Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe

If you’ve ever longed for the aroma of fresh, golden, olive oil–baked bread wafting through your kitchen, this Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe is about to become your new baking obsession! With a crispy outside, cloud-like inside, and delightfully salty-herby topping, this recipe demystifies focaccia and brings all the cozy Italian bakery vibes right to your table. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a first-timer, you’ll love how satisfying (and simple!) it is to make this irresistible bread from scratch.

Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe lies in its handful of classic ingredients—each one makes a magical difference in flavor, texture, or the perfect crust. These staples come together for a bread that’s as impressive as it is uncomplicated.

  • All-purpose flour: Choose a good quality flour for a soft, pillowy crumb and consistent rise.
  • Salt: Maldon Sea Salt Flakes bring extra flavor and give each bite that addictive, savory pop.
  • Active dry yeast: The secret to a beautiful, airy texture—make sure it’s fresh for the best rise.
  • Warm water: Just the right temperature is key to activating your yeast and creating the ideal dough.
  • Honey: A touch of sweetness feeds the yeast and helps the crust achieve that gorgeous golden hue.
  • Olive oil: California Extra Virgin Oil makes the crust crisp and the flavor pure and rich—don’t skimp!
  • Olive oil for drizzling: Adds moisture, depth, and a classic Italian finish to your bread.
  • Flaky sea salt for topping: Gives that signature salty crunch on the surface and boosts overall flavor.
  • Fresh rosemary (or dried): Adds a deeply aromatic, earthy touch—an absolute must for authentic focaccia.
  • Optional toppings: Cherry tomatoes, garlic cloves, black olives, or caramelized onion will take your focaccia to a whole new level!

How to Make Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin by stirring warm water, honey, and active dry yeast together in a small bowl. Let it rest for five to ten minutes; it should become foamy and bubbly—proof that the yeast is alive and ready for action. This little bit of magic sets the stage for a beautifully risen focaccia.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour and salt. Make a well in the center, then pour in the foamy yeast mixture and 1/4 cup olive oil. Stir everything with a wooden spoon or use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. The dough will be sticky, and that’s exactly how you want it—resist the urge to add more flour!

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn your sticky dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it with your hands for about eight to ten minutes, or use your stand mixer on medium for five to six minutes. You’ll notice the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and wonderfully supple—the hallmark of a good focaccia base.

Step 4: First Rise

Transfer the kneaded dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest in a warm, draft-free area for one to one and a half hours. When the dough has doubled in size, you’ll know you’re ready for the next step—patience truly pays off here.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Pan

Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil into a 9×13-inch pan (or a half-sheet pan if you like your focaccia thinner). Place the risen dough in the pan and gently stretch it out to fit the corners. Let it rest and puff up for another 30 minutes as the oven preheats—you’re nearly there!

Step 6: Create the Signature Dimples

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Once the dough has rested, use your fingertips to press deep, even dimples all over the top. This is the fun part! Not only do the dimples trap extra olive oil and toppings, but they also create that classic, rustic focaccia appearance.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe

Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Finishing your focaccia with a flourish is easy. Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the freshly baked surface and sprinkle with flaky sea salt and extra rosemary. For extra pizzazz, try a few fresh herbs like basil or thyme right before serving—your Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe will look and taste bakery-fabulous.

Side Dishes

This bread is an all-star companion to soups, salads, and pasta dishes. Serve slices alongside tomato soup, Tuscan white bean stew, or a crisp Caesar salad. It’s also irresistible with a simple platter of olives, prosciutto, and cheeses if you want to channel an Italian aperitivo moment.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful! Cut your focaccia into strips for sandwich bases, use squares as dinner rolls at your next family gathering, or serve it as a pizza-style flatbread with additional toppings like cherry tomatoes or roasted garlic. The Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe also shines as a base for open-faced sandwiches and picnic spreads.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover focaccia is a joy to discover the next day. Store sliced bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days; the vibrant flavors of olive oil and herbs will continue to shine, even after your first bake.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze your cooled focaccia. Wrap it tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags. This Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe freezes beautifully for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy again.

Reheating

Bring leftover focaccia back to glorious life by warming slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes. Brush with a touch more olive oil before reheating to keep the crumb moist and the crust crisp, just like it’s fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Do I have to use fresh rosemary?

While fresh rosemary tastes wonderfully aromatic and vibrant, dried rosemary is a great substitute if that’s what you have on hand. The Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe is flexible; experiment with your favorite herbs to change things up!

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Absolutely! Instant yeast can be mixed directly into the flour without proofing first, but the rise time will be similar. If you love shortcuts, this is a great swap!

My dough didn’t rise much—what went wrong?

Check that your yeast is fresh and that your water was warm but not hot (about 105–110°F is ideal). Cold environments can slow the rise, so try placing your covered bowl somewhere cozy, like an oven with the light on.

Can I add cheese or other toppings?

Certainly! This Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe is made for customization. Try adding parmesan, asiago, sliced onions, or cherry tomatoes before baking for endless flavor options.

Is focaccia gluten-free?

Traditional focaccia uses wheat flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends made specifically for yeasted breads—it might require some tweaking, but it’s worth a try if you have dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wanted bakery-style bread at home, this Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe makes it totally doable (and so much fun). Every bite is pure comfort, every aroma feels special, and you’ll be amazed at what you can create with simple ingredients and a bit of love. Give it a try and share a slice—you’ll never look at homemade bread the same way again!

Print

Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe

Learn how to make a delicious Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread with this simple recipe. This classic Italian bread is topped with olive oil, sea salt, and fresh rosemary for a flavorful and aromatic treat.

  • Author: nova
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 1 loaf 1x
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

  • 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons Maldon Sea Salt Flakes
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 3/4 cups (415ml) warm water
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil, plus more for drizzling

Try These Toppings:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (or dried)
  • Optional: cherry tomatoes, garlic cloves, black olives, or caramelized onion

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, honey, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the Dough: Whisk flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Knead the Dough: Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth. Alternatively, use a stand mixer for 5–6 minutes.
  4. First Rise: Let the dough rise in a greased bowl for 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
  5. Prepare the Baking Pan: Drizzle olive oil into a 9×13-inch pan. Transfer dough, let it rest for 30 minutes.
  6. Create the Signature Dimples: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Press deep dimples into the dough.

Notes

  • You can customize the toppings to your preference.
  • For extra flavor, add roasted garlic or sun-dried tomatoes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Focaccia Bread, Homemade Bread, Italian Bread Recipe

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