There’s something truly comforting about the warm aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen—it’s a little slice of home that speaks to the soul. One afternoon, feeling a bit bored with the fast food routine, I decided to dive into the world of homemade baking and stumbled upon this Easy Focaccia Bread recipe. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, this culinary adventure transformed into something both satisfying and delicious.
What I love most about this focaccia is its versatility; it’s perfect as a side dish, a base for sandwiches, or simply enjoyed dipped in olive oil. Plus, you don't need to be a pro chef to make it! No kneading is required, which means less mess and more time to enjoy the delicious results. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s bring the joy of homemade bread into your kitchen without the fuss!
Why You'll Love This Easy Focaccia Bread
- You'll love this recipe for its simplicity, as it requires just a few easy ingredients and minimal effort, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- The intoxicating aroma of freshly baked focaccia will fill your kitchen and impress anyone who walks through your door.
- This bread is incredibly versatile, serving as a delicious side dish, a base for hearty sandwiches, or perfect for dipping in flavored olive oil.
- Its stunning golden crust and dimpled texture also make for an eye-catching presentation at any meal, ensuring it will be a hit among friends and family.
Easy Focaccia Bread Ingredients
• Get ready to delight in this homemade treasure!
For the Dough
- All-purpose flour – A sturdy base that gives the focaccia its delightful texture.
- Instant yeast – Fast-acting, ensuring a quicker rise for that fluffy interior.
- Sugar – Helps feed the yeast and enhances browning for a beautiful crust.
- Salt – Balances the flavors and strengthens the dough structure.
- Warm water (110°F / 43°C) – Ideal temperature to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Olive oil – Adds richness and flavor to the dough; don’t forget extra for drizzling!
For Toppings
- Fresh rosemary – A fragrant herb that elevates this easy focaccia bread with a lovely aroma.
- Coarse sea salt – Sprinkling this on top enhances the savory flavor and adds crunchy texture.
Enjoy the process of making this easy focaccia bread, and let it fill your home with warmth and delightful scents!
How to Make Easy Focaccia Bread
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. This is the perfect time to enjoy the simple act of measuring and mixing!
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Add Wet Ingredients: Next, pour in the warm water and olive oil. Stir until a sticky dough forms—no kneading required. Enjoy the sticky texture as it comes together!
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Let it Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is where the magic happens!
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Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9x13 inch pan with olive oil and gently transfer the rising dough into it. Use your fingers to spread it evenly—don’t worry about perfection!
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Dimple and Top: With your fingers, dimple the dough to create little pockets. Drizzle some olive oil on top and sprinkle fresh rosemary and coarse sea salt. This adds flavor and an appetizing look!
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Second Rise: Cover the pan again and let the dough rise for another 20–30 minutes. You’ll notice it puffing up beautifully during this time.
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Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the focaccia for 20–25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and crispy on top. Your kitchen will smell incredible!
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Slice and Serve: Allow it to cool slightly before cutting into slices. Serve it warm, and enjoy every delightful bite!
Optional: Drizzle with balsamic glaze for an extra flavor boost.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Easy Focaccia Bread?
There's nothing quite like the experience of enjoying warm, fluffy bread alongside perfectly paired dishes that elevate your meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss with olive oil, salt, and herbs for a colorful side that adds warmth and earthiness to each bite of focaccia.
- Bruschetta Toppings: Create a fresh topping of diced tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella for a refreshing contrast that complements the bread beautifully.
- Savory Soup: A hearty tomato or minestrone soup pairs perfectly, soaking into the focaccia for a comforting, satisfying experience.
- Antipasto Platter: Include olives, cured meats, and cheeses to create a delightful spread, inviting everyone to enjoy the bread in a social way.
- Olive Oil for Dipping: Serve with a high-quality olive oil infused with herbs or garlic for a simple yet rich companion that enhances every bite.
- Fresh Salad: A mixed greens salad with a tart vinaigrette brings a crispness to balance the soft, pillowy focaccia, making each meal feel complete.
- Sparkling Beverage: A glass of sparkling water or a light white wine complements the bread’s flavors, enhancing the overall dining experience.
These pairings will not only round out your meal but also create a symphony of flavors that make the homemade focaccia truly shine!
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Focaccia Bread are perfect for busy weeknights when you still crave homemade goodness! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply follow the instructions and let the dough rise as normal, then cover it tightly and refrigerate. This slow rise enhances the flavor! If you're looking to enjoy it even further ahead, you can also freeze the baked focaccia for up to 3 months—just ensure it’s wrapped well to maintain freshness. When you're ready to serve, reheat the focaccia in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This way, you’ll have delightful, warm focaccia on hand with minimal effort!
Easy Focaccia Bread Variations
Feel free to get creative and elevate your focaccia experience with these delightful twists and swaps!
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Herbed Variations:
Mix in your favorite fresh herbs, like thyme or basil, into the dough for an aromatic boost. The additional flavors bring a delightful complexity to each bite. -
Cheesy Delight:
Fold in shredded cheese like mozzarella or parmesan into the dough before spreading in the pan. It adds an irresistible cheesy flavor that complements the focaccia beautifully. -
Olive Kick:
Incorporate chopped olives or tapenade into the dough for a savory touch. Each slice will burst with briny goodness, transporting your tastebuds straight to the Mediterranean! -
Garlic Infusion:
Add minced garlic or garlic powder to the dough for a classic flavor explosion that pairs perfectly with oil for dipping. Your kitchen will be filled with a delicious aroma that is hard to resist! -
Sun-Dried Tomato:
Chop and mix in sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers into the dough for a fragrant and colorful addition. These ingredients add a pop of flavor and a splash of color to your tasty bread! -
Spicy Twist:
Sprinkle red pepper flakes or jalapeños into the dough to create a spicy version. This zest gives your focaccia an unexpected kick that heat-lovers will adore! -
Gluten-Free Substitute:
Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a scrumptious version everyone can enjoy. Just ensure the flour blend includes xanthan gum for the best texture. -
Sweet Focaccia:
Drizzle honey or sprinkle sugar before baking for a sweet version. Top with sliced fruits or nuts for a delightful breakfast treat that feels decadent yet simple!
How to Store and Freeze Easy Focaccia Bread
Room Temperature: Store leftover focaccia bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its soft texture.
Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the focaccia for up to 5 days. Just remember to wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze slices of focaccia in plastic wrap or an airtight bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating: To reheat, pop the thawed focaccia in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Easy Focaccia Bread, ensure that your warm water is at the right temperature of 110°F (43°C) to properly activate the instant yeast without killing it.
- A common mistake is over-kneading the dough; in this recipe, simply mix until it is sticky and let the yeast do the work.
- For best flavor, don’t skimp on the olive oil when drizzling it on top before baking, as it contributes to the crust's rich texture.
- Bake the focaccia until it is golden brown, typically 20 to 25 minutes, to achieve that perfect crispy exterior without drying it out.
Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe FAQs
What type of flour should I use for focaccia?
I recommend using all-purpose flour for this Easy Focaccia Bread. It provides the perfect balance of strength and tenderness, yielding a fluffy interior with a lovely crust. If you want to experiment, you could try a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for added flavor and nutrition!
How should I store leftover focaccia?
Absolutely! To keep your focaccia fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer a longer shelf life, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days, ensuring it's tightly wrapped to prevent drying out. The moistness of the bread will be preserved better this way.
Can I freeze focaccia bread?
Yes, you can freeze this Easy Focaccia Bread! I often make extra and freeze it for later enjoyment. Simply wrap slices in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warm and crispy.
What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
No worries! If your dough doesn’t rise as expected, first check the yeast's freshness. Instant yeast should be able to bubble when mixed with warm water and a bit of sugar. If everything seems right and there's still no rise, try moving it to a warmer spot, as a cozy environment helps the yeast do its job better. Additionally, make sure your warm water is around 110°F (43°C); too hot can kill the yeast!
Is this focaccia recipe suitable for people with allergies?
Great question! This Easy Focaccia Bread contains gluten from the all-purpose flour and may not be suitable for those with gluten allergies. If you need a gluten-free option, consider substituting with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend specifically designed for baking. Also, check that the toppings align with any dietary restrictions, and always be cautious of cross-contamination!
Easy Focaccia Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Pour in the warm water and olive oil. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours.
- Grease a 9x13 inch pan with olive oil and gently transfer the rising dough into it.
- Dimple the dough to create little pockets, drizzle olive oil on top, and sprinkle with rosemary and salt.
- Cover the pan again and let the dough rise for another 20–30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the focaccia for 20–25 minutes.
- Allow it to cool slightly before cutting into slices.
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