Whether you prefer a classic farmhouse loaf or a crispy sourdough , there's nothing better than a freshly baked loaf of bread. But while most UK households eat bread each week, many are put off making their own due to a lack of time, equipment or experience. Bread doesn't need to be complicated, however, with many recipes requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal cooking steps.
One such example is focaccia bread, which can be prepared in just five minutes using a handful of key ingredients. Focaccia is a flat, leavened Italian bread often served alongside olive oil and herbs. Food blogger Alexandra shared a simple recipe for "the best" focaccia bread on her blog, Alexandra Cooks.
She said "cold, refrigerated dough" is the secret to the best focaccia, she added: "Allowing the dough to rest 18 to 48 hours in the fridge will yield extra-pillowy and airy focaccia, though if you are pressed for time, you can make this start-to-finish in three hours. "It emerges soft and pillowy, olive oil-crusted, golden all around, and it’s completely irresistible." Her simple, five-ingredient recipe requires just five minutes of hands-on time and no kneading or special equipment.
Here is everything you'll need to try it yourself at home. Ingredients 512g plain flour Two teaspoons of salt Two teaspoons of instant yeast Two cups/470ml water Olive oil Start by whisking together the flour, salt and yeast. Add the water, using a spatula to stir the two together.
Slick the dough with olive.
