How to Make Perfect Focaccia Bread

There’s something truly special about homemade focaccia bread, isn’t there? The way it fills your kitchen with that irresistible aroma, the softness of the dough as you shape it, and of course, that first bite—chewy on the inside and perfectly golden on the outside. Today, I’m excited to share with you my go-to recipe for perfect focaccia bread. It’s simple, it’s quick, and it’s sure to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend meals.
• No complicated ingredients—just simple, everyday items you likely have on hand.
• Customizable with your favorite herbs or seasonings.
• Great for sopping up sauces, serving alongside soups, or even as a base for sandwiches.

Ingredients

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

• 1 ½ cups warm water (105-115°F)
• 2 teaspoons honey (or granulated sugar)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one ¼ ounce packet)
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour, 420 grams)
• 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided, plus more for greasing hands)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves
• Flaky sea salt

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

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s walk through the process step by step:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, honey, and yeast. Whisk gently to combine. Let rest for about 5 minutes, until foamy/bubbly. If the mixture doesn’t foam or bubble, start over with new yeast, as the yeast is likely dead.
2. Add the flour, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon salt to the bowl. Mix with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until well combined. Then continue stirring and folding the dough over on itself for 1 minute. The dough will be very sticky.
3. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours, until doubled in size.
4. Grease the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking pan (a metal pan is best, but glass will also work) with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Use oiled hands to transfer the dough to the baking pan, spreading the dough out so that it mostly covers the bottom of the pan. If the dough is resistant to stretching out, let it rest for about 10 minutes to relax the dough and then try again.
5. Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise for 45 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 425° F.
7. After the dough has risen for 45 minutes, use oiled fingers to dimple the dough by pressing your fingers down into the dough all the way to the bottom of the pan. Do this in different spots all around the bread. Then drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the dough. Sprinkle on the fresh rosemary and flaky sea salt.
8. Immediately transfer the bread to the preheated oven and bake for 22-26 minutes, until golden brown on top. Let cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

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

• Use fresh yeast: If your yeast is old or inactive, your dough won’t rise properly. Always check the expiration date and test it in warm water before proceeding.
• Don’t overmix: Mix the dough just until the ingredients come together in a shaggy mass. Overmixing will lead to a dense, tough bread.
• Let it rise: Resist the temptation to rush the rising process. Letting the dough rest allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to shape and ensuring a light, airy texture.
• Use high-quality olive oil: Since olive oil is a key flavor component in focaccia, use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.

How to Serve

Focaccia is incredibly versatile, and there are countless ways to enjoy it. Here are a few of my favorites:

• With soups or stews: Focaccia is perfect for dipping into your favorite soups or stews. Try it with a warm bowl of creamy garlic pasta or a hearty minestrone.
• As a side: Serve it alongside your favorite pasta dishes, like this Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake or Sweet and Spicy Garlic Steak Pasta.
• As a base for sandwiches: Focaccia makes a delicious base for sandwiches. Try it with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for a simple but satisfying meal.
• With dips: Serve it with your favorite dips, like hummus, spinach and artichoke dip, or a classic olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Focaccia is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored for a few days if needed. Here’s how:

• Room temperature: Wrap the cooled focaccia tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Freezer: Wrap the focaccia tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven.
• Reheating: To refresh day-old focaccia, wrap it in foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes.

There you have it—my simple, no-fuss recipe for perfect homemade focaccia bread. Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner, an easy pasta recipe, or just a delicious addition to your weeknight dinner ideas, this focaccia is sure to hit the spot. Enjoy experimenting with different herbs and seasonings to make it your own, and don’t forget to pair it with some of your favorite Taco Lasagna for a meal that’s sure to please everyone!