This bread has completely ruined me for all store bought sandwich breads out there. I cannot get enough of the crunch on the outside. It is seriously heavenly. This bread is also super simple to make and you can add any toppings you want.
What is Schiacciata?
You are probably like, umm… what the heck are you talking about? I have never even heard of this bread before. I feel like it is so underrated and yet should be sold everywhere! Schiacciata is like the cousin of focaccia. This is technically a Tuscan flatbread, and it is perfect for sandwiches.
It is a thin and crispy type of focaccia bread that is simple to make and creates the best sandwiches. It is thin, chewy and crispy versus it’s cousin focaccia that is spongy, tall and softer on the inside.
What is in Schiacciata bread?
I bet that you have almost everything you need right now at home to make this delicious Tuscan flatbread. Here is all you need.
Instant Dry Yeast-Â I love using instant dry yeast in my recipes because it doesn’t need to be activated. However, if all you have is dry active, that is ok. Just bloom it in lukewarm water first.
Bread Flour- Bread flour is best in this recipe, but you can also use all-purpose if that is all you have at home. The bread flour will just give you a little chewier texture on the inside here, but you can certainly swap in this recipe.
Kosher Salt- Always kosher salt in my kitchen. If you want to add a little sea salt on the top of this bread, that will work too. But I love Kosher salt for the inside mix.
Olive Oil- This is for flavor and a little bit for crunch.
Toppings-Â I kept mine simple with just a little sea salt on top. You can add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage or even oregano to the top. You can also add tomatoes, caramelized onions, or even olives on the to if you wish. Get creative, have fun!
Water-Â It is important to lukewarm water if you are using active dry yeast, but the temperature of the water is not super important if you are using instant yeast
Chef’s Tips-Â
This recipe is super simple and so there is not much help needed here. I will say, though, like any good bread make sure you knead it until it is smooth. You can start this process in the mixer, but I always like to finish with a good hand kneading. Knead the dough until it is smooth and springs back when you press on it.
Lastly, be careful with any toppings that are too wet. You want to make sure there is not too much added moisture. Otherwise, your bread may come out too spongy. Enjoy and have fun making different flavor combinations!
Schiacciata Bread
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 1 cup lukewarm water
- 1 package instant dry yeast
- 2 cups all purpose or bread flour
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tsp sea salt
- toppings-optional- fresh herbs tomatoes, caramelized onions, olives
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Measure the water into a measuring cup and stir in the yeast and if using active dry, let it sit for 5-10 minutes. If using instant, you can skip that step.
- Meanwhile, mix the flour with the salt. You can use a stand mixer for this. Use the hook attachment and turn it on low. With the mixer running, add the water and yeast mixture in a slow and steady stream. Turn the mixer up to medium speed and mix until the dough comes together. Pull the dough out of the bowl and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth. Flour your hands if needed, this should be a slightly sticky dough.
- Grease a large bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside to rise. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and allow it to rise in a warm, dark spot for about an hour or until it is doubled in size.
- Spread a half sheet pan with some olive oil, about 2 tbsp. Lay the dough on top of the olive oil and stretch it with your finger tips into the size of the pan. Make small dimples in the dough with the tips of your fingers as well. This will give you the signature look. Sprinkle with sea salt and any toppings you want to add. Let it rise about 20 minutes more.
- Bake in the middle of the rack for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Slice into wedges or squares and enjoy on it's own or in a sandwich. ENJOY!
