If you’ve ever dreamed of pulling warm, fragrant bread straight from your oven that’s crusty on the outside and pillowy soft inside, then this Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe is calling your name. It’s a delightful Italian classic, wonderfully simple yet bursting with flavor thanks to fragrant rosemary, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt. The beauty of focaccia is how effortlessly it transforms basic pantry staples into a weekend showstopper that everyone will want seconds of—trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to for fresh bread at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about this recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect focaccia texture and flavor. From the flour that gives it structure to the olive oil that keeps it moist and golden, every component adds its own magic.
- 4 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour: Provides the foundation with just the right gluten for chewy bread.
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry or instant yeast: Makes the dough rise beautifully and creates those inviting little air pockets.
- 2 teaspoons salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the dough perfectly.
- 1¾ cups warm water: Activates the yeast and binds the dough, keeping it soft.
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling: Adds richness, helps crisp the crust, and contributes classic Mediterranean flavor.
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves: Infuse a lovely herbal aroma that’s signature to focaccia.
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling: Adds crunch and bursts of savory goodness on top.
How to Make Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe
Step 1: Mix and Knead the Dough
Begin by whisking together your flour, salt, and yeast in a large bowl. Pour in the warm water and the olive oil, then stir until everything just comes together into a shaggy dough. Next, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead with some love for about 10 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic. This step is key to getting that perfect chewy texture we all crave.
Step 2: First Rise
Place your kneaded dough into a bowl generously coated with olive oil, and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Now, the dough needs a warm, cozy spot to relax and double in size—you’re looking at about 1 to 2 hours. Watching it grow is such a satisfying part of the process!
Step 3: Shape and Dimple the Dough
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a baking sheet with olive oil to keep the bread from sticking. Gently stretch the risen dough out to fit the pan. Then, using your fingertips, press dimples all over the surface—this little step doesn’t just look pretty; it helps those oils and herbs settle perfectly into the bread.
Step 4: Second Rise
Cover your dough again and let it rest for another 30 minutes to puff up just a bit more. This extra time ensures your focaccia will have those wonderful airy bubbles inside.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Bake
Now for the fun part! Drizzle the dough liberally with extra olive oil, then sprinkle over fresh rosemary and the coarse sea salt. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the bread turns a gorgeous golden brown and fills your kitchen with that irresistible aroma.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, carefully remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool just slightly before slicing. It’s perfect served warm with a bit of butter or alongside your favorite meal. Honestly, it’s hard to resist nibbling right away!
How to Serve Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this bread even more, feel free to experiment with toppings beyond rosemary and sea salt. You could add thinly sliced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese before baking. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano also bring exciting flavor twists.
Side Dishes
This focaccia is a wonderful companion to a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside soups, hearty stews, or fresh salads for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with antipasto plates featuring cured meats and cheeses, making any casual dinner feel special.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, cut the focaccia into rustic squares or strips and serve with bowls of dipping oil infused with garlic and chili flakes. You can even slice it horizontally and use it for sandwiches stuffed with grilled veggies, meats, or mozzarella—adding incredible texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store the focaccia wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the crust from getting too hard while preserving the soft crumb inside.
Freezing
To keep your focaccia fresh longer, wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. It will keep beautifully for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Reheat leftover focaccia in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to refresh the crust and warm the bread through. This method revives that delightful crispiness you want every time.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Absolutely! Both work well, though bread flour gives a slightly chewier texture due to its higher protein content. If you only have all-purpose, your focaccia will still taste amazing—just as tender and flavorful.
Do I need fresh rosemary, or can I use dried?
Fresh rosemary carries the most vibrant aroma and texture for your focaccia, but if fresh isn’t available, dried rosemary will do. Just use a bit less since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Can I make the dough in a stand mixer?
Yes, using a stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading even easier—mix on low to medium speed for about 7-8 minutes until smooth. This option is great if you want to save some elbow grease.
What if I don’t have olive oil?
Olive oil is key for that classic flavor and texture, but in a pinch, you can substitute with another mild vegetable oil like canola or avocado oil. Just note that the flavor won’t be quite the same, but the focaccia will still turn out moist and delicious.
Why does the dough need two rises?
The first rise develops the dough’s flavor and structure by allowing the yeast to ferment and create air bubbles. The second rise after shaping helps the dough relax and puff up to achieve that light, airy interior with a crisp exterior—essential for perfect focaccia.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe this Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe is one of those simple pleasures that adds so much joy to your cooking routine and dining table. It’s approachable for any home baker and endlessly adaptable. So go ahead—gather those humble ingredients, follow these friendly steps, and treat yourself and your loved ones to that golden, aromatic bread that feels so special yet is so easy to make. Enjoy every delicious bite!
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Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy homemade focaccia bread recipe yields a beautifully golden, aromatic Italian flatbread with a crispy crust and soft, airy interior. Infused with fresh rosemary and coarse sea salt, this versatile bread is perfect as a snack, side dish, or base for sandwiches.
Ingredients
For the 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 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, then mix until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape and Dimple: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a baking sheet with olive oil. Stretch the dough to fit the pan evenly. Use your fingertips to press dimples all over the surface of the dough, which helps create focaccia’s signature texture.
- Second Rise: Cover the dough once again and let it rise for another 30 minutes to increase its volume and improve texture.
- Add Toppings & Bake: Drizzle the surface of the dough with additional olive oil, then sprinkle fresh rosemary leaves and coarse sea salt evenly over the top. Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
- Cool & Serve: Remove the focaccia from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- You can substitute bread flour with all-purpose flour, but bread flour will give a chewier texture.
- Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
- For added flavor, try including garlic or olives as toppings.
- Focaccia is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven for crispness.
- To make the dough easier to handle, lightly oil your hands during shaping instead of flour.
