Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe
If you have ever dreamed of making bakery-quality bread right in your own kitchen, this Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe is going to be your new best friend. With its crisp golden crust, pillowy interior, and fragrant rosemary notes, this focaccia is truly a crowd-pleaser. It’s approachable enough for beginners but impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. Once you understand the simple steps and ingredients, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again to savor fresh, homemade bread infused with Mediterranean charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Believe it or not, the magic behind this Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe lies in a handful of pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a critical role, from lending structure to the dough, to creating those irresistible flavors and aroma.
- 4 cups (500g) bread flour or all-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough, flour provides the gluten that gives focaccia its chewy texture.
- 2¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast or instant yeast: The rise-maker that ensures your bread is airy and light.
- 2 teaspoons (10g) salt: Enhances flavor and balances the yeast’s natural sweetness.
- 1¾ cups (415ml) warm water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour for a smooth dough.
- ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling: Adds richness, flavor, and helps develop a crisp crust.
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves: Infuses the bread with an irresistible herbal aroma and taste.
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling: Provides a final mmmm-worthy crunch and saltiness on top.
How to Make Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe
Step 1: Mix and Knead the Dough
Start by whisking together your flour, salt, and yeast in a large bowl. Add the warm water and ¼ cup of olive oil, then mix until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and ready for its big rise. Kneading helps develop gluten, which creates that perfect chewy crumb we all love.
Step 2: First Rise
Pop your dough into an oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rest in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours until it doubles in size. This slow fermentation is the secret to that air-filled softness inside your focaccia.
Step 3: Shape and Dimple
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) while you prepare the dough. Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil, then stretch your risen dough to fit the pan’s shape. Now comes the fun part: using your fingertips, press deep dimples all over the dough surface. These pockets help trap olive oil and toppings so every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 4: Second Rise
Cover the dimpled dough again and let it rise for another 30 minutes. This brief rest allows the dough to relax and puff up slightly before baking, resulting in that iconic focaccia texture—crispy on the outside and soft inside.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Bake
Drizzle extra olive oil generously over the dough, then sprinkle with fresh rosemary leaves and a pinch of coarse sea salt. Slide it into your hot oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the crust is perfectly golden and invitingly crisp.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove your focaccia from the oven and let it cool just enough to handle. This bread is delicious warm or at room temperature, making it great for immediate enjoyment or as a companion to your next meal.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe
Garnishes
While rosemary and coarse salt are classics, feel free to jazz up your focaccia with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, thinly sliced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a little crushed garlic before baking. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano also complement the bread beautifully and add that extra touch of pizzazz.
Side Dishes
This focaccia shines paired with a variety of dishes. Use it to mop up rich stews, alongside fresh salads, or with antipasto platters featuring cheeses and cured meats. It’s also fantastic dipped in balsamic vinegar and olive oil for a simple yet sophisticated snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing your focaccia into strips for dipping or use it as sandwich bread stuffed with your favorite fillings. You can even cut it into small squares and serve with a selection of flavored olive oils or whipped feta spreads for an elegant appetizer board. The possibilities are as endless as your creativity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any focaccia left, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the crust slightly crisp while the interior remains soft and fresh-tasting.
Freezing
Focaccia freezes beautifully. Simply wrap slices individually or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the oven to recapture that fresh-baked charm.
Reheating
The best way to bring leftover focaccia back to life is in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This crisps the crust again while warming the inside, making it taste just like freshly baked bread.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Absolutely! While bread flour gives a chewier texture due to higher gluten content, all-purpose flour works just fine and still yields delicious focaccia.
What if I don’t have fresh rosemary?
Dried rosemary can be used as a substitute, but use it sparingly because it’s more concentrated. Otherwise, feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme or oregano.
Do I need to let the dough rise twice?
Yes, the two rises are key to developing that airy, soft crumb and rich flavor. Skipping one may result in denser bread.
Can I add other toppings?
Definitely! Focaccia is versatile—try olives, cherry tomatoes, caramelized onions, or even cheese for delicious variations.
How do I know when the focaccia is done baking?
Look for a golden-brown crust that feels crisp to the touch. You can also gently tap the bottom; it should sound hollow when fully baked.
Final Thoughts
Making bread at home is such a rewarding experience, and this Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe makes it downright delightful. It’s straightforward, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. So why not roll up your sleeves and fill your kitchen with the warm aroma of freshly baked focaccia today? You won’t regret it!
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Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy homemade focaccia bread recipe yields a golden, aromatic Italian flatbread with a crispy crust and soft, airy interior, perfect for dipping, sandwiches, or as a side to your favorite meals. Infused with fresh rosemary and coarse sea salt, it’s simple to make and perfect for bakers of all levels.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 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 and greasing
Toppings
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Mix and Knead the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and yeast. Add the warm water and ¼ cup of olive oil, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into an oiled bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and leave it in a warm spot to rise for 1 to 2 hours until it doubles in size.
- Shape and Dimple: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a baking sheet generously with olive oil. Stretch and press the dough out to fit the baking pan. Use your fingertips to gently press deep dimples all over the surface of the dough.
- Second Rise: Cover the dough again and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes, allowing it to puff up slightly.
- Add Toppings & Bake: Lightly drizzle extra olive oil over the dough, then sprinkle with fresh rosemary leaves and a generous pinch of coarse sea salt. Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool & Serve: Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use bread flour for a chewier texture or all-purpose flour for a slightly lighter crumb.
- Ensure the water is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- For a more pronounced rosemary flavor, lightly crush the rosemary leaves before sprinkling.
- This focaccia can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to restore crispness before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
