Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe You’ll Love Today
This Easy Focaccia Bread delivers a soft, airy interior and a richly flavored, olive-oil-kissed crust. The dough is simple to mix and shape, and the dimples hold a flavorful topping that makes every bite feel indulgent yet homey. It's ideal as a side, a vehicle for toppings, or a standalone snack that smells like bakery magic.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons seas salt
For the Topping
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary finely chopped
- flaky sea salt
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then fold in the olive oil and salt. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic — it should spring back gently when poked. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed.
Step 2: First Rise
- Lightly oil a clean large bowl and place the dough inside, turning once to coat. Cover with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap and set in a warm, draft-free spot. Let the dough rise until doubled in size, about 60–90 minutes.
Step 3: Shape and Dimple
- Generously oil a 9×13-inch (or similar) baking pan with olive oil — don't be shy, this is what creates that signature crisp bottom. Transfer the dough to the pan and press it outward with your fingertips until it fills the surface. If the dough keeps springing back, cover loosely and let it rest for 10 minutes before continuing. Once shaped, use your fingertips to press deep dimples all across the surface.
Step 4: Add the Topping and Rest
- Stir together the olive oil and chopped rosemary and brush it generously over the dimpled dough. Scatter your chosen toppings across the surface and finish with a good pinch of flaky sea salt. Let the dough rest uncovered for 15–20 minutes while the oven preheats — this helps the focaccia stay airy.
Step 5: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Bake for 18–22 minutes until the top is deeply golden and the edges are blistered and pulling away from the pan. As soon as it comes out of the oven, drizzle with a little more olive oil. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing — if you can wait that long.