Easy Focaccia Recipe

Best Focaccia Recipe You’ll Ever Make

I keep the dough wet and sticky because that extra moisture helps create a soft, airy center. No kneading is required, so the rise time does most of the work for you.

Olive oil goes into the dough, pan, and top for flavor and those crisp golden edges. I also let the dough rise twice, which helps it become light and puffy before baking.

If you enjoy homemade bread, try my Homemade Pull Apart Bread with garlic layers. Crescent Roll Garlic Bread is a quicker option, while Little Caesars Crazy Bread makes a fun copycat side.

Ingredients

See the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and exact measurements.

• All-Purpose Flour: Regular flour works perfectly here and gives the bread a soft center with enough structure.
• Instant Yeast: You can mix instant yeast directly into the flour, which makes this dough especially simple to prepare.
• Salt: Salt seasons the dough and keeps the finished bread from tasting flat.
• Warm Water: Aim for about 105°F to 110°F so the yeast has the right environment to work.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil adds flavor and creates tender bread with those familiar crisp focaccia edges.
• Flaky Sea Salt: A sprinkle over the top adds salty crunch to the finished loaf.
• Fresh Rosemary: Optional, but adds classic herb flavor to the bread.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds plenty of savory flavor when scattered over the dough before baking.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Press halved tomatoes gently into the dough for juicy, colorful bites.
• Olives: Sliced olives give the focaccia a salty, savory topping.

Substitutions and Variations

• Add Rosemary: Scatter fresh rosemary over the dough after dimpling for a classic focaccia flavor.
• Make Garlic Focaccia: Add minced garlic before baking for extra savory flavor.
• Add Tomatoes: Press halved cherry tomatoes lightly into the dough before it goes into the oven.
• Try Olives: Add sliced black or green olives for a salty finish.
• Add Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top during the final minutes of baking.
• Use Mixed Herbs: Thyme, oregano, basil, or an Italian seasoning blend can replace the rosemary.

How to Make Easy Focaccia Bread

STEP 1: Add the flour, instant yeast, and salt to a large mixing bowl. Stir until evenly combined.

STEP 2: Pour in the warm water and 2 tablespoons olive oil.

STEP 3: Stir until a sticky dough forms, and you no longer see any dry flour.

STEP 4: Lightly grease another bowl with nonstick spray or oil.

STEP 5: Transfer the dough to the greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a clean towel.

STEP 6: Let the dough rise at room temperature for about one hour, or until doubled.

STEP 7: Pour 1 tablespoon olive oil into a 9×13-inch baking pan.

STEP 8: Transfer the risen dough to the pan and gently stretch it toward the edges.

STEP 9: If the dough pulls back, let it rest for 10 minutes before stretching again.

STEP 10: Cover the pan and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.

STEP 11: Preheat the oven to 425°F.

STEP 12: Drizzle the remaining olive oil evenly over the risen dough.

STEP 13: Press your fingertips deeply into the dough to create dimples across the entire surface.

STEP 14: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and add any rosemary, garlic, tomatoes, or olives.

STEP 15: Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until the focaccia is golden brown.

STEP 16: Let the bread cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Making Easy No-Knead Focaccia

• Expect Sticky Dough: Focaccia dough should feel wetter than regular bread dough, so resist adding extra flour.
• Check the Water Temperature: Water that is too hot can damage the yeast and prevent a good rise.
• Give the Dough Time: Let it fully double during the first rise instead of relying only on the clock.
• Rest Before Stretching: If the dough keeps shrinking, wait 10 minutes and try stretching it again.
• Press Deep Dimples: Push your fingers firmly into the dough without tearing completely through the bottom.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Focaccia

• Adding Extra Flour: A dry dough can produce heavier focaccia instead of the airy texture you want.
• Using Hot Water: Water that is too hot can stop the yeast from working properly.
• Skipping the Second Rise: This short rise gives the dough time to become puffy before baking.
• Using Too Little Olive Oil: Olive oil is important for focaccia’s flavor, texture, and golden crust.
• Overbaking the Bread: Remove the focaccia once deeply golden so the center stays soft.

How to Store

• Room Temperature: Keep the bread tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Refrigeration can dry bread faster, so room-temperature storage works better for short periods.
• Freezing: Wrap individual pieces tightly and freeze them for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm focaccia in a 350°F oven for several minutes until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this focaccia alongside Ratatouille Lasagna for a hearty Italian-inspired dinner. Add Easy Caprese Salad for something fresh, then finish with Chocolate Salami for dessert.

Focaccia also works well with soups, pasta dishes, dips, or olive oil for dipping. You can even split thicker pieces and use them for sandwiches.

FAQs

More Bread Recipes to Try

• Italian Breadsticks are soft, homemade breadsticks that pair well with pasta, soup, or salad.
• Homemade Garlic Bread is a classic buttery side for pasta dinners, soups, and family meals.
• Easy Italian Focaccia is another flavorful focaccia option when homemade bread is on the menu.
• Pull Apart Garlic Cheesy Bread combines soft bread with plenty of garlic and melted cheese.
• Olive Oil Bread is a simple homemade loaf with a soft texture and mild olive oil flavor.

Final Thoughts

Focaccia is a great place to start when homemade yeast bread feels intimidating. There’s no complicated shaping, and the sticky dough needs very little hands-on work.

Once you have the basic recipe down, changing the toppings makes every batch a little different. Try this easy focaccia recipe, then save it for your next pasta or soup night.