If you’re looking to fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread, focaccia is the perfect place to start. This Italian flatbread is beloved for its soft, chewy texture, golden crust, and endless versatility. Whether served as an appetizer, sandwich base, side dish, or snack, focaccia is simple to make but tastes like a bakery-quality masterpiece.
Why You Will Love This Focaccia Recipe
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Soft and Fluffy Texture – Light interior with a crispy golden crust.
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Beginner-Friendly – Requires no kneading or fancy tools.
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Customizable Toppings – From herbs to olives to cheese.
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Perfect for Any Meal – A great match for soups, salads, or sandwiches.
What Is Focaccia?
Focaccia is a classic Italian flatbread that originated in Liguria. It’s made with basic ingredients: flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil. The dough is high in hydration, which gives it a bubbly, airy interior and a chewy texture. Before baking, it’s generously drizzled with olive oil and dimpled with fingers to create its signature look.
Ingredients List
For the Dough:
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4 cups (500g) all-purpose or bread flour
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1½ tsp salt
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2 tsp instant or active dry yeast
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1¾ cups warm water (around 110°F or 43°C)
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¼ cup olive oil (plus more for topping and the pan)
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1 tsp sugar or honey (to feed the yeast)
For Topping:
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2–3 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)
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1 tsp flaky sea salt
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Fresh rosemary (or other herbs like thyme, oregano)
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Optional: sliced olives, cherry tomatoes, garlic, onions
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Resting & Proofing Time: 2½ to 3 hours
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Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
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Total Time: 3½ to 4 hours
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Servings: 12 slices
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Focaccia
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar (or honey), and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes if using active dry yeast until bubbly. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until no dry flour remains.
Step 2: First Rise
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let the dough rise at room temperature for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Prepare the Pan
Generously oil a 9×13-inch baking pan or sheet pan with olive oil. This ensures a crispy bottom crust and prevents sticking.
Step 4: Stretch the Dough
Transfer the dough to the pan. Gently stretch it to fit the pan. If the dough resists, let it rest for 10 minutes, then stretch again.
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover and let it rise for another 45–60 minutes until puffy and bubbly.
Step 6: Dimple the Dough
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Use oiled fingers to press deep dimples all over the dough. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle sea salt, and add rosemary or other toppings.
Step 7: Bake the Focaccia
Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown on top and crisp on the bottom. The aroma will be irresistible!
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let it cool slightly in the pan before removing and slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Perfect Focaccia Every Time
1. Use Good Quality Olive Oil
Since olive oil is a key flavor, use extra-virgin olive oil for the best taste and richness.
2. Don’t Skip the Second Rise
This gives the bread its signature airy texture and surface bubbles.
3. Dimple Deeply
The iconic focaccia dimples create pockets for oil and toppings, ensuring flavor in every bite.
4. Let the Dough Rest
If the dough resists stretching, rest it for 10–15 minutes. It will relax and become easier to work with.
5. Bake on a Hot Surface (Optional)
If using a pizza stone or steel, place the pan on it for a crispier bottom crust.
Focaccia Topping Ideas
Focaccia is a blank canvas. Here are some of the most popular topping variations:
Classic Rosemary and Sea Salt
The most traditional version. Simple, fragrant, and perfect.
Tomato and Basil
Add halved cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of chopped basil for a caprese-style touch.
Garlic and Parmesan
Minced garlic and grated Parmesan give the bread a cheesy, savory edge.
Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese
Sweet onions paired with tangy goat cheese make a gourmet-style focaccia.
Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Briny olives and tangy sun-dried tomatoes create bold Mediterranean flavors.
What to Serve with Focaccia
Focaccia pairs well with just about anything:
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Soups like tomato basil, minestrone, or lentil
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Salads like Caprese or arugula with lemon vinaigrette
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Charcuterie Boards with cheeses, cured meats, and spreads
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Dips like hummus, olive tapenade, or whipped feta
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Sandwiches made by slicing focaccia in half
How to Store and Reheat Focaccia
Storing:
Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store at room temperature for 2–3 days.
Freezing:
Freeze focaccia (whole or in slices) for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven to bring back the crispiness.
Reheating:
Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–10 minutes or in a toaster oven. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the crust.
Can I Make Focaccia Dough in Advance?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough after the first rise and use it within 24–48 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking. Cold fermentation actually enhances the flavor!
Is Focaccia Vegan?
Yes, traditional focaccia is naturally vegan. Just avoid cheese or meat-based toppings if you want to keep it that way.
How to Use Leftover Focaccia
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Croutons: Cut into cubes, toss with olive oil, and bake until crisp.
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Panini: Use for grilled sandwiches with cheese and vegetables.
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Breadcrumbs: Dry and blend into flavorful crumbs.
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Pizza Base: Top with sauce and cheese, then bake again.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use whole wheat flour in focaccia?
Yes, but replace only 25–50% of the white flour to maintain texture.
Q2: Why is my focaccia dense instead of airy?
You may have under-proofed the dough or overworked it. Be gentle and allow time for rising.
Q3: Can I bake focaccia in a cast iron pan?
Yes! Cast iron gives an amazing crispy bottom. Just oil it well.
Q4: What’s the difference between focaccia and pizza dough?
Focaccia is thicker, has more olive oil, and a higher hydration level than typical pizza dough.
Q5: How do I prevent my focaccia from sticking?
Use plenty of olive oil in the pan and avoid under-baking.
Conclusion
Focaccia is more than just bread—it’s an experience. Its chewy interior, golden crust, and herb-infused flavor make it a star on any table. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make at home with just a few ingredients and a little patience.
Whether you’re enjoying it warm from the oven, layering it into a sandwich, or dipping it into soup or olive oil, focaccia delivers on flavor and comfort every time. So, if you’ve never made homemade bread before, start with this focaccia recipe. You won’t regret it.