Easy Italian Herb Focaccia

There is something so rewarding about making homemade bread for my family.  In the past, breads have scared me, but I am trying to be courageous and try my hand at some easy ones to start with.  I have had this recipe for probably close to a year and finally made it.  It was a hit!  And really easy.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Rise time: 45 minutes, total
Bake time: 30-35 minutes

Ingredients
3 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 envelope RapidRise yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 2/3 cups very warm water (120F to 130F)
2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Mix flour, undissolved yeast, sugar and salt in a large bowl.  Add the water and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, stirring until well mixed.  Spread dough into greased 13x9-inch pan.  Cover.

Let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.

Poke multiple holes into the dough using the handle of a wooden spoon.  Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over dough; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.  Cover.

Let rise an additional 15 minutes while oven preheats to 375F.

Bake 30-35 minutes until lightly browned.  Cool slightly and cut into slices, serve warm.  If desired, serve with additional olive oil for dipping.

My notes:

I think it needs a little extra salt, but not in the dough.  I will probably just sprinkly the top lightly with kosher salt before making next time.

I didn't measure the cheese or the italian seasoning.  I just sprinkled until it looked good.

I was unable to "spread" the dough.  It had to be pressed and pushed and pulled to fill the pan.

The rise time can be lengthened if needed.  We weren't going to be able to eat for a while, so I just let it sit and it didn't hurt a thing.

We didn't dip in additional olive oil.  We dipped in PIZZA SAUCE!  YUM!

This one is definitely a keeper.  It would make a really good appetizer served with the olive oil or pizza sauce for dipping.