If you’ve ever torn into a piece of freshly baked focaccia, you know it’s a magical experience — golden, chewy, fluffy, and dripping with olive oil. The best part? You don’t need to be a professional baker to make it at home. With a few simple ingredients and the right technique, you can bake a focaccia that tastes like it came straight from an Italian bakery.
Gather Your Ingredients
Focaccia is one of the simplest breads to make because it uses pantry staples — but quality matters.
You’ll need:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- Flaky sea salt and fresh herbs for topping
Pro tip: Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor. Focaccia is all about that rich, fruity aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes.
Mix and Let the Dough Rise
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, yeast, and sugar. Pour in warm water and olive oil, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
Don’t worry if it looks too wet — focaccia dough should be soft and slightly loose. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise for 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
For extra chewiness, refrigerate the dough overnight. The slow rise develops deeper flavor and that signature airy texture.
Prepare the Pan and Shape the Dough
Generously oil a 9×13-inch baking pan. Transfer the dough into it and gently stretch it to fit. Don’t punch it down — you want to keep those precious air pockets!
Cover the dough again and let it rest for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, until puffy.
Now for the fun part: dimpling. With oiled fingers, press into the dough to make deep dimples all over the surface. These pockets will hold olive oil and toppings beautifully.
Add Flavor with Toppings
Classic focaccia toppings include rosemary and sea salt, but you can get creative:
- Cherry tomatoes and basil for a summer twist
- Caramelized onions and thyme for a savory option
- Sliced olives or sun-dried tomatoes for Mediterranean flair
Drizzle olive oil generously over the top and sprinkle with your chosen toppings.
Bake Until Golden and Chewy
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and the edges are crisp.
Once out of the oven, brush it lightly with more olive oil for extra sheen and flavor. Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing — this helps the texture set while keeping the inside soft and moist.
How to Serve It
Focaccia is endlessly versatile:
- Serve warm with a bowl of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Use it for sandwiches or paninis — it holds fillings beautifully.
- Toast leftover slices for a quick snack or breakfast side.
The chewy inside and crisp crust make it perfect for soaking up soups, stews, and sauces.
Final Takeaway
Homemade focaccia is more than bread — it’s comfort in a pan. Whether you enjoy it plain, topped with herbs, or dressed up with veggies, it’s one of those recipes that instantly makes your kitchen feel like an Italian bakery.
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