Follow Me On Social Media!
Focaccia Bread
A Delightful Experience with Focaccia Bread
There’s something truly magical about homemade bread, and focaccia is at the top of that list. Its crisp crust and pillowy interior are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s Sunday dinner or a casual picnic. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma filled my kitchen, making it hard for my family to resist snacking on the warm, aromatic bread even before it was fully baked. With its delicious versatility—great for sandwiches, as a side, or simply enjoyed with a drizzle of olive oil—focaccia bread deserves to grace your table.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This focaccia bread isn’t just about taste; it’s also quick, budget-friendly, and impressively easy, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike. The simple ingredients come together to create a bread that is light, fluffy, and flavor-packed, especially with fresh rosemary and sea salt sprinkled on top. It’s the kind of bread that elevates everyday dinners into memorable feasts, and it’s an excellent way to bring the family together during the cooking process.
“Absolutely loved this recipe! It was the first time I made bread from scratch, and my family couldn’t get enough of it.” – A happy home baker
Preparing Focaccia Bread
This focaccia bread is impressively simple to make. The process involves mixing ingredients, allowing the dough to rise, and creating those iconic dimples before baking. If you follow the steps below, you’ll be rewarded with a batch of fluffy, golden-brown focaccia that will elevate your next meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this beautiful focaccia bread, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup olive oil (plus more for topping)
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- Coarse sea salt for topping
(Swap the rosemary with thyme or oregano for a different flavor profile!)
🍰 30 Easy No-Bake Desserts
A delicious collection of no-bake treats you can make anytime, including:
- ✨ Chocolate lovers’ dreams – fudgy bars, truffles & mousse
- 🍓 Fruity delights – creamy parfaits, lemon & mango desserts
- 🥜 Nutty & indulgent – peanut butter & pistachio bites
- 🍋 Citrus & refreshing – lemon, orange creamsicle & key lime
- 🍪 Classic favorites – icebox cakes & cookie dough cups
Instant digital download • Secure checkout via Gumroad
Step-by-Step Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until foamy—this activates the yeast.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour and salt.
- Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the flour mixture along with the olive oil. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–8 minutes until it becomes soft and elastic.
- Transfer the kneaded dough to an oiled bowl. Cover it with a cloth and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and spread the dough evenly using your fingers.
- Cover the dough again and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Use your fingertips to create dimples all over the dough. Drizzle olive oil generously on top and sprinkle rosemary and coarse sea salt for added flavor.
- Bake the focaccia for 20–25 minutes, or until it’s beautifully golden brown.
- Once baked, let it cool slightly before cutting into squares and serving warm or at room temperature.
Best Way to Serve Focaccia Bread
When it comes to serving focaccia, the options are endless! It pairs beautifully with soups and salads, serving as the perfect starter to a hearty meal. You can also slice it to create delicious sandwiches or simply serve it with a dipping bowl of extra virgin olive oil seasoned with balsamic vinegar and cracked pepper. For gatherings, you can cut it into bite-sized pieces for guests to enjoy as a delightful appetizer.
Storage Tips
To keep your focaccia fresh longer, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap at room temperature for up to three days. If you have leftovers, consider freezing them. Simply slice the focaccia, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and place them in a resealable freezer bag. Reheat thawed slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore their original texture and warmth.
Expert Advice
For the best results, always ensure your water is at the right temperature—too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold can delay the rising process. Additionally, if you want an extra crusty texture, place a pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam, enhancing that crispy exterior we all love.
Flavor Variations
Feeling adventurous? There are countless ways to impart different flavors into your focaccia. Try adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or caramelized onions into the dough before baking. For a spicy kick, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or fresh garlic can elevate the flavor. You can also switch out herbs to experiment with different taste profiles, like swapping rosemary for basil or dill.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to make focaccia bread?
The total time for making focaccia bread, including rising and baking, is approximately 2 hours.
Can I substitute the yeast with sourdough starter?
Absolutely! Just replace the yeast with an equivalent amount of active sourdough starter. You may need to adjust the flour and water content slightly, as sourdough starters can vary in hydration.
What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it can be due to inactive yeast or an unsuitable temperature. Always check the expiration date on your yeast and ensure the water is warm but not hot. If your kitchen is cool, try placing the dough in a warmer spot.
By following these guidelines, you can master the art of making focaccia bread and impress everyone around your table with this delicious and satisfying creation!
Print
Focaccia Bread
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade focaccia bread with a crisp crust and pillowy interior, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup olive oil (plus more for topping)
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- Coarse sea salt for topping
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour and salt.
- Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the flour mixture along with the olive oil. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–8 minutes until it becomes soft and elastic.
- Transfer the kneaded dough to an oiled bowl. Cover it with a cloth and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and spread the dough evenly using your fingers.
- Cover the dough again and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Create dimples all over the dough, drizzle olive oil on top, and sprinkle with rosemary and sea salt.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before cutting into squares.
Notes
For a crusty texture, place a pan of water in the oven while baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: focaccia, bread, homemade bread, Italian bread, baking
