Focaccia bread is one of the easiest and most delicious breads you can make at home. With a crispy golden crust, airy interior, and a rich olive oil flavor, it’s perfect for sandwiches, dipping, or enjoying on its own. The best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients or baking skills to make it! This easy homemade focaccia bread recipe will guide you through every step, ensuring perfect results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Beginner-friendly – No special baking experience required.
✔ Minimal ingredients – Uses pantry staples.
✔ Crispy & fluffy texture – Perfect balance of crunch and softness.
✔ Customizable – Add your favorite toppings like garlic, cheese, or olives.
✔ Pairs well with everything – Great as a side, snack, or even a pizza base.
Ingredients for Homemade Focaccia Bread
Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious homemade focaccia:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bread flour or all-purpose flour | 4 cups (500g) |
| Active dry yeast or instant yeast | 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) |
| Salt | 2 teaspoons (10g) |
| Warm water | 1 ¾ cups (415ml) |
| Extra virgin olive oil | ¼ cup (60ml), plus extra for drizzling |
| Fresh rosemary leaves | 2 tablespoons |
| Coarse sea salt | For sprinkling |
Optional Add-Ins:
- Minced garlic
- Cherry tomatoes
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Caramelized onions
- Black olives
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Focaccia Bread
1. Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This step ensures the yeast is active and will help your focaccia rise properly.
2. Make the Dough
Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes on medium speed.
3. First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
4. Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with olive oil. Transfer the risen dough to the pan, gently stretching it to fit. Cover and let it rise again for 30–40 minutes.
5. Add Toppings
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Use your fingers to press dimples into the dough. Drizzle generously with olive oil, then sprinkle fresh rosemary and coarse sea salt over the top.
6. Bake the Focaccia
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown and crispy at the edges.
7. Cool and Serve
Let the focaccia cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with olive oil for dipping or as a side to soups and salads.
Tips for the Best Focaccia Bread
- Use good-quality olive oil – It enhances the flavor and texture.
- Knead well – Proper kneading ensures a soft and airy crumb.
- Let it rise fully – This gives focaccia its signature light texture.
- Don’t skimp on toppings – More olive oil and salt make a difference!
- Dimple the dough deeply – This helps distribute the oil and creates the classic focaccia look.
How to Customize Your Focaccia
1. Garlic Herb Focaccia
Add minced garlic and dried oregano before baking.
2. Cheese & Tomato Focaccia
Top with grated Parmesan and halved cherry tomatoes.
3. Olive & Onion Focaccia
Mix sliced black olives and caramelized onions into the dough.
4. Spicy Focaccia
Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
What to Serve with Focaccia
- Dipping Sauces: Olive oil with balsamic vinegar, pesto, or hummus.
- Soups & Salads: Minestrone, tomato soup, or Caesar salad.
- Main Dishes: Pair with pasta, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables.
How to Store and Reheat Focaccia
Storing:
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 1 week, but may lose some softness.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Oven: Warm at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.
- Toaster oven: Toast for 3–5 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a damp paper towel and heat in 15-second intervals.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes! While bread flour gives a slightly chewier texture, all-purpose flour works just as well.
2. How do I make focaccia extra fluffy?
Let the dough rise fully and avoid over-kneading, which can make it dense.
3. Can I make focaccia without yeast?
Focaccia traditionally requires yeast for its airy texture, but you can try a quick-bread version using baking powder.
4. Why is my focaccia too dense?
This usually happens if the dough didn’t rise long enough or if you added too much flour.
5. How can I make gluten-free focaccia?
Use a gluten-free flour blend and add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum to improve texture.
6. Can I refrigerate the dough overnight?
Yes! Let it rise in the fridge overnight, then bring it to room temperature before baking.
Final Thoughts – Try This Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe Today!
Making homemade focaccia bread is easier than you think, and the results are so much better than store-bought. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe will give you perfectly fluffy and crispy focaccia every time.
Why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and start baking this incredible Italian classic today!