Loaf Tin Focaccia

Loaf Tin Focaccia

One of the best things about my Loaf Tin Focaccia is that the focaccia dough serves as a starting point for so many other things. In this recipe, I’ve popped olives on top of it (because cooked olive bread is such a savoury treat that needs nothing else) but this bread is the base. The options for the topping or to disperse throughout the dough feels endless.

Bread for Beginners

For a lot of home cooks, bread stays well and truly off the menu as it is seen as difficult. There’s some science involved: how does it rise? How does it stay fluffy? So many variables with bread. But when it comes to focaccia, it’s a lot more simple than you might think.

Why Focaccia?

Focaccia is a delightful type of Italian bread, easily recognizable by its dimpled surface. These dimples are perfect for soaking up olive oil, making each bite a savory treat. Typically, focaccia bread is flavored with olive oil, herbs, and coarse salt, creating a simple yet delicious bread cuisine. Whether you’re using a stand mixer or mixing by hand, focaccia is a fantastic option for beginners looking to dive into bread making. Its straightforward process and forgiving nature make it an excellent starting point for any aspiring baker.

Focaccia Bread

Focaccia is an ancient bread. Before we had all the kitchen bells and whistles, focaccia was being baked. Its origins are from the Mediterranean – particularly Italy. The history of focaccia spans thousands of years, and its name comes from the Latin word “focus,” which means “hearth” or “fireplace,” referring to the way it was originally baked on hot stones or in a clay oven.

Traditional methods often emphasize the importance of a dough rest period to enhance the texture and flavor of the focaccia.

Today, focaccia is beloved in many countries around the world, especially in the Mediterranean region. Its versatility allows it to be served in many ways: as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as a sandwich bread (such as focaccia farcita in Italy, where it’s filled with meats, cheese, or vegetables – delicious!).

Though its exact origins may be difficult to pinpoint, focaccia’s long history and enduring popularity are a testament to its simplicity and deliciousness.

Experimenting with Flavours and Dough Rest

So, with the knowledge that even the Italian bakers are experimenting with flavours on it, you can too!

Here’s some of the flavours I’d recommend:

• Garlic confit – c’mon! We knew this would happen. Of course garlic confit!

• Chilli – yep, incorporate some Italian style chilli oil and you’ll get a little kick from the loaf – perfect for cheeses and deli meats.

• Truffle – if you can get your hands on the delicious fungi, this bread is about to become elevated to extraordinary heights!

Topping Ideas

One of the joys of making focaccia bread is its incredible versatility when it comes to toppings. Here are some popular ideas to inspire your next bake:

• Fresh rosemary: A classic choice that pairs beautifully with the rich flavor of olive oil.

• Flaky sea salt: Adds a delicate crunch and enhances the overall flavor of the bread.

• Fresh herbs: Thyme, oregano, and basil are all excellent options to sprinkle on top.

• Cheese: Parmesan, mozzarella, or even a mix of cheeses can add a delightful burst of flavor.

• Cured meats: Thin slices of prosciutto, salami, or other cured meats can elevate your focaccia to a new level.

• Olives or artichoke hearts: These add a salty, savory dimension that complements the bread perfectly.

Feel free to mix and match these toppings to create your own unique mini focaccia recipe! You can view all my focaccia topping ideas here. 

The Loaf Pan

To make a mini loaf pan focaccia, what’s the one thing you’ll need? Oh, yes! A loaf tin! This is what will make it into a shape that you can cut into sandwich slices or pieces to be toasted.

If you don’t have a loaf tin, you can also use a quarter sheet baking pan, but be mindful of how the dough might fit. I like to use a loaf pan that is 23x13cm / 9x5inches.

Ingredients and Equipment

To whip up a small batch focaccia bread, you’ll need to combine flour, salt, and sugar before adding the yeast mixture.

• Bread flour – I always like to use bread flour to make focaccia dough but all purpose flour will work in this recipe too.

• Salt – Kosher or fine sea salt works best. 

• Honey – This is to help activate the yeast and to also slightly flavour the dough. You can replace the honey with sugar or maple syrup if you would like to keep this recipe vegan. 

• Yeast – You can use any yeast you like but I always use a 7g sachet of active dry yeast. This is the yeast I always buy. 

• Warm water – if you have a digital thermometer, heat your water to 100 degrees F / 34 degrees C

• Olive oil – Always try and source a high quality extra virgin olive oil when making focaccia as it’s such a a crucial ingredient in this recipe. The olive oil is what gives focaccia its unique flavour and texture. 

This small batch recipe ensures you have just enough focaccia to enjoy without any leftovers.

Benefits of Using a Loaf Pan

Using a loaf pan helps the focaccia maintain its shape and makes it easier to slice. The pan also ensures even baking, which is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.

Bake until the top is golden brown, indicating that the focaccia is fully cooked and has a crisp outer layer.

Using a loaf pan to make focaccia bread offers several benefits that can enhance your baking experience. Firstly, it helps you achieve a perfectly rectangular shape, making the bread easy to slice and serve. The loaf pan also contains the dough during the rising process, preventing it from spreading too much and ensuring a consistent thickness. Additionally, baking in a loaf pan can create a wonderfully crispy crust on the bottom of the bread, providing a delightful contrast to the soft, fluffy interior. Whether you’re making a small batch focaccia or a larger loaf, a loaf pan is a valuable tool in your baking arsenal.

Happy Baking!

With these ingredients and tools at your disposal, you’re all set to create a delicious small batch focaccia bread that’s perfect for snacking or serving as a side dish. Happy baking! 

If you make this recipe, please tag me on Instagram, Tik Tok or Pinterest so I can see your wonderful creations from Daen’s Kitchen!

If you have any questions or would like to leave a review, please do so here! I always love answering your food and recipe related questions and hearing your feedback on my recipes.