Description
This Halloween Spider Olive Focaccia Bread is a festive twist on traditional focaccia, featuring black olive ‘spiders’ scattered atop a light and airy bread dough infused with garlic, rosemary, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes. Perfect for spooky gatherings or holiday-themed meals, this no-knead focaccia is easy to prepare and deliciously flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (not rapid-rise)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp table salt
- 2 3/4 cups cold water
- 2/3 cups olive oil
Topping Ingredients
- Approximately 1 cup black pitted olives
- 2-3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 1 tsp coarse sea salt
- 1/4-1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, sugar, and table salt. Stir to mix the dry ingredients evenly.
- Add Liquids and Mix: Pour in the cold water and 1/3 cup of the olive oil. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon or hands until a wet, sticky dough forms.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let the dough rest at room temperature for 18-24 hours. This slow fermentation develops the flavor and texture without kneading.
- Prepare the Pan: Drizzle remaining olive oil into a large baking pan or sheet pan and spread it evenly.
- Shape the Dough: Scrape the dough from the bowl into the oiled pan, gently stretching it out to cover the base. Cover and let it rise for 1-2 hours until puffed.
- Prepare the Topping Mix: In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, crushed red pepper flakes, and coarse sea salt with the remaining olive oil.
- Create Olive Spiders: Cut black olives in half for the spider bodies and slice other olives thinly to create spider legs. Arrange the olive spiders evenly on top of the dough.
- Add Dimpling: Use your fingertips to gently press dimples across the surface of the dough around the olive spiders to hold the toppings and sauce.
- Drizzle and Season: Spoon the garlic and rosemary oil mixture evenly over the dough and olives, ensuring good coverage.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the focaccia turns golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before cutting into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- No-knead focaccia yields a soft, airy texture without extensive effort.
- The black olives arranged as spiders add a creative Halloween touch.
- The garlic, rosemary, and crushed red pepper oil enhances the savory flavor profile.
- Use cold water and a slow rise to develop deep flavor and ideal texture.
- Store leftover focaccia wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/15th of the focaccia)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg