If you have ever craved the warm, pillowy goodness of freshly baked bread, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe. This Italian classic boasts a golden, crisp crust with a delightfully soft interior that practically melts in your mouth. Each bite bursts with the rich aroma of olive oil and herbs, making it a perfect canvas for endless flavor adventures. Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers an irresistible homemade bread experience that will impress family, friends, and especially your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping things simple is the secret to a truly outstanding focaccia. Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from the flour’s structure to the olive oil’s richness and the yeast’s magic in creating that perfect airy texture.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that provides structure and chewiness to your bread.
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast: Essential for making the dough rise and become delightfully fluffy.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt: Balances flavor and enhances the dough’s natural taste.
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F): Activates the yeast and helps create a soft, hydrated dough.
- 1/4 cup olive oil (plus more for drizzling): Gives focaccia its signature moist crumb and rich flavor.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps develop a light crust.
- Flaky sea salt for topping: Adds a lovely crunch and bursts of salty goodness on top.
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional): Infuses the bread with aromatic herbal notes.
- Sliced olives or cherry tomatoes (optional): Provides pops of savory or sweet contrast, enhancing each bite.
How to Make Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let this bubbly mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step is crucial because it proves your yeast is active and ready to create that beautiful rise in your focaccia.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Once the yeast is lively and foamy, add your flour, salt, and the initial 1/4 cup of olive oil. Stir everything with a wooden spoon until the dough starts coming together in a sticky mass. This sticky stage means there’s plenty of hydration, which will later translate to a wonderfully soft texture.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you prefer, let your stand mixer with a dough hook do the work for 4 to 5 minutes. This kneading develops the gluten network so your focaccia bakes up chewy without being dense.
Step 4: First Rise
Lightly oil a clean bowl, place your dough inside, and cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Find a warm spot and let the dough rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until it has doubled in size. This first rise is where the dough transforms, becoming full of air pockets that make for that signature fluffy crumb.
Step 5: Shape and Second Rise
Punch down the dough gently to release the excess air, then transfer it to a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Use your hands to stretch the dough evenly to fill the pan. Cover it again and let it rest for another 20 to 30 minutes to puff up just a bit more.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Use your fingers to create deep dimples all over the dough’s surface—this is not only fun but also traps the luscious olive oil and toppings during baking. Drizzle generously with olive oil, sprinkle flaky salt, and add any fresh herbs or toppings like olives or cherry tomatoes for color and personality.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your focaccia for 20 to 25 minutes until it’s perfectly golden brown and crisp on top. The smell wafting from your oven will be irresistible! Let it cool slightly before slicing so the texture sets beautifully and your bread slices cleanly.
How to Serve Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your focaccia even further, sprinkle on flaky sea salt just before serving or brush with an herb-infused olive oil to add a glossy finish and fragrant kick. Fresh sprigs of rosemary or thyme scattered across the top not only look stunning but add a wonderful fresh aroma that warms any room.
Side Dishes
This focaccia pairs beautifully with almost anything! Serve alongside a vibrant salad, a bowl of hearty soup, or as a companion to your favorite Italian dishes like pasta or antipasto platters. It’s the perfect way to soak up sauces or add a satisfying carb component to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the box by slicing your focaccia into squares and turning them into finger foods topped with bruschetta, cheese, or tapenade. You can also use it as sandwich bread for a rustic twist, layering it with fresh mozzarella, roasted vegetables, and grilled chicken.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any focaccia left (although that rarely happens!), wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to two days, maintaining its chewy texture and flavor.
Freezing
Focaccia freezes wonderfully! Once fully cooled, wrap it tightly in foil and place it in a freezer bag. It can keep for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy this delicious homemade bread whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
To bring your focaccia back to life, unwrap it and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes. This method revives the crispy crust and soft interior, almost as if it were just baked fresh.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
You absolutely can! Just keep in mind whole wheat flour will produce a denser and more rustic focaccia. For best results, consider using a blend of half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your yeast mixture doesn’t get foamy, it might be due to old yeast or water temperature that’s too hot or cold. Try again with fresh yeast and make sure the water is warm, around 110°F, to activate the yeast properly.
Can I add other toppings besides olives and tomatoes?
Definitely! Focaccia is versatile—consider caramelized onions, roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, or even shredded cheese for delightful variations.
Is it necessary to use olive oil in the dough?
Olive oil adds essential moisture and richness to focaccia. While you could substitute with other oils, using a good quality olive oil is key to authentic flavor and texture.
How thick should I make the dough in the pan?
About 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick is ideal. Stretching it too thin can lead to crispier, flatter bread, whereas thicker dough results in a more pillowy texture inside.
Final Thoughts
There is truly nothing like whipping up a batch of your own warm, fragrant bread, and this Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe makes it easy and fun. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again as a simple yet impressive homemade treat. The satisfaction of pulling this golden beauty from your oven is absolutely worth every minute!
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Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1.5 hours rising)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 pieces
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Homemade Focaccia Bread is a classic Italian flatbread known for its crispy golden crust, soft interior, and flavorful olive oil infusion. This easy-to-make recipe involves simple ingredients like flour, yeast, olive oil, and herbs, offering a versatile bread that is perfect as a side dish, sandwich base, or snack. With a straightforward kneading and rising process followed by baking, this vegan focaccia highlights the aromatic touch of rosemary or thyme and optional toppings such as olives or cherry tomatoes for extra zest.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Toppings
- Flaky sea salt for topping
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
- Sliced olives or cherry tomatoes (optional)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
- Make Dough: Add all-purpose flour, salt, and 1/4 cup olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir thoroughly with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms, ensuring the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead by hand for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook and knead for 4–5 minutes for convenience and consistent results.
- First Rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the kneaded dough inside, then cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until it doubles in size, allowing proper fermentation and airiness.
- Shape Dough: Gently punch down the dough to release excess air and transfer it to a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Stretch the dough evenly to fill the pan, then cover it again and let it rise for another 20–30 minutes for a light and fluffy texture.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Use your fingers to create deep dimples all over the dough surface. Drizzle olive oil generously on top and sprinkle with flaky sea salt, fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, and optional toppings such as olives or cherry tomatoes to enhance flavor.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the focaccia turns golden brown and develops a crisp top crust, ensuring a delicious texture contrast.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly to set. Slice into 12 pieces and serve warm or at room temperature for the best taste experience.
Notes
- For an aromatic boost, infuse the olive oil with garlic or herbs before drizzling over the dough to add deeper flavor layers.
- Focaccia freezes well after baking. To reheat, warm it in the oven to restore its fresh-baked crispness and enjoy later.
