Quick and Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Focaccia is a traditional Italian flatbread made with a dough similar to pizza dough, but enriched with generous olive oil for its signature texture and flavor. Often called Pizza Bianca, or “white pizza,” focaccia is known for its crisp edges, airy crumb, and delicious savory taste.

This is a quick and easy focaccia recipe compared with traditional long-fermented versions, but it still needs time to rise for the best texture. I’ll show you step by step how to get a soft, airy interior and a crisp golden crust without an overnight fermentation.

Once you try homemade focaccia, you’ll be surprised how rewarding and delicious it is. If you enjoy baking bread, be sure to try my Japanese Milk Bread recipe next.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This easy focaccia bread recipe uses simple pantry staples to create soft, airy bread with a crispy golden crust. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-Purpose Flour
  Use all-purpose flour for a soft yet chewy texture. I do not recommend self-rising flour for this recipe.
• Salt
  Salt enhances flavor and helps balance the richness of the olive oil.
• Active Dry Yeast
  Yeast helps the dough rise and creates focaccia’s light, airy texture. You can also use instant yeast; the dough may rise a little faster, so watch the dough rather than relying only on the clock.
• Sugar
  A small amount of sugar helps activate the yeast and encourages beautiful browning.
• Olive Oil
  Olive oil adds flavor, moisture, and the signature richness focaccia is known for. You’ll use it in the dough and on top before baking.
• Flaky Sea Salt
  Sprinkled on top, flaky sea salt adds crunch and boosts flavor.
• Rosemary (Fresh or Dried)
  Rosemary adds classic savory flavor and pairs perfectly with olive oil.

Optional Toppings

• cherry tomatoes
• garlic
• parmesan
• olives
• caramelized onions

How To Make Focaccia Bread

Making focaccia bread at home is easier than you think. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions for soft, airy bread with a crispy golden crust.

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, yeast, and olive oil. Add the flour and knead for about 5 minutes until the dough begins to come together.

Step 2

Add the salt and continue kneading until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.

Step 3

Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1½ hours.

Step 4

Gently press down the dough to release excess air.

Step 5

Transfer the dough to a greased 7-inch round pan or oven-safe skillet. Gently stretch the dough evenly using your fingertips. Cover and let it rise again for about 30 minutes, or until puffy.

Step 6

Drizzle a little olive oil over the surface. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and rosemary. Use your fingertips to press dimples all over the dough.

Step 7

Bake on the middle rack for 12–13 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp on top. Cool slightly before slicing this homemade focaccia bread and serving it.

What to Serve With Focaccia Bread

Focaccia is incredibly versatile and works as a side, appetizer, sandwich bread, or even a simple meal.

• Serve warm focaccia with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, olive tapenade, roasted red pepper dip, or your favorite savory dip.
• Slice it horizontally and fill it with cheese, grilled vegetables, deli meats, or chicken for an easy focaccia sandwich.
• Serve it alongside soups and stews and use it to soak up the broth or sauce.
• Toast slices and top with tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and balsamic glaze for an easy appetizer.
• Turn it into focaccia pizza by adding sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings, then baking until the cheese melts.
• Serve it alongside pasta with olive oil or garlic butter.