Best Focaccia Bread Recipe: Easy & Delicious!

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Today, I’m super excited to share with you my go-to recipe for the best, easiest focaccia bread you’ll ever make. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, this simple recipe yields delicious results every time. Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner idea or a tasty side to pair with your favorite easy pasta recipes, this focaccia is a game-changer. So, let’s dive in and get baking!

A golden-brown loaf of rosemary focaccia bread, sprinkled with sea salt.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly balanced flavor with just the right amount of salt and olive oil
  • Minimal effort with a long, slow rise that does all the work for you
  • Customizable – add rosemary, herbs, or even cheese for extra flavor
  • Great for weeknight dinners or as a base for sandwiches
  • Freezer-friendly for up to 3 months

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious focaccia bread:

  • 4 cups (512 g) all-purpose flour or bread flour
  • 2 teaspoons (10 g) kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons (8 g) instant yeast
  • 2 cups (455 g) lukewarm water
  • Butter for greasing
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • Flaky sea salt, such as Maldon
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons whole rosemary leaves, optional

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s walk through the steps to make this easy focaccia bread recipe. Don’t worry, it’s simpler than you think!

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Add the water and mix until a sticky dough forms. Rub the dough lightly with olive oil, cover it, and let it rise in the fridge for at least 12 hours or up to 3 days.
  2. Prep your pans by greasing them with butter or nonstick spray. Pour a tablespoon of oil into each pan and deflate the dough, splitting it into two equal pieces if using smaller pans. Let the dough rest at room temperature for 3-4 hours.
  3. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Sprinkle rosemary over the dough if using, then drizzle with olive oil. Use your fingers to create deep dimples in the dough, stretching it gently to fill the pan. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
  4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and crisp. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing or completely before using for sandwiches.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are a few tips to ensure your focaccia turns out perfectly every time:

  • Make sure the dough is well-oiled before refrigerating to prevent drying out.
  • Don’t skip the long rise – it’s what gives the focaccia its light, airy texture.
  • Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
  • Experiment with toppings like rosemary, garlic, or cheese for different flavor combinations.

How to Serve

Focaccia is incredibly versatile. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:

  • As a side with your favorite soups or salads
  • Halved and used as the base for sandwiches
  • Paired with dips like hummus or spinach and artichoke dip
  • Sliced and served alongside dishes like grilled chicken broccoli bowls or pasta salad

Make Ahead and Storage

One of the best things about this focaccia recipe is how easy it is to make ahead and store:

  • Store cooled focaccia in an airtight bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes to revive the crust.

And there you have it – the easiest, most delicious focaccia bread recipe you’ll ever try. Perfect for quick family dinners, 30-minute meals, or even as a base for weeknight dinner ideas, this focaccia is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t forget to check out more of my favorite recipes like chicken and broccoli alfredo bake for more creamy garlic pasta inspiration. Happy baking!

A golden-brown loaf of rosemary focaccia bread, sprinkled with sea salt.

The Best, Easiest Focaccia Bread Recipe

An easy and delicious focaccia bread recipe that requires minimal ingredients and can be prepared in advance. Perfect for beginners and those who love homemade bread.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 13 hours
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8 slices
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour see notes above
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast see notes above if using active dry
  • 2 cups lukewarm water made by combining 1/2 cup boiling water with 1 1/2 cups cold water
  • butter for greasing
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • flaky sea salt such as Maldon
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons whole rosemary leaves optional

Instructions
 

  • Mix flour, salt, and yeast in a bowl. Add water and mix until a sticky dough forms. Cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or up to 3 days.
  • Prepare pans with parchment paper or grease with butter. Pour olive oil into the center of each pan.
  • Deflate the dough and split into two equal pieces. Place each piece in a prepared pan, coat with oil, and let rest for 3-4 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 425°F. Sprinkle with rosemary and oil, then press dough to create dimples. Season with flaky sea salt.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and crisp. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.
  • Store cooled focaccia in an airtight bag at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F for 15 minutes.

Notes

Ensure the dough is well-oiled before refrigerating to prevent drying out. Adjust pans and oil according to your bakeware to prevent sticking.
Keyword flour

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