Focaccia is a classic Italian bread known for its fluffy texture, crispy golden crust, and rich olive oil flavor. This homemade focaccia bread recipe is easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers bakery-quality results right from your kitchen. Whether you enjoy it as a side dish, sandwich bread, or appetizer, this focaccia will impress your taste buds!
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe
Easy to Make – No complicated steps, just simple ingredients and patience.
Incredibly Fluffy & Crispy – Perfect balance of soft interior and golden crust.
Versatile & Customizable – Add herbs, garlic, cheese, or olives for extra flavor.
Great for Meal Prep – Stays fresh for days and freezes well.
Ingredients
For this homemade focaccia bread, you’ll need:
Dough:
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water (about 110°F / 45°C)
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus more for greasing)
- 1 tsp sugar
Toppings:
- 3 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)
- 1 tsp flaky sea salt
- 1 tsp dried rosemary (or fresh, chopped)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- Cherry tomatoes, olives, or caramelized onions (optional for extra toppings)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Activate the Yeast
- In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and 2 tbsp olive oil.
- Mix with a wooden spoon or hands until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3: First Rise
- Grease a large bowl with olive oil, place the dough inside, and cover with a damp towel.
- Let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
4: Shape & Second Rise
- Grease a baking pan (9×13 inches) with olive oil.
- Transfer the dough to the pan, stretching it gently to fit.
- Cover and let it rise for 30-40 minutes.
5: Create the Signature Dimples
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Use your fingers to press deep dimples into the dough surface.
- Drizzle olive oil generously over the top, allowing it to pool in the dimples.
6: Add Toppings & Bake
- Sprinkle flaky salt, rosemary, and garlic over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Let it cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Focaccia
- Use Good Quality Olive Oil – It enhances the flavor and texture.
- Dimple Deeply – This helps absorb the olive oil and prevents air pockets.
- Let It Rise Properly – More rising time = fluffier focaccia.
- Experiment with Toppings – Try sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, or caramelized onions.
Serve Focaccia
- As a Side Dish – Serve with pasta, soups, or salads.
- For Sandwiches – Slice and fill with cheese, meats, or roasted veggies.
- As an Appetizer – Dip in balsamic vinegar & olive oil.
Store & Reheat
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: Keeps fresh for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make focaccia without yeast?
Yes! You can use baking powder as a substitute, but the texture will be denser.
2. Why is my focaccia not fluffy?
Ensure your yeast is active, allow enough rising time, and don’t over-knead the dough.
3. Can I make focaccia gluten-free?
Yes! Use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum for better texture.
4. Can I add cheese to my focaccia?
Absolutely! Parmesan, mozzarella, or feta make great additions.
5. How do I get a crispy crust?
Baking at a high temperature and using plenty of olive oil helps achieve that perfect crispy crust.
With this easy homemade focaccia recipe, you’ll be baking like an Italian chef in no time! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this foolproof guide ensures your focaccia turns out soft, fluffy, and full of flavor.
Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out in the comments! 🍞✨