Why You’ll Love Making Skillet Focaccia Bread
Imagine pulling a warm, golden-brown loaf of skillet focaccia bread out of the oven—its crispy edges glistening with olive oil, the soft, airy interior infused with hints of rosemary and garlic. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water.
Homemade focaccia is surprisingly easy to make, requiring only a handful of ingredients and minimal effort. By using a cast iron skillet, you get a perfect balance of crispy crust and fluffy texture, making this bread an excellent side dish, sandwich base, or snack. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this one-pan focaccia recipe will become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients for Skillet Focaccia Bread
Before you start, gather these simple ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect texture and flavor.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Active dry yeast | 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) | Helps the dough rise and creates a light texture |
| Warm water | 1 ¼ cups (110°F / 43°C) | Activates the yeast for proper fermentation |
| Honey or sugar | 1 tbsp | Feeds the yeast and enhances flavor |
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups | Provides structure and softness |
| Salt | 1 tsp | Balances the flavors |
| Olive oil | ¼ cup, plus more | Adds moisture, flavor, and a crispy crust |
| Fresh rosemary | 1 tbsp, chopped (or 1 tsp dried) | Infuses the bread with a fragrant herbal note |
| Garlic powder (optional) | ½ tsp | Enhances the savory depth |
| Coarse sea salt | For topping | Adds crunch and extra flavor |
| Balsamic vinegar (optional) | 1 tbsp | For a tangy drizzle on top |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Skillet Focaccia Bread
1. Activate the Yeast
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and honey (or sugar).
- Stir and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is activated.
2. Mix the Dough
- Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Drizzle in ¼ cup olive oil and mix until combined.
3. Knead the Dough
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
4. Let the Dough Rise
- Grease a large bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside.
- Cover with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
5. Prepare the Skillet
- Generously grease a cast iron skillet (10-12 inches) with olive oil.
- Transfer the risen dough to the skillet and stretch it gently to fit.
6. Dimple and Flavor the Dough
- Use your fingers to press deep dimples into the dough.
- Brush the top with more olive oil and sprinkle with chopped rosemary, garlic powder (if using), and coarse sea salt.
7. Second Rise
- Cover the skillet with a towel and let the dough rest for another 20–30 minutes.
8. Bake the Focaccia
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake the focaccia for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on top.
9. Add the Final Touches
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar for extra depth of flavor (optional).
- Let the bread cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Why Skillet Focaccia Bread Is So Special
- Crispy yet fluffy – The skillet gives the focaccia a crispy crust while keeping the inside light and airy.
- Easy to make – No special equipment or complicated techniques required.
- Versatile – Enjoy it as a side, sandwich base, or even pizza crust.
- Customizable – Add your favorite toppings like cheese, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Tips for the Best Focaccia Bread
- Use fresh yeast – Expired yeast won’t allow the dough to rise properly.
- Let the dough rise fully – Don’t rush the process; a good rise ensures a light texture.
- Be generous with olive oil – It creates a crispy, golden crust.
- Dimple deeply – The dimples hold oil and seasoning, enhancing flavor.
- Bake in a cast iron skillet – This gives the best texture, but a baking dish works too.
Delicious Variations to Try
1. Cheesy Garlic Focaccia
- Add ½ cup of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan before baking for a gooey, cheesy bite.
2. Tomato Basil Focaccia
- Top with sliced cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for a classic Italian touch.
3. Olive & Herb Focaccia
- Add sliced black or green olives along with oregano and thyme.
4. Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese Focaccia
- Spread caramelized onions and crumbled goat cheese on top before baking.
5. Spicy Chili Focaccia
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes and crushed garlic for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information Per Serving (1 Slice, Approx. 12 Servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~180 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
(Values may vary depending on exact ingredients used.)
Best Ways to Serve Skillet Focaccia Bread
- With Soup – Dip it into tomato soup or minestrone.
- As a Sandwich Bread – Slice it in half and add your favorite fillings.
- With Olive Oil & Balsamic – A simple yet elegant appetizer.
- As a Side Dish – Perfect with pasta, grilled meats, or salads.
- For Breakfast – Toasted and topped with avocado or scrambled eggs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Bring it to room temperature before baking.
2. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, but reduce the amount to 2 teaspoons and skip the activation step.
3. What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?
You can use a baking dish or sheet pan, but the crust may not be as crispy.
4. How do I store leftover focaccia?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
5. Can I freeze focaccia bread?
Yes! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
6. How can I reheat focaccia for the best texture?
Warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to regain crispiness.
Final Thoughts: Try Making Skillet Focaccia Bread Today!
This skillet focaccia bread is the perfect balance of crispy, fluffy, and flavorful—easy enough for beginners and delicious enough for everyone. Whether you’re serving it with a meal, using it for sandwiches, or simply enjoying it with olive oil, this homemade focaccia recipe is sure to impress.
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Skillet Focaccia Bread: A Crispy, Fluffy, and Flavorful Homemade Delight
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 slices 1x
Description
This skillet focaccia bread is crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and bursting with the flavors of rosemary, garlic, and olive oil. Made in a cast iron skillet, this easy homemade focaccia develops a golden crust while staying light and airy. Whether you serve it as a side dish, sandwich bread, or an appetizer, this recipe is a must-try for any bread lover!
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup olive oil, plus more for greasing
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Coarse sea salt, for topping
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and honey (or sugar).
- Stir and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the Dough
- Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined.
- Drizzle in ¼ cup olive oil and mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the Dough
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth.
- If too sticky, add more flour one tablespoon at a time.
- First Rise
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Prepare the Skillet
- Grease a 10-12 inch cast iron skillet with olive oil.
- Place the risen dough in the skillet and stretch it gently to fit.
- Dimple and Flavor
- Press deep dimples into the dough with your fingers.
- Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with rosemary, garlic powder, and coarse sea salt.
- Second Rise
- Cover the skillet and let the dough rest for another 20–30 minutes.
- Bake
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on top.
- Final Touches
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar if desired.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, brush with more olive oil halfway through baking.
- Make it cheesy by adding grated Parmesan before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 5 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- 1 hour 30 minutes:
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired