There’s something magical about the aroma of fresh bread wafting through your kitchen—and this focaccia recipe is the perfect way to experience that joy. With its golden crust, pillowy center, and flavorful topping of olive oil and herbs, focaccia is more than just bread—it’s an Italian classic that brings rustic charm to any table.
Originating from Liguria, Italy, focaccia has made its way into homes and bakeries worldwide for good reason. It’s easy to prepare, incredibly versatile, and loved by all ages. Whether served as a side, sandwich base, or snack, this focaccia recipe is a must-try for any home cook.
Why You’ll Love This Focaccia Recipe
- Beginner-Friendly: No fancy equipment or baking experience needed.
- Minimal Ingredients: Just pantry staples and a bit of olive oil magic.
- Crispy & Fluffy: Golden edges with a soft, airy center.
- Customizable: Top it with herbs, garlic, olives, or even cheese.
- Great for Any Meal: Works as an appetizer, side dish, or sandwich base.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Focaccia Recipe
All-Purpose Flour
Forms the structure of the bread, creating a chewy yet airy crumb when hydrated properly.
Active Dry Yeast
Helps the dough rise, giving it that fluffy, airy texture that makes focaccia so satisfying.
Warm Water
Activates the yeast and helps bind the dough into a smooth, elastic consistency.
Olive Oil
Adds rich flavor, keeps the bread moist, and creates a beautifully golden, crisp crust.
Fresh or Dried Rosemary
The star topping—rosemary gives focaccia its signature aromatic punch and pairs perfectly with the olive oil.
Salt
Essential for flavoring both the dough and the top of the bread.
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Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Focaccia Recipe
1. Activate the Yeast
Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy—this means your yeast is alive and ready.
2. Mix the Dough
Combine flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough
Knead for about 5–8 minutes (or use a dough hook). The dough should be soft and elastic but not overly sticky.
4. First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled.
5. Shape in Pan
Transfer the dough to a greased baking pan. Gently press it out with your fingers to fill the pan.
6. Second Rise
Cover and let the dough rise again for 30 minutes. This creates a soft interior.
7. Dimple & Top
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Use your fingers to make deep dimples all over the surface. Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle with rosemary and coarse salt.
8. Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crisp. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Expert Tip: For an extra-crispy crust, add a bit of cornmeal or semolina to the bottom of the pan before adding the dough.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Add Flavor: Top with roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or caramelized onions.
- Make it Cheesy: Sprinkle grated parmesan or mozzarella before baking.
- Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the olive oil before drizzling.
- Sweet Option: Skip the rosemary and top with a light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar and honey for a dessert version.
- Vegan-Friendly: This recipe is naturally vegan—just double-check your yeast.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If this focaccia recipe got you craving more doughy, cheesy, or Italian-inspired bites, you’re in for a treat! Here are a few more recipes that hit the spot:
- BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas – A quick, flavor-packed dish topped with smoky BBQ chicken, melty cheese, and fresh herbs on crispy flatbread.
- Pepperoni Pizza Quesadillas – The ultimate fusion of pizza and quesadilla—cheesy, crispy, and totally satisfying.
- Special Italian Cream Puffs with Custard Filling – End your meal on a sweet note with these light, airy cream puffs filled with silky Italian custard.
These recipes pair perfectly with your next cozy dinner or weekend gathering—bookmark them for your next crave-worthy meal!
How to Store & Reheat
- To Store: Wrap cooled focaccia in foil or keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- To Reheat: Warm slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, or briefly toast them in a skillet for a crisp edge.
- To Freeze: Wrap in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat before serving.
These recipes are easy to make and perfect for pizza night or weekend baking fun!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is focaccia bread made of?
Focaccia is made from a simple yeast dough consisting of flour, water, olive oil, salt, and yeast. It’s topped with herbs and often coarse salt before baking.
Can I make focaccia without a mixer?
Absolutely! Focaccia is beginner-friendly and easy to make by hand with just a large bowl and spoon or your hands for kneading.
Why do you dimple focaccia?
Dimpling prevents large air bubbles from forming and allows olive oil to pool in the pockets, creating flavor-packed bites and a signature texture.
How do I know when focaccia is done baking?
The top should be golden brown, and it should sound hollow when tapped. The edges should pull slightly from the sides of the pan.
Can I make focaccia gluten-free?
Yes! Use a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but note the texture will be slightly different—still delicious, though.
This focaccia recipe brings the comforting warmth of homemade bread right to your table—with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you’re making it for your family, friends, or just yourself, one bite will have everyone asking for seconds.
✨ Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out in the comments! For more beginner-friendly bread recipes, don’t forget to follow along and subscribe for updates.
Focaccia Bread
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 packet 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1½ cups warm water about 110°F
- ¼ cup olive oil plus more for topping
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary or 1 tbsp dried
- Coarse sea salt for topping
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 5–8 minutes until soft and elastic.
- Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and spread the dough evenly using your fingers.
- Cover and let the dough rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Use your fingers to dimple the dough. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle rosemary and coarse sea salt on top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool slightly, cut into squares, and serve warm or at room temperature.