This Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread is a delicious Italian flatbread that combines a crisp, golden crust with a soft, airy interior. The perfect balance of flavors comes from the fragrant rosemary, coarse sea salt, and the richness of extra virgin olive oil. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a side dish, or using it as a base for sandwiches, this focaccia will surely impress with its simple yet incredible taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe for focaccia is straightforward and doesn’t require any special skills or tools. The dough comes together easily, and the result is a flavorful, fluffy bread with a delightful texture. With its crispy edges and soft center, focaccia makes a fantastic accompaniment to soups, salads, or even just a slice with a drizzle of olive oil. The fresh rosemary and sea salt add an aromatic touch, making it the ideal bread for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (500g) bread flour or all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons (10g) salt
- 1¾ cups (415ml) warm water
- ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Mix and Knead the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast. Add the warm water and ¼ cup of olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape and Dimple: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a baking sheet with olive oil. Gently stretch the dough to fit the pan. Use your fingertips to create dimples all over the surface.
- Second Rise: Cover the dough and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Add Toppings and Bake: Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the dough. Sprinkle with fresh rosemary leaves and coarse sea salt. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Garlic and Herb Focaccia: Add minced garlic and fresh herbs such as thyme or oregano to the dough for a fragrant, savory twist.
- Cheese-Stuffed Focaccia: Fold in shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese before baking for a cheesy version of this delicious bread.
- Olive Focaccia: Add black or green olives to the dough before baking for a Mediterranean-inspired focaccia.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia: Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a few olives for an extra burst of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the focaccia for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or in a toaster oven for a crispy finish.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for bread flour. The texture might be slightly less chewy, but it will still be delicious.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, active dry yeast will work just as well. You’ll need to activate it in warm water before adding it to the flour mixture. Instant yeast, however, can be added directly to the dry ingredients.
How can I get my focaccia to be extra fluffy?
Make sure you give the dough plenty of time to rise, especially the first rise. The longer the dough rises, the more airy and fluffy your focaccia will be.
Can I add other toppings to the focaccia?
Absolutely! You can top the focaccia with olives, onions, cheese, or even a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for added flavor. The possibilities are endless!
Can I make focaccia in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before shaping, dimpling, and proceeding with the second rise and baking.
Can I make this focaccia gluten-free?
While this recipe is designed for wheat flour, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the bread flour. Make sure to check the packaging for any necessary adjustments to yeast or liquid measurements.
Why do I need to create dimples in the dough?
The dimples in the dough help create a signature texture for focaccia. They also allow the olive oil and toppings to soak into the bread, creating a flavorful, crispy crust.
What is the best way to store focaccia?
Focaccia is best stored in a paper bag or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel at room temperature. If you have leftover focaccia, you can wrap it in plastic and store it in the refrigerator for a few days.
Can I freeze focaccia?
Yes, you can freeze focaccia. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven to restore its crispy texture.
What can I serve with focaccia?
Focaccia is perfect as an appetizer with olive oil for dipping, served alongside pasta dishes, or even used as a sandwich base. It’s also delicious when paired with fresh salads or soups.
Conclusion
This Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread is a delightful and versatile recipe that’s perfect for any meal or occasion. With its crisp crust, airy interior, and rich olive oil flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether served as a side, used for sandwiches, or enjoyed on its own, this focaccia will leave everyone asking for more. Give it a try, and enjoy the authentic taste of Italy right in your own kitchen!
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Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread
This Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread is a classic Italian flatbread with a crispy golden crust, soft, airy interior, and rich olive oil flavor. Topped with fresh rosemary and coarse sea salt, this focaccia recipe is perfect as an appetizer, sandwich bread, or side dish. It’s simple to make, requires no special equipment, and delivers authentic, bakery-style results at home!
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups (500g) bread flour or all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons (10g) salt
- 1¾ cups (415ml) warm water
- ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
1. Mix and Knead the Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and yeast.
- Add the warm water and ¼ cup of olive oil, then mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
2. First Rise:
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Shape and Dimple:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Grease a baking sheet with olive oil. Stretch the dough to fit the pan.
- Use your fingertips to press dimples all over the surface.
4. Second Rise:
- Cover and let the dough rise again for 30 minutes.
5. Add Toppings & Bake:
- Drizzle with extra olive oil, then sprinkle with rosemary leaves and coarse sea salt.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
6. Cool & Serve:
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Fluffier Focaccia: Allow the dough to rise longer for extra airiness.
- Garlic Infused: Add minced garlic to the olive oil before drizzling for added flavor.
- Cheesy Version: Sprinkle Parmesan or mozzarella before baking.
- Whole Wheat Option: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Bread
- Method: Mixing, Rising, Baking
- Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
