Hey y'all! Craving homemade bread that's fluffy, golden, and loaded with irresistible flavor? This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe is the perfect answer for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. Whether you're serving a cozy family dinner, brunch with friends, or need a crowd-pleasing party snack, this focaccia hits the spot every single time. Best of all, it's effortlessly impressive and requires just a handful of pantry staples. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Super simple mixing and rising make it beginner-friendly.
- Customizable with your favorite herbs, toppings, and oils.
- Wonderfully crisp exterior with a soft, airy crumb inside.
- Ready in under 2 hours, including rising and baking time.
- Perfect for sandwiches, soups, sides, and party platters.
Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe Ingredients
- 2 cups (480ml) warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoon (7g) active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon (13g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 ½ teaspoon (9g) kosher salt
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (optional, for topping)
- 1-2 teaspoon flaky sea salt, for finishing
Directions: How to Make Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
1. Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix and Knead the Dough
Add ¼ cup olive oil, kosher salt, and half the flour. Stir until combined, then mix in the remaining flour. When dough starts to pull away from the sides, turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 5 minutes by hand (or use a stand mixer with the dough hook for 3 minutes) until smooth and slightly tacky.
3. First Rise
Drizzle a clean bowl with olive oil, place the dough inside, and turn it to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 45-60 minutes.
4. Shape and Second Rise
Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33cm) baking pan with olive oil. Gently press the risen dough into the pan, spreading it evenly to the edges. Cover and let rise for another 20 minutes.
5. Create the Signature Focaccia Look
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Use your fingertips to dimple the surface of the dough deeply. Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle with chopped rosemary and flaky sea salt.
6. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp on the edges. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Notes for the Best Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- If you prefer a chewier texture, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour. Learn more about different flour types.
- Short on time? Speed up the first rise by letting the dough rest in a very slightly warmed (turned off!) oven.
- For extra flavor, let the dough rise overnight in the fridge for a more developed taste. Find pro tips here.
Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe Variations
- Garlic-Parmesan: Sprinkle minced garlic and grated parmesan cheese over the dough before baking.
- Tomato-Olive: Add halved cherry tomatoes and sliced olives for a Mediterranean twist.
- Pesto Swirl: Drizzle basil pesto over the surface before dimpling for a herby flavor boost.
Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe Required Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Stand mixer (optional)
- Plastic wrap or damp towel
Storage Instructions for Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
Let the focaccia cool completely, then store in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices for up to 2 months—just reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes for that fresh-baked flavor.
Serving Recommendations & Pairings for Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Dunk warm slices in extra virgin olive oil with a dash of balsamic vinegar.
- Serve alongside hearty soups like tomato basil or minestrone.
- Use for making gourmet grilled sandwiches or paninis.
- Pair with fresh salads, antipasti, or cheeses.
Pro Tips for Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe Success
- Don’t skimp on the olive oil—liberal drizzling creates that iconic crispy crust. Explore more professional focaccia baking advice.
- For dramatic dimples, press deeply and evenly with wet fingertips to avoid sticking.
- Letting the dough ferment longer in the refrigerator overnight results in deeper flavor and better texture.
Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe FAQ
- Can I make focaccia bread ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Make it a day in advance and reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to refresh.
- Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
- Yes, substitute in equal amounts and skip the proofing step, mixing it directly with the flour.
- Why is my focaccia dense instead of airy?
- Dense focaccia can be caused by under-kneading, not enough rising time, or using cold water; ensure you use warm water and allow for proper rises.
Ingredients
- 500g all-purpose flour (about 4 cups)
- 2 teaspoons instant dry yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 325ml warm water (1 ⅓ cups)
- 60ml extra-virgin olive oil (¼ cup), plus more for drizzling
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
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1In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
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2Add warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
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3Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes, until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
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4Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil into a baking pan. Turn the dough out onto the pan and gently stretch it to fit the pan. Dimple the dough with your fingertips.
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5Drizzle remaining olive oil over the dough, sprinkle with rosemary and flaky sea salt. Let rest for 20 minutes while preheating the oven to 220°C (425°F).
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6Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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