Golden, crispy Italian focaccia bread infused with olive oil and rosemary. A simple, flavorful flatbread perfect as an appetizer, side, or sandwich base.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients – Uses pantry staples like flour, yeast, and olive oil.
- Incredibly flavorful – Infused with rosemary and extra virgin olive oil.
- Crispy yet soft texture – Golden crust with a pillowy inside.
- Versatile – Perfect as a snack, side, or sandwich base.
- Beginner-friendly – A great recipe for novice bakers.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (500g) bread flour or all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons (10g) salt
- 1 ¾ cups (415ml) warm water
- ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast. Add the warm water and olive oil, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Grease a baking sheet with olive oil. Gently stretch the risen dough to fit the pan. Use your fingertips to create dimples all over the surface.
- Cover the dough and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Drizzle the dough generously with olive oil, sprinkle with fresh rosemary leaves and coarse sea salt.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 servings
- Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Calories per serving: 250 kcal
Variations
- Garlic Focaccia: Add minced garlic to the olive oil before drizzling.
- Cheesy Focaccia: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or mozzarella before baking.
- Herbed Focaccia: Mix in thyme, oregano, or basil for additional flavor.
- Stuffed Focaccia: Add caramelized onions, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes inside the dough.
- Whole Wheat Option: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes or toast slices in a skillet with a bit of olive oil.
FAQs
Can I make focaccia without rosemary?
Yes! You can use other herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil, or leave it plain.
What type of flour is best for focaccia?
Bread flour is ideal for a chewier texture, but all-purpose flour works well too.
Can I let the dough rise overnight?
Yes, cover and refrigerate the dough overnight for a slow, flavorful rise.
How do I know when the focaccia is done baking?
It should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Why dimple the dough before baking?
Dimples help trap the olive oil and seasonings, enhancing the texture and flavor.
Can I make focaccia without yeast?
Yeast is essential for traditional focaccia, but you can try a baking powder-based flatbread for a quick alternative.
What can I serve with focaccia?
Enjoy it with soups, salads, sandwiches, or as a dipper for olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Why is my focaccia dense instead of airy?
Ensure proper kneading and rising time; under-proofed dough can result in a dense texture.
Can I add toppings to focaccia?
Yes! Try olives, cherry tomatoes, caramelized onions, or flaky sea salt for variety.
How do I prevent my focaccia from sticking to the pan?
Use plenty of olive oil to grease the pan before adding the dough.
Conclusion
This homemade focaccia bread is an easy and satisfying way to enjoy authentic Italian flavors. Whether served as a side, snack, or sandwich base, it delivers a deliciously crispy, golden crust with a soft, fluffy interior. Experiment with different toppings and flavors to make it your own, and enjoy this delightful bread fresh out of the oven!
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Crispy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Golden, crispy Italian focaccia bread infused with olive oil and rosemary. A simple, flavorful flatbread perfect as an appetizer, side, or sandwich base.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (500g) bread flour or all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons (10g) salt
- 1 ¾ cups (415ml) warm water
- ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast. Add the warm water and olive oil, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Grease a baking sheet with olive oil. Gently stretch the risen dough to fit the pan. Use your fingertips to create dimples all over the surface.
- Cover and let it rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Drizzle the dough generously with olive oil, sprinkle with fresh rosemary leaves and coarse sea salt.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, then slice and serve.
Notes
- For extra flavor, mix garlic or sun-dried tomatoes into the dough.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Serve with balsamic vinegar and olive oil for dipping.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian