If you have been dreaming of biting into warm, fluffy bread with a golden, crispy crust and those signature dimples that make each slice so inviting, then this Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. There’s something magic about this Italian flatbread that makes it so versatile and irresistible, whether you enjoy it straight from the oven, use it as a perfect base for sandwiches, or serve it alongside your favorite soups and salads. With just simple pantry staples, you can create authentic bakery-quality focaccia that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and invites everyone to gather around for a taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of these ingredients—they each play an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and beautiful color in your focaccia. From the olive oil that gives it its distinct richness to the yeast that helps develop a light and fluffy crumb, every component matters.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and body of your bread for a chewy, soft interior.
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast: The magic ingredient that makes your dough rise beautifully and become airy.
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt: Enhances all the other flavors, creating a well-rounded taste.
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C): Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour to form the dough.
- ¼ cup olive oil (plus more for drizzling): Infuses the bread with richness and keeps the crumb tender while adding a lovely golden hue.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Feeds the yeast to spark the perfect rise.
- Flaky sea salt (for topping): Adds a crunchy, salty finish that contrasts with the soft bread.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or other herbs (optional): Brings an aromatic, herbal flavor that elevates the focaccia beautifully.
How to Make Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Mix the Dough
Start by whisking together the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes until it’s delightfully foamy—that’s your sign that the yeast is active and ready. Next, stir in the flour, salt, and olive oil until you form a shaggy dough. This is when the real fun starts as you knead it by hand or with a mixer for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic, which gives your bread its perfect chewy texture.
Step 2: First Rise
Lightly oil a large bowl to prevent sticking, then place your dough inside. Cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel to keep it cozy and warm. Let the dough rise undisturbed for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is when the magic happens—your dough grows light and airy, ready to become the focaccia we all love.
Step 3: Shape and Second Rise
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan generously with olive oil, then punch down the dough to release excess air before pressing it into the pan. Stretch and spread it gently to reach every corner. Cover it once again and let it rise for another 30 to 45 minutes. While you wait, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C)—we want that perfect crisp crust!
Step 4: Add Texture and Bake
Now the fun tactile part comes in: drizzle the dough with a generous amount of olive oil, then use your fingers to press deep dimples all over the surface. This creates those iconic indentations that hold pockets of olive oil and flavor while giving a gorgeous texture. Sprinkle flaky sea salt and optional rosemary on top, then bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the surface. Let the focaccia cool slightly before slicing—it’s worth the wait!
How to Serve Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe
Garnishes
While flaky sea salt and rosemary are classic, don’t be shy with garnishes. Adding halved cherry tomatoes, caramelized onions, olives, or even roasted garlic before baking can transform your focaccia into a flavor powerhouse. These embellishments make your bread not only delicious but visually stunning, perfect for serving at gatherings or cozy dinners.
Side Dishes
This delightful Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes. Whether you’re dipping it into a rich tomato soup, serving it alongside a fresh green salad, or offering it as a side to your favorite pasta, expect compliments galore. Its crisp exterior and tender inside make it a versatile companion for many meals.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your presentation! Slice your focaccia into thick pieces for rustic sandwiches, tear it into chunks for sharing at a party, or create mini focaccia bites topped with various herbs and cheeses as elegant appetizers. This bread’s ease of use and wonderful flavor make it a star on any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to hold back from devouring the entire focaccia at once, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This will keep the bread soft and fresh without drying out. Wrapping it loosely in foil or parchment before sealing helps maintain moisture.
Freezing
To freeze, let the focaccia cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a quick bread fix that tastes just as good as fresh.
Reheating
Reheat your focaccia to revive that crisp crust by warming it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 10 minutes. If you prefer softer bread, wrap it in foil before warming. Microwave is an option for speed, but you’ll lose some of the delightful texture you worked so hard to create.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour for this Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber. Keep in mind the texture will be denser, and you might need a touch more water to achieve the right dough consistency.
Why does my focaccia bread come out dense instead of fluffy?
If your bread turns out dense, it’s often due to under-kneading or not letting the dough rise long enough. Make sure your yeast is fresh and the water is at the right temperature to activate it properly. Giving the dough enough time to double in size is key for that perfect airy texture.
Can I make this dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly and allow it to rest overnight. The slow fermentation will deepen the flavor, and you can bake it fresh the next day by giving it some time at room temperature to come back up before shaping.
Is this Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe vegan?
Definitely! This recipe contains no animal products, making it a great vegan bread option. The olive oil not only adds moisture but also richness that replaces any need for butter or dairy.
What toppings work best for focaccia?
Traditional toppings like rosemary and sea salt never fail, but you can get creative with olives, cherry tomatoes, caramelized onions, or even a sprinkle of grated vegan cheese. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil also pair beautifully with the bread’s flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe is a delightful way to bring a little piece of Italy into your kitchen. It’s approachable, rewarding, and so delicious that you’ll wonder why you ever bought focaccia from the store. Give it a try, and soon you’ll have everyone asking for seconds and even thirds of this golden, dimpled, olive oil-kissed treasure.
Print
Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 pieces
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Homemade Focaccia Bread is a fluffy, golden Italian flatbread known for its crispy exterior, soft interior, and signature dimpled top. Infused with olive oil and sea salt, it’s perfect on its own, as a sandwich base, or served alongside soups and salads. This easy recipe delivers bakery-quality results with simple pantry staples.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
- ¼ cup olive oil (plus more for drizzling and greasing)
Toppings (Optional)
- Flaky sea salt (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or other herbs
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, whisk together warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the Dough: Stir in flour, salt, and olive oil until a shaggy dough forms. Knead by hand or with a mixer for about 5–7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, then let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Pan and Shape Dough: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with olive oil. Punch down the risen dough and press it into the pan, stretching it to the edges. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) while the dough completes its second rise.
- Add Toppings & Create Dimples: Once risen, drizzle the dough generously with olive oil. Use your fingers to press deep dimples all over the surface, then sprinkle flaky sea salt and rosemary or other preferred herbs evenly on top.
- Bake the Focaccia: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on top.
- Cool and Serve: Let the focaccia cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For extra flavor, top with halved cherry tomatoes, olives, caramelized onions, or roasted garlic before baking.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Focaccia can also be frozen for longer storage; thaw and reheat before serving.
