Focaccia Bread Recipe

This Italian flatbread has a crisp golden crust, a soft airy center, and rich olive oil flavor in every bite. The best part is that you do not need special baking skills or complicated equipment to make it at home. A slow overnight rise in the refrigerator gives the dough incredible texture and flavor while keeping the process simple and beginner-friendly. This focaccia bread recipe creates a bakery-style loaf that works beautifully as a side dish, sandwich bread, or appetizer.

Main Essence of This Dish

Focaccia is all about texture and flavor balance. The crust should be crisp and lightly salty while the inside stays soft, chewy, and full of airy pockets. Olive oil is not just an ingredient here — it gives the bread its signature richness and helps create that golden finish. A long refrigerated rise allows the dough to slowly develop flavor, making the bread taste much more complex than a quick-rise version.

What You Can Do Better

• Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
• Let the dough rest overnight in the refrigerator for a lighter and airier texture.
• Oil the baking pan generously so the crust becomes crisp and golden.
• Do not skip dimpling the dough before baking because it helps hold olive oil and creates the classic focaccia look.
• Allow the bread to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing to keep the inside fluffy.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour or bread flour	4 cups
Warm water	2 cups
Instant yeast	2 teaspoons
Salt	2 teaspoons
Extra virgin olive oil	4 tablespoons
Flaky sea salt	1 teaspoon
Fresh rosemary (optional)	1 tablespoon

Also Read: No Bake Cookie Recipe

How to Make Focaccia Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Pour in the warm water and mix with a spoon or spatula until a sticky dough forms. The dough will look wet and shaggy, which is completely normal.

Step 2: Add Olive Oil

Drizzle a little olive oil over the dough and lightly coat the surface. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.

Step 3: Refrigerate Overnight

Place the covered bowl in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours or up to 24 hours. During this time, the dough slowly rises and develops flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Pan

Generously coat a 9x13-inch baking pan with olive oil. This helps create the crispy crust focaccia is known for.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Using lightly oiled hands, gently pull the dough from the sides of the bowl and transfer it into the prepared pan. Turn the dough so all sides are coated with oil.

Step 6: Second Rise

Let the dough rest at room temperature for about 2 to 4 hours until it spreads naturally and becomes puffy.

Step 7: Dimple the Dough

Drizzle more olive oil over the top. Use your fingertips to press deep dimples across the surface of the dough. Sprinkle flaky sea salt and rosemary on top.

Step 8: Bake

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the focaccia for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top becomes golden brown and crisp.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Also Read: Sauteed Broccolini Recipe

Serving Ideas

• Serve with soups, pasta, or salads.
• Use it for sandwiches filled with grilled vegetables or meats.
• Dip slices into olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
• Top with cherry tomatoes, olives, caramelized onions, or garlic before baking.

Storage Tips

Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to bring back the crisp crust. You can also freeze slices for up to 2 months.

Also Read: Baked Squash Recipe

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	240 kcal
Carbohydrates	35 g
Protein	6 g
Fat	8 g
Saturated Fat	1 g
Sodium	420 mg
Fiber	2 g