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
Scale
- 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