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.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bakery-Quality, Home-Baked: Get that irresistible golden crust and airy, chewy crumb without fancy equipment or complicated steps.
- Flexible and Customizable: Start with a classic base and make it your own with endless topping options, from rosemary and sea salt to olives and tomatoes.
- No Special Skills Needed: Even if kneading dough is new to you, this focaccia recipe guides you every step, making fantastic bread absolutely doable at home.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be prepped in advance and baked fresh when you’re ready, perfect for dinner parties or Sunday family lunches.
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!).
Pro Tips for Making Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread
- Olive Oil Matters: Use the highest quality extra-virgin olive oil you can find—it’s the heart of focaccia flavor and creates that glorious golden crust.
- Don’t Rush the Rise: The longer (and sometimes slower) the dough rises, the more complex and airy your crumb will be—overnight in the fridge works wonders for flavor!
- Generous Dimples: Press deep, confident dimples into the dough; they’re more than just decorative—they hold oil and create crispy-tender pockets throughout.
- Creative Toppings: Layer on toppings just before baking rather than earlier, so they don’t weigh down the dough or make it soggy as it rises.
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
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Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! Just substitute the same amount of instant yeast for active dry yeast and skip the activation step. Add the instant yeast directly to the flour before mixing, and continue with the recipe as written—your Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread will still be airy and delicious.
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How do I know when the focaccia dough is fully risen?
The dough should be doubled in size and will spring back slowly when you press it with a finger. If you’re ever unsure, give the dough a few extra minutes—focaccia rewards patience with flavor and texture!
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What can I do if my focaccia turns out too dense?
If your focaccia seems heavy, it’s usually due to under-kneading or not letting the dough rise long enough. Make sure to knead until smooth and elastic, and give the dough plenty of time in a warm spot to double before baking.
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Can I make this focaccia bread ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough through its first rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature, proceed with the second rise, then shape, dimple, and bake your Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread fresh.
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!
PrintEasy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2.5 hours
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make a simple and delicious homemade focaccia bread that is perfect for any occasion. This easy recipe yields a soft, fluffy bread with a crispy crust and is topped with flavorful herbs and olive oil.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt (Maldon Sea Salt Flakes)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 3/4 cups (415ml) warm water
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil, plus more for drizzling (California Extra Virgin Oil)
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
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, honey, and active dry yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the Dough: Whisk flour and salt, make a well, add yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until sticky dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place in greased bowl, cover, let rise for 1-1.5 hours until doubled.
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Drizzle olive oil in a 9×13-inch pan, transfer dough, let rest for 30 minutes.
- Create the Signature Dimples: Preheat oven to 425°F, press deep dimples all over dough.
Notes
- To achieve a golden crust and rich flavor, use high-quality olive oil.
- Allow the dough to rise properly for enhanced flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg