dough and sprinkle with rosemary and sea salt flakes.
Allow to prove for another 20-30 minutes.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

HOW TO SERVE 12-Grape Focaccia

Serving your freshly baked 12-Grape Focaccia is as delightful as making it. You can enjoy it warm, sliced into squares, as a snack or a side with meals. It pairs beautifully with olive oil for dipping or can be served alongside cheese and charcuterie boards. For a special touch, you can spread some butter or cream cheese over warm slices to enhance flavor and richness. This focaccia also makes a fantastic base for sandwiches, bringing an exciting twist to your lunch.

STORAGE & FREEZING: 12-Grape Focaccia

If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, storing them is simple! You can keep your 12-Grape Focaccia wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to save it for longer, consider freezing it! Wrap the focaccia tightly in plastic wrap, and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy it again, thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for a few minutes.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

This focaccia recipe can be served in various ways. Here are a few serving suggestions to inspire you:

Pair with a fresh salad for a light lunch.
Serve alongside soups or stews to soak up those delicious liquids.
Cut into smaller pieces, toast, and serve with a cheese platter.
Use as a base for bruschetta topped with tomatoes and herbs.

VARIATIONS

While the classic 12-Grape Focaccia is delicious, you can always mix things up! Here are some variations to consider:

Other Fruits: Replace the grapes with figs or sliced apples for a different flavor.
Herbs: Try different herbs like thyme or basil for a unique aroma.
Cheese: Add crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy addition.
Nuts: Top with walnuts or almonds for a nice crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of strong white bread flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture may not be as chewy as with strong white flour.

2. What if I don’t have easy bake yeast?
You can use active dry yeast instead. Just make sure to activate it in warm water first before adding.

3. Can I use canned or frozen grapes?
Fresh grapes are best for this recipe, but if you have to use canned or frozen ones, ensure they’re well-drained.

4. Is it necessary to knead the dough for 10 minutes?
Kneading develops gluten, which gives the bread its texture. If you’re short on time, kneading for a shorter period may give acceptable results.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR 12-Grape Focaccia

If you want to save time, you can prepare the dough ahead of time! After kneading, place it in the fridge instead of letting it rise initially. Let it rest in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, just take it out, let it come to room temperature, and continue with the proofing and baking steps. This way, you can enjoy fresh focaccia with minimal hassle!

Baking 12-Grape Focaccia is simple, and the unique flavors make it an enjoyable recipe for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this recipe will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Happy baking!

12-Grape Focaccia

This Italian bread is soft, flavorful, and topped with juicy grapes, offering a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45

Cook Time 25

Total Time 1 10

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

For the dough

500 g strong white bread flour Provides the best texture
7 g easy bake yeast Or use active dry yeast, activated in warm water
1 tsp caster sugar Feeds the yeast for better rising
2 tsp fine sea salt
4 tbsp Italian extra virgin olive oil Plus extra for shaping
1 tsp sea salt flakes For topping

For the topping

12 grapes (6 red, 6 white) Fresh grapes are best, canned or frozen must be well-drained
2 sprig/s rosemary Adds aromatic flavor

Method

Preparation

In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, yeast, caster sugar, and fine sea salt.
Make a well in the center and add the olive oil. Gradually add warm water and mix to form a dough.
Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Baking

Preheat oven to 220°C (428°F).
Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased baking tray.
Stretch and shape the dough into a flat rectangle.
Press the grapes into the surface of the dough and sprinkle with rosemary and sea salt flakes.
Allow to prove for another 20-30 minutes.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in a clean kitchen towel or airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months.