Instructions for How To Make Easy Focaccia Bread

• Start by pouring your warm water into a large mixing bowl. Add the warm melted butter, maple syrup, salt, and then the active yeast. Stir 2 or 3 times and then allow this mixture to sit (at room temperature or in a warm room in your home) for 5-10 minutes. The yeast will start to activate and grow in the bowl and the mixture will smell like yeast.
• Add your flour and mix until a sticky and stretchy dough is formed. Form the dough into a mound. Cover it with a thin damp kitchen towel. Allow the mixture to rest in the bowl for up to two hours (minimum of one hour). The dough should double in size. A trick I like to do is to sit the bowl on top or (or near) an oven preheated to 350. The heat from the oven helps the dough rise faster.
• Once the dough has risen, transfer it into a well oiled baking dish. Use your hands to evenly distribute the dough in the dish. Drizzle the top of the dough with olive oil and then use your fingers to press down into the dough to form bubbles. Cover the dough with the damp towel again and place it back in the warm spot to rise for another hour.
• Preheat your oven to 425.
• Once the focaccia dough has risen, it's time to place your toppings in. Place your sliced garlic, tomato slices, and parsley. Then, drizzle with a little more olive oil and sprinkle with flakey sea salt. Bake in the oven for about 35 minutes or until the dough has completely risen and is crusty on top and golden brown in color. Slice and serve warm.