Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
If you have been searching for a comforting yet effortlessly impressive bread to elevate your meals, this Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. This Italian classic is soft on the inside with a perfectly crisp crust, enriched with fragrant rosemary and a generous drizzle of olive oil. Whether you’re new to baking bread or a seasoned pro, this recipe blends simple ingredients and straightforward steps that make the process fun and rewarding. The result is a luscious loaf that’s perfect as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a snack on its own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients are the magic behind the delightful texture and flavor of focaccia. Each one plays a key role, from the elasticity of the dough to the aromatic touches that make this bread unforgettable.
- Bread Flour (4 cups / 500g): Provides strong gluten structure for that chewy, airy crumb essential to focaccia.
- Active Dry Yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons / 7g): The leavening agent that helps your dough rise beautifully for a light texture.
- Salt (2 teaspoons / 10g): Enhances flavor and balances the yeast’s activity.
- Warm Water (1 ¾ cups / 415ml): Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour for softness.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (¼ cup / 60ml plus extra for drizzling): Adds richness and creates that golden crust everyone loves.
- Fresh Rosemary Leaves (2 tablespoons): Infuses the focaccia with herbaceous, earthy perfume that makes it so inviting.
- Coarse Sea Salt: Sprinkled on top for a satisfying crunch and burst of flavor.
How to Make Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
Step 1: Mix and Knead the Dough
Begin by combining your flour, salt, and yeast in a large bowl. Pour in the warm water and olive oil, then mix until the dough just starts to come together in a shaggy mass. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky—this kneading creates the gluten network responsible for focaccia’s irresistible chew.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Transfer your kneaded dough to an oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and place it somewhere warm to rise. This first rise should take about 1 to 2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size. This waiting time develops flavor and lightens the texture, your patience will pay off!
Step 3: Shape and Dimple the Focaccia
Grease a baking sheet generously with olive oil and gently stretch the dough to fit the pan’s dimensions. Avoid pressing too hard, as you want to retain those lovely bubbles in the dough. Then, with your fingertips, make the iconic dimples all over the surface—these little indentations not only look charming but help trap olive oil and seasonings.
Step 4: Second Rise
Cover your prepared dough and let it rise again for approximately 30 minutes. This final rise lets the dough relax and puff up, guaranteeing moistness and a delicate crumb after baking.
Step 5: Top and Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Drizzle the dough generously with olive oil, then sprinkle the coarse sea salt and fresh rosemary evenly across the surface. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, watching as it turns a gorgeous golden brown. Your kitchen will fill with heartwarming aromas—pure joy!
How to Serve Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like extra fresh rosemary sprigs or a light brush of olive oil right out of the oven elevate this focaccia to a gourmet level. You can also add thinly sliced garlic or cherry tomatoes before baking for bursts of flavor and color.
Side Dishes
This focaccia pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, and Italian classics like antipasto platters featuring cured meats, cheeses, and olives. It’s perfect for soaking up rich tomato sauces or as a soft, flavorful companion to roasted vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the focaccia into squares or strips and serve with flavored olive oils or balsamic vinegar for dipping. You can also turn it into a flatbread pizza by adding toppings before the second rise. Impress your guests by layering it with fresh mozzarella and basil for an instant caprese treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your focaccia tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to preserve its freshness. Stored at room temperature, it will stay soft and delicious for up to 2 days.
Freezing
To enjoy focaccia longer, freeze it after baking by wrapping well in foil and placing in a freezer bag. When you want a slice, thaw at room temperature or warm it directly in the oven. Freezing preserves both taste and texture for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat focaccia in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 10 minutes to restore its crispness and warmth. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread chewy or soggy, and we want that perfect crunch!
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Absolutely! While bread flour gives a chewier texture thanks to its higher protein content, all-purpose flour works just fine and is more readily available. Your focaccia will still be delicious and soft.
Do I have to use fresh rosemary?
Fresh rosemary adds the best aroma and texture, but if you only have dried rosemary, you can use about a teaspoon. Just sprinkle it sparingly to avoid overpowering the bread.
Why does my focaccia come out dense?
Dense focaccia is usually caused by under-kneading or not allowing the dough enough time to rise. Make sure to knead until elastic and let your dough double in size during the first rise.
Can I add other toppings?
Definitely! Focaccia is versatile. Try olives, sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, or even thinly sliced potatoes for exciting variations. Add toppings before the second rise for best results.
How long does the dough keep in the fridge?
You can refrigerate the dough covered for up to 24 hours to develop more flavor. Take it out and let it come to room temperature before shaping and proceeding with the second rise.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe is such a joy to make and even more delightful to share. Its inviting aroma, delightful texture, and simple ingredients will surely win a place in your heart and kitchen. So roll up your sleeves, gather those ingredients, and let’s bake some homemade comfort that feels like a warm hug. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making focaccia again and again.
Print
Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy Focaccia Bread recipe delivers a soft, airy, and flavorful Italian flatbread, perfect as an appetizer or side dish. With a simple dough enriched with olive oil and fresh rosemary, this homemade focaccia boasts a crispy golden crust and signature dimples, making it ideal for any meal or snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups (500g) bread flour or all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons (10g) salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups (415ml) warm water
- ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling and greasing
Topping
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Mixing and Kneading the Dough: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 2 ¼ teaspoons of yeast. Add 1 ¾ cups of warm water and ¼ cup of olive oil. Stir together until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl and place the dough inside, turning once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1-2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Shaping and Dimpling the Focaccia: Grease a large baking sheet with olive oil. Gently stretch and press the risen dough to fit the pan. Using your fingertips, create deep dimples all over the surface of the dough without tearing it. This step is key for that classic focaccia texture.
- Second Rise: Cover the dough loosely again and let it rest for about 30 minutes to puff up slightly before baking.
- Topping and Baking: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Drizzle the focaccia generously with olive oil, then sprinkle with coarse sea salt and fresh rosemary leaves. Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the bread is golden brown and crisp on the outside.
Notes
- Use bread flour for a chewier texture, or all-purpose flour for a lighter crumb.
- Ensure the water is warm but not hot (around 100-110°F/38-43°C) to activate the yeast properly.
- Fresh rosemary enhances flavor, but dried rosemary can be used in a pinch—use about 1 tablespoon.
- After baking, let the focaccia cool slightly before slicing to preserve its texture.
- This focaccia breads well freezes—slice before freezing and toast slices when ready to eat.
- Top variations include olives, cherry tomatoes, caramelized onions, or garlic for extra flavor.
- Remember the dimpling step to avoid large air bubbles and to hold the olive oil and toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th of recipe)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: focaccia bread, Italian bread, rosemary focaccia, easy homemade bread, flatbread recipe, olive oil bread
