If you’re craving a fragrant, golden, and oh-so-fluffy bread that feels like it’s straight from an Italian bakery, you’ll love this Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe. This simple yet impressive bread is perfect for everything from casual family dinners to special gatherings, offering a crisp crust and a soft, airy interior infused with the fresh aroma of rosemary and olive oil. Baking focaccia at home might sound intimidating, but this recipe breaks it down into easy steps so you can enjoy that warm, comforting slice whenever you want. Trust me, once you try this, your bread game will never be the same!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a pantry full of fancy ingredients to make this stunning bread. Each component plays a vital role in creating focaccia’s signature chewy texture, vibrant flavor, and beautiful golden color. Here’s what you’ll gather before you get started:
- 4 cups (500g) bread flour or all-purpose flour: The backbone of your focaccia, providing structure and chewiness.
- 2¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast or instant yeast: Essential for that lovely rise and lightness in the dough.
- 2 teaspoons (10g) salt: Enhances flavor and balances the dough perfectly.
- 1¾ cups (415ml) warm water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour just right.
- ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling: Gives focaccia its iconic richness and crisp crust.
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves: Adds that unmistakable herbal aroma and flavor that screams Mediterranean.
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling: Delivers a crunchy burst of saltiness on top.
How to Make Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate Your Yeast
Start by dissolving the yeast in the warm water. The warmth wakes up those sleepy yeast cells to start the magical process of fermentation. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it looks foamy and alive, signaling it’s ready to work its bread-rising magic.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt, then pour in the yeast mixture and ¼ cup of olive oil. Stir everything together until it forms a sticky dough. Don’t be shy with your hands here—it’s all part of the fun, feeling that dough come together under your touch.
Step 3: Knead Until Smooth
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. This helps develop gluten, which gives your focaccia that perfect chewy texture. If the dough feels too sticky, add a sprinkle of flour, but try to keep it soft and pliable.
Step 4: Let It Rise
Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise somewhere warm for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. This waiting time develops both texture and flavor — patience pays off!
Step 5: Shape and Prepare for the Oven
Once risen, press the dough into a well-oiled baking pan or sheet, using your fingers to create those classic dimples all over. Drizzle with more olive oil, sprinkle on fresh rosemary leaves and coarse sea salt. These dimples aren’t just for looks—they hold little olive oil pockets, making every bite delightfully moist.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your focaccia in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s puffed up and beautifully golden brown. The smell filling your kitchen will be nothing short of divine!
How to Serve Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe
Garnishes
While rosemary and sea salt are classic toppings, feel free to experiment with fresh thyme, sliced olives, cherry tomatoes, or thinly sliced garlic for added layers of flavor. A final drizzle of good-quality olive oil just before serving makes it irresistible.
Side Dishes
This focaccia shines alongside soups, salads, or as a starter with dips like hummus, pesto, or a tangy balsamic glaze. It’s also excellent served with cheese and cured meats for a laid-back antipasto platter.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice your focaccia into sandwich-sized pieces and stuff with mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil for an easy panini. Or serve warm cubes tossed in olive oil as croutons atop your favorite salad or soup. The versatility of this Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe will spice up your meals in so many ways!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Focaccia is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps it soft and delicious, perfect for quick snacks or picnic treats.
Freezing
If you want to keep focaccia longer, wrap it well in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and refresh with a quick reheat in the oven to restore that freshly baked charm.
Reheating
To bring back that irresistible crust and softness, warm your focaccia in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make the bread rubbery. A hot oven restores the texture and aroma beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Absolutely! While bread flour gives a bit more chewiness due to its higher protein content, all-purpose flour works perfectly well for this Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe, resulting in a tender and delicious loaf.
How can I tell if the yeast is still good?
When you dissolve your yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar, it should foam and bubble within a few minutes. If nothing happens, your yeast might be expired or the water temperature was off. Fresh yeast is key to a good rise!
Can I make focaccia without fresh rosemary?
Definitely. If you don’t have fresh rosemary, dried rosemary works in a pinch, but sprinkle it lightly since dried herbs are more concentrated. You can also experiment with other herbs like thyme or oregano for a different flavor profile.
Why does my focaccia sometimes come out dense?
Dense focaccia usually means it didn’t rise enough or the dough wasn’t kneaded properly. Make sure your yeast is active, the dough is allowed to double in size, and put some effort into kneading to develop gluten for that airy texture.
Can I add toppings like cheese or olives before baking?
Yes! Adding toppings like sliced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or shredded cheese before baking is a wonderful way to customize your bread. Just be sure toppings are evenly distributed so the dough cooks evenly.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve discovered how approachable and rewarding this Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe is, I encourage you to roll up your sleeves and bake a batch yourself. It’s a fantastic way to fill your home with the warm, comforting scent of fresh bread while enjoying a tasty, versatile treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Happy baking!
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Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 8.8 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy homemade focaccia bread recipe produces a soft, fluffy, and flavorful Italian flatbread perfect as a side dish or for sandwiches. With its crispy golden crust, fragrant rosemary, and coarse sea salt topping, this focaccia is deliciously aromatic and simple to make using basic ingredients.
Ingredients
Focaccia Dough
- 4 cups (500g) bread flour or all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons (10g) salt
- 1¾ cups (415ml) warm water
- ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
Toppings
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast with warm water. Stir gently to dissolve and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and ¼ cup olive oil. Stir until the dough comes together and is shaggy.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 6-7 minutes.
- First rise: Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning once to coat. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape and second rise: Transfer the risen dough to a generously oiled baking pan (9×13 inch or similar). Gently stretch and press the dough to fit the pan. Cover and let it rise again for about 30 minutes until puffy.
- Prepare and bake: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Use your fingers to dimple the dough deeply all over. Drizzle with extra olive oil, sprinkle with fresh rosemary leaves and coarse sea salt. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use bread flour for a chewier texture, or all-purpose flour for a lighter crumb.
- Ensure water is warm (around 100-110°F or 38-43°C) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Do not skip the dimpling step; it helps absorb olive oil and creates focaccia’s characteristic texture.
- Allow the dough to rise properly for light, airy bread with good flavor.
- Store leftover focaccia wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
