Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe

This Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread is everything you love about bakery-style bread, right from your own oven. Golden, dimpled, and deeply aromatic with olive oil and rosemary, it’s surprisingly simple to make. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and time for the dough to rise, you’ll be rewarded with pillowy slices that can be customized to your heart’s content.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s so much magic in how simple this ingredient list is—each one brings a little something special, from the rich olive oil that delivers flavor and moisture, to the honey that gives a faint touch of sweetness and encourages the yeast to bubble up just right. Here’s what makes every slice of Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread a winner:

• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the bread; giving you that perfect balance of tenderness and chew.
• Salt (preferably Maldon Sea Salt Flakes): Enhances the dough’s flavor and, as a topping, adds a crave-worthy bite.
• Active Dry Yeast: Leavens the dough and creates focaccia’s signature air pockets and pillowy texture.
• Warm Water: Activates the yeast—just make sure it’s not too hot, or it’ll harm those lovely yeast cultures.
• Honey: Not just for a touch of sweetness; it truly helps the yeast thrive.
• Olive Oil (go for extra virgin, if you can): The star ingredient for both the dough and the luscious, golden crust.
• Fresh Rosemary (or dried): Brings aroma and earthy flavor—classic for focaccia, and oh-so-fragrant while baking.
• Flaky Sea Salt: That hit of crunch and briny finish will make every bite memorable. Add extra on top if you’re like me!
• Optional Toppings: Play with cherry tomatoes, garlic, black olives, or caramelized onion for beautiful color or flavor variety.

Variations

The real joy of Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread is how endlessly you can riff on the flavor and presentation. Don’t be afraid to use what you have on hand, or try a twist to suit your cravings—this recipe is as flexible as it is delicious!

• Herb Explosion: Mix other chopped fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or oregano into the dough or sprinkle on top along with rosemary.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle grated parmesan or crumbled feta before the final bake for extra savory depth.
• Veggie-Loaded: Press halved cherry tomatoes, caramelized onions, or sliced red onions into the surface for a colorful and juicy topping.
• Garlic Infused: Add thinly sliced fresh garlic or even roasted garlic cloves throughout the dough or as a topping.
• Olive Lover’s Focaccia: Scatter pitted black or green olives over the top for bursts of briny flavor in every bite.

How to Make Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by waking up your yeast: mix the warm water, honey, and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Gently stir, then let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture turns frothy and bubbly. This simple step sets the stage for lofty, light bread and ensures your yeast is alive and eager to work its magic.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the flour and salt together to evenly distribute the flavors. Make a well in the center and pour in your activated yeast mixture and 1/4 cup of olive oil. Use a wooden spoon (or a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook if you love shortcuts) to stir until you have a shaggy, sticky dough. Don’t worry—it’s supposed to look a bit messy at this stage!

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer your dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, until it becomes smooth, elastic, and springy. If using a stand mixer, let the dough hook do the work on medium speed for about 5–6 minutes. If the dough sticks too much, dust very lightly with more flour, but try not to add too much—you want a soft, slightly tacky dough.

Step 4: First Rise

Place your beautiful dough ball into a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. If you press it gently with a finger, the dough should spring back slowly—another sign it’s ready for the next step.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Pan

Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil into a 9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan, making sure it covers the entire bottom and a little up the sides. This is where focaccia gets its crisp, golden edges! Gently transfer your risen dough to the pan and use your hands to stretch and pat it to fit. Don’t worry about getting every corner; it will relax and spread as it rests.

Step 6: Second Rise and Dimple

Let the dough rest in the oiled pan for another 30 minutes. While it works, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Once rested, drizzle a final layer of olive oil and use your fingers to press deep, even dimples all over the dough. This signature focaccia move traps the oil (and toppings!), creating that irresistible uneven texture and flavor on top.

Step 7: Add Toppings & Bake

Sprinkle on your desired toppings—more flaky sea salt, fresh rosemary, olive halves, tomatoes, onions, or garlic—before sliding your pan into the hot oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the focaccia is puffy, gorgeously golden, and crisp around the edges. Let it cool just a bit before slicing and serving warm (not that you’ll want to wait!).

How to Serve Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, scatter more flaky sea salt, an extra drizzle of high-quality olive oil, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs over your focaccia right out of the oven. Parmesan shavings, lemon zest, or a little cracked black pepper can also take things up a notch—simple but absolutely delicious!

Side Dishes

Pair your Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread with a cozy bowl of tomato soup, a crisp green salad, or a platter of antipasto and cheeses. It also makes the best ever base for sandwiches or panini—especially when split and filled with roasted veggies or Italian cured meats.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the focaccia into rustic slabs for dipping into olive oil and balsamic, or slice it into cubes for party snack platters. For a brunch spread, serve small, warm squares with sweet whipped ricotta, or use it as an edible base for colorful open-faced sandwiches. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is very warm or humid, refrigerate to keep the bread at its best, then let it come back to room temp before serving for maximum softness.

Freezing

Focaccia freezes beautifully! Once cooled, wrap individual pieces or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to three months; just thaw at room temperature—no special tricks needed.

Reheating

To bring leftover focaccia back to its just-baked glory, pop it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–10 minutes. The edges crisp up and the inside warms through, making it taste freshly made—almost as good as when it left the oven!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wanted to fill your kitchen with the best bakery scents (and impress everyone at the table), this Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread is your golden ticket. Don’t be surprised when it disappears faster than you thought possible—give it a try, and get ready to fall in love with homemade bread all over again!

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