Focaccia with Bacon

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Focaccia with Bacon
Prep Time
3 hrs 40 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
4 hrs
 

There are many variations of Focaccia.  While this one uses bacon, you can make it plain and dimpled with olive oil.  Finishing with olive oil is the only essential ingredient.

Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Author: Barbara
Ingredients
  • ¾ tsp active dry yeast
  • 1-1/2 cups warm water
  • 7 tbs biga
  • 2-1/2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
  • 3-3/4 cups organic unbleached all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
Topping
  • ¾ pound Corralitos bacon cut in ½” pieces
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • coarse salt
Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the warm water and yeast. Let it stand until it’s creamy. Put the 7 tablespoons of biga into the yeast water, chopping it or breaking it up with your fingers so that the water and biga are well combined. 

  2. Stir in the olive oil. Using the paddle attachment, add the flour and salt in two parts, pulsing the beater until the dough is well mixed. Change to the dough hook and knead the dough for 4-5 minutes until the dough appears velvety and the sides of the bowl are clean.
  3. If mixing by hand, use a wooden spoon and mix until well combined. Then knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky.
  4. Generously oil a large bowl and place the round ball of dough into it, rotating the ball so that it is covered with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled, about 1-1/2 hours.
  5. Oil a large 11 x 17” baking sheet. Moistening your hands, spread the ball of dough onto the pan, pressing it to fit to the edges of the pan. Cover with towels and let rise until doubled for about 2 hours.

  6. About 30 minutes before you plan to bake, preheat the oven to 425 degrees (if you have a baking stone, place that inside). Dimple the dough with vigor, pressing your fingers firmly to the base of the pan. Drizzle it with some olive oil and let rise for 30 minutes. Meanwhile saute bacon until starting to crisp

  7. When the focaccia has risen, top with bacon pieces, sprinkle of coarse salt and drizzle a little more olive oil especially into the dimples. Put the pan on the baking stone on the lower third of the oven. Spray the oven walls and floors every few minutes for the first 15 minutes. 

  8. Focaccia should be done in 20 minutes, with a nicely browned top and a firmly crisp bottom. Best served immediately.

Focaccia Dough

Dimple

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