Artisan Focaccia From Scratch

Experience the ultimate joy of baking with this incredibly easy Focaccia Bread Recipe! Freshly baked, aromatic bread can be on your table in under two hours, demanding minimal hands-on time, making it a perfect addition to any weeknight meal or a delightful weekend project.

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There’s an undeniable comfort and satisfaction that comes with homemade bread. Whether it’s a rustic slice of Artisan Bread or classic French Bread served with a pat of butter, bread makes any meal feel more special and complete. This particular Focaccia bread recipe stands out as one of my all-time favorites, primarily because of its surprising simplicity and truly outstanding flavor.

As a true enthusiast of carbohydrates, I find immense joy and a profound sense of accomplishment in baking bread from scratch. There’s a certain magic in transforming fundamental ingredients like flour, yeast, and water into something as incredibly amazing and utterly delicious as a fresh loaf of focaccia. This Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years. Its straightforward process and incredible taste make it the ideal bread to accompany a wide array of dishes. The texture is consistently perfect – light, airy, yet satisfyingly chewy – and its flavor profile can be effortlessly customized with different herbs and toppings. I am confident that once you try this recipe, you’ll fall head over heels for this versatile and delightful bread.

What Exactly Is Focaccia?

Focaccia is a traditional Italian flatbread, celebrated for its unique texture and incredible versatility. Often likened to pizza crust, it boasts a delightfully crisp exterior, achieved by generously coating the baking dish with olive oil, which gives way to a soft, airy, and wonderfully chewy interior. While it’s widely recognized as a flatbread, focaccia can vary in thickness. Some versions are quite thin, perfect for dipping, while others are thick and fluffy enough to be sliced horizontally and used as a base for hearty sandwiches. This particular recipe strikes a perfect balance, yielding a focaccia that has enough body to be a fantastic sandwich bread but is also ideal when cut into squares and served as a savory side dish alongside your favorite meals.

Why Choose Homemade Focaccia?

Beyond the sheer satisfaction of baking, making focaccia at home offers numerous advantages. The aroma alone, filling your kitchen with the scent of warm bread and fragrant herbs, is reason enough to try. Homemade focaccia guarantees unparalleled freshness, a flavor far superior to anything store-bought, and allows you complete control over the ingredients. You can select the finest olive oil, your favorite fresh herbs, and even customize toppings to perfectly match your meal. It’s an impressive dish that requires surprisingly little hands-on effort, making it a rewarding experience for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Plus, serving a warm, crusty loaf you’ve baked yourself is always a crowd-pleaser and a wonderful way to show you care.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Focaccia

Crafting delicious focaccia relies on a few key ingredients, and understanding their roles will help you achieve the best results:

• Water: The temperature of your water is critical for yeast activation. Aim for warm water, ideally between 105ºF and 115ºF (40º-46ºC). If the water is too cool, the yeast will activate slowly, lengthening your rise time. If it’s too hot, you risk killing the yeast entirely, resulting in a dense, flat bread. Use a thermometer for accuracy if you’re unsure.
• Olive Oil: Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is a non-negotiable for authentic focaccia. It’s crucial not only for preventing the bread from sticking to the pan and creating that desirable crispy, golden-brown exterior, but also for imparting a rich, aromatic flavor. While other oils might work functionally, they won’t provide the distinctive taste that makes focaccia so special. Don’t be shy with it!
• Flour: This recipe is designed for all-purpose flour, which yields a tender crumb. However, bread flour can be used as a substitution; its higher protein content will result in a slightly chewier texture, which some prefer. Feel free to experiment to find your ideal consistency.
• Yeast: Instant yeast is recommended for this recipe, as it can be mixed directly with the dry ingredients without prior proofing. If you only have active dry yeast, simply proof it first by dissolving it in a portion of the warm water with a pinch of sugar (not included in this recipe’s ingredient list, but helpful for proofing) for 5-10 minutes until foamy, before adding the remaining ingredients.
• Salt: Essential for both flavor and controlling yeast activity. Never skip the salt! I typically use sea salt or kosher salt. The salt enhances the overall taste of the bread and helps regulate the yeast’s fermentation process, contributing to a more balanced rise and a more complex flavor profile.
• Dried Herbs: This recipe features a delightful blend of garlic powder, parsley, basil, thyme, sage, and dill. This combination offers a Mediterranean flair that perfectly complements the focaccia. Herbs de Provence is another excellent choice if you have it on hand, offering a complex, aromatic bouquet. Feel free to get creative here – experiment with your favorite dried herbs, or even fresh herbs like rosemary. The herbs can be incorporated into the dough, sprinkled generously on top before baking, or both, for maximum flavor. For the topping, I often use coarse salt for a delightful textural contrast, but a mix of fresh herbs would also be wonderful.

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Easy Focaccia Bread

Making focaccia is a straightforward process, even for beginners. Follow these simple steps to achieve a perfect loaf:

1. Combine Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the warm water, 3 tablespoons of the olive oil, all-purpose flour, instant yeast, salt, and your chosen dried herbs (garlic powder, parsley, basil, thyme, sage, and dill). Mix on low speed for about 1 minute until all ingredients are well combined and a shaggy dough forms. While a stand mixer makes this task effortless, you can certainly mix this dough by hand; just be prepared for a sticky consistency.
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Generously spread the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This layer of oil is crucial for developing the focaccia’s signature crispy bottom crust and preventing sticking.
3. Transfer Dough and First Rise: Carefully pour the sticky dough into the prepared baking dish. If needed, use a spatula or lightly oiled fingers to gently press and spread the dough towards the sides of the pan. Don’t worry if it doesn’t perfectly fill the corners or appears uneven; focaccia is meant to be rustic. Cover the dish with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot for approximately 1 hour, or until it has noticeably puffed up and almost doubled in size.
4. Preheat Oven: During the last 15-20 minutes of the dough’s rising time, preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when the dough is ready to bake.



5. Dimple and Top: Once the dough is puffy, gently use your fingertips to create characteristic indentations across its surface. This dimpling helps prevent large air pockets and creates wells for the olive oil and toppings.



6. Final Drizzle and Bake: Drizzle a light, additional layer of olive oil over the dimpled dough. If desired, sprinkle with more dried herbs or coarse salt for added flavor and texture. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the focaccia is beautifully golden brown on top and cooked through. Keep a close eye on it, as oven temperatures can vary.
7. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the focaccia from the oven. Allow it to rest in the baking dish for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool slightly. This brief resting period helps it set. Serve your homemade focaccia warm or at room temperature, cut into squares or strips.

Delicious Ways to Serve Your Focaccia

The beauty of focaccia lies in its versatility. It’s an exceptional companion to a wide range of meals, enhancing flavors and adding a delightful texture. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

• Alongside Pasta Dishes: Perfect for soaking up rich sauces from pasta dishes like One Pan Pasta with Bacon and Peas or Gnocchi with Meat Sauce. Its absorbent crumb is ideal for capturing every last drop of flavor.
• With Soups and Stews: A hearty slice of focaccia is the ultimate dipper for comforting soups such as Zuppa Toscana. The crispy crust and chewy interior hold up beautifully to warm liquids.
• Accompaniment to Grilled Meats: Its savory flavor and soft texture make it a wonderful counterpoint to grilled proteins like Balsamic Grilled Flank Steak.
• Paired with Creamy Dishes: Balance the richness of dishes like Chicken in Caper Cream Sauce with a piece of light, herbed focaccia.
• As a Sandwich Base: Slice a thicker focaccia loaf horizontally and fill it with your favorite deli meats, cheeses, and vegetables for an extraordinary sandwich experience.
• With Dips: Serve it with olive oil for dipping, balsamic glaze, or your favorite herbaceous dip as an appetizer.
• For Breakfast or Brunch: A warm slice with scrambled eggs or a side of fresh fruit offers a delightful start to your day.

Tips for Focaccia Success & Creative Variations

Even though this focaccia recipe is incredibly forgiving, a few tips can elevate your baking experience and results:

• Don’t Rush the Rise: While this is a quick recipe, resist the urge to shorten the rising time. A proper rise is crucial for light, airy focaccia.
• Quality Olive Oil: Using a good quality extra virgin olive oil truly makes a difference in flavor. It’s a star ingredient, so invest in one you enjoy.
• Embrace Stickiness: Focaccia dough is meant to be sticky and wet. Don’t be tempted to add too much extra flour, as this will lead to a dense bread. Lightly oil your hands or spatula if needed when handling.
• Get Creative with Toppings: Beyond the herbs mentioned, the possibilities for customizing your focaccia are endless! Consider adding:
  • Fresh Rosemary & Sea Salt: A classic and simple combination that never disappoints.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Halved and pressed into the dough before baking, they burst with flavor.
  • Olives: Pitted Kalamata or green olives add a briny tang.
  • Caramelized Onions: A sweet and savory addition.
  • Roasted Garlic: Whole cloves of roasted garlic add a mellow, sweet flavor.
  • Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan, Pecorino, or even crumbled feta or goat cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking can be divine.
  • Spicy Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a little kick.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Focaccia is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be easily stored:

• Store: Leftover focaccia can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag for 2-3 days. To refresh, simply warm slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven until slightly crisp.
• Freeze: For longer storage, allow the baked focaccia to cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven for a freshly baked taste.

Explore More Delicious Bread Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed making this easy focaccia, you might want to try your hand at some of these other delightful bread recipes:

Brioche Bread
Classic White Bread Recipe
Easy Dinner Roll Recipe
Fluffy Lion House Rolls
Cheesy Crescent Rolls

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Focaccia Bread Recipe

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Rising Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Servings: 15 servings

Course: Bread

Cuisine: Italian

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Want homemade bread on the table tonight? It doesn’t get much easier than this Focaccia Bread! This bread can be done in 2 hours, with very little hands-on time, making it doable any night of the week!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (105ºF – 115ºF)
• 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling on top, divided
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon instant yeast
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
• Additional dried herbs or coarse salt for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

1. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the water, 3 tablespoons olive oil, salt, flour, yeast, garlic powder, dried parsley, basil, thyme, sage, and dill. Beat for 60 seconds until a sticky dough forms.
2. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in the bottom of a 9×13” baking dish.
3. Scoop the sticky dough into the baking dish. Use a spatula (or your fingers) to gently push the dough to spread it towards the sides of the pan. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise in a warm spot until it is puffy, about 60 minutes.
4. While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 375ºF (190ºC).
5. Gently poke the top of the risen dough with your fingers to make characteristic indentations. Drizzle the top lightly with additional olive oil, and sprinkle with more dried herbs or coarse salt, if desired.
6. Bake the bread until it is golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes.
7. Remove the bread from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack. Serve the bread warm or at room temperature.

Recipe Notes:

Adapted from King Arthur Flour

SUBSTITUTIONS: You can get creative with the herbs. Herbs can be incorporated into the dough, sprinkled on top as it bakes, or both! The dried herb mixture can be substituted with 3 teaspoons of your favorite herbs. Bread flour can be used instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture.

FREEZE: This baked bread can be frozen for later. Ensure it has cooled completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store for up to 2 months.

STORE: Store leftovers in a resealable plastic bag or another airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.

Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 piece

Calories: 132 kcal (7%)

Carbohydrates: 21 g (7%)

Protein: 3 g (6%)

Fat: 3 g (5%)

Saturated Fat: 0 g

Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g

Trans Fat: 0 g

Cholesterol: 0 mg

Sodium: 194 mg (8%)

Fiber: 1 g (4%)

Sugar: 0 g

Keywords: focaccia, focaccia bread, easy focaccia, homemade bread, Italian bread