Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe

Few things can beat the warm, golden crust and pillowy softness of freshly baked focaccia bread! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to bread-making, this easy focaccia recipe will become a household favorite. With its crisp edges, fluffy center, and signature dimples soaked with olive oil, this bread pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or a charcuterie board.

Let’s dive into making this Italian classic that’s both simple and utterly delicious.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this super easy focaccia bread:

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 ¾ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 4 tablespoons olive oil

For Topping:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
• 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This step ensures your yeast is active and ready to make the dough rise.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center, then add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Mix until a sticky dough forms. You can use a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

4. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for about 5–6 minutes.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Prepare the Pan

6. Grease a round or rectangular baking pan generously with olive oil. Punch down the dough to release air, then spread it into the prepared pan, using your fingers to press it out evenly.

Step 6: Add the Signature Dimples

7. Drizzle the dough with olive oil and use your fingertips to press deep dimples all over the surface. Don’t hold back – these dimples are where the oil and seasonings will collect, giving the focaccia its signature flavor.

Step 7: Season the Dough

8. Sprinkle flaky sea salt, dried herbs, garlic powder, and fresh rosemary (if using) evenly over the top.

Step 8: Final Rise

9. Cover the pan loosely with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise again for 30–40 minutes.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

10. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the focaccia for 20–25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and the edges are crisp.
11. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Focaccia is incredibly versatile! Serve it as:

• A side for hearty soups or stews
• A base for sandwiches
• An accompaniment to pasta dishes
• A star on your cheese or charcuterie board

For extra flair, dip it into a mixture of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Tips and Tricks

• Make it Cheesy: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan or mozzarella on top before baking for a cheesy twist.
• Get Creative with Toppings: Add sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, or olives for extra flavor.
• Storage: Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

• Calories: ~190
• Carbs: 28g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 7g
  

  The History of Focaccia Bread

  Focaccia dates back to ancient Rome, where it was known as panis focacius, referring to bread baked on the hearth. It’s one of Italy’s oldest bread recipes, thought to have originated in the Liguria region. Over time, each region of Italy added its unique twist to focaccia – from adding cheese in Genoa to stuffing it with onions in Bari. Today, focaccia has become a beloved bread around the world, thanks to its simplicity and rich flavors.

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  Flavor Variations for Every Occasion

  Focaccia is a blank canvas for creativity, making it perfect for any flavor profile. Here are some variations to try:

  1. Mediterranean Focaccia: Add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta for a Mediterranean twist.
  2. Garlic-Parmesan Focaccia: Brush minced garlic mixed with olive oil over the top and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan before baking.
  3. Sweet Focaccia: Top the dough with honey, cinnamon, and thinly sliced pears for a dessert-like version.
  4. Garden Herb Focaccia: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or sage for a garden-inspired flavor.

  Each variation can transform focaccia into a dish suited for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

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  How to Customize for Dietary Preferences

  This focaccia recipe is naturally vegetarian, but you can easily adapt it to suit other dietary needs:

  • Vegan: Swap out honey (if using) for agave syrup or maple syrup in sweeter versions, and double-check that your toppings are plant-based.
  • Gluten-Free: Use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend and add an extra teaspoon of xanthan gum to help mimic the texture of traditional focaccia.
  • Low-Sodium: Reduce the salt in the dough and skip the flaky sea salt topping; instead, enhance flavor with herbs and garlic.
  • High-Protein: Mix in chickpea flour (up to 25% of the total flour) to add extra protein without compromising the texture.

  These tweaks ensure that everyone at the table can enjoy this crowd-pleaser.

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  How to Make Ahead and Store

  Focaccia is a fantastic make-ahead bread for meal prepping or entertaining. Here’s how to plan ahead:

  1. Make the Dough in Advance: Prepare the dough up to Step 4, then refrigerate it overnight. This slow fermentation adds a deeper flavor to the bread.
  2. Freeze the Dough: After the first rise, shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before proceeding with the recipe.
  3. Bake and Store: Once baked, focaccia can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw if frozen, then warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes.

  Making focaccia ahead of time is a lifesaver for holidays or busy weekdays.

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  Serving Focaccia Throughout the Year

  Focaccia is versatile enough to enjoy year-round, and the toppings can easily be adjusted for the season:

  • Spring: Use fresh asparagus tips, peas, and goat cheese for a vibrant spring focaccia.
  • Summer: Top with heirloom tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella for a caprese-inspired focaccia.
  • Autumn: Incorporate roasted butternut squash, sage, and walnuts for a hearty fall version.
  • Winter: Use caramelized onions, blue cheese, and dried cranberries to bring warmth to colder months.

  Tailoring the flavors to the season ensures your focaccia stays exciting and fits any occasion.

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  Pairing Focaccia with Beverages

  Focaccia pairs beautifully with a variety of drinks:

  • Wine: A glass of dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the olive oil and herbs, while a Chianti works well with richer toppings.
  • Beer: Light beers like lagers highlight the bread’s subtle flavors, while hoppy IPAs add a bold contrast to cheese or garlic focaccia.
  • Non-Alcoholic Options: Sparkling water with a splash of lemon or iced herbal tea are refreshing and pair well with the bread’s richness.
  • Coffee or Espresso: A lightly sweetened focaccia topped with fruits can pair surprisingly well with coffee for a unique breakfast option.

  Choosing the right drink can elevate the dining experience, whether it’s a casual snack or a dinner party centerpiece.