There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked bread — warm, herby, and comforting. This Delicious Focaccia Bread Recipe You’ll Love brings that magic right to your kitchen! Crispy on the outside, soft and airy on the inside, focaccia is the perfect bread for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. Whether you’re in the United States, United Kingdom, or Canada, this classic Italian flatbread will make your home smell like a Mediterranean bakery.
🥖 What Is Focaccia Bread?
Focaccia (pronounced foh-KAH-chyah) is a traditional Italian yeast bread known for its rich olive oil flavor and signature dimpled top. It’s often seasoned with herbs like rosemary and thyme, sprinkled with sea salt, and drizzled generously with extra virgin olive oil.
The best part? This Delicious Focaccia Bread Recipe You’ll Love is versatile — you can top it with olives, tomatoes, caramelized onions, or even cheese for extra flavor. Serve it as a side dish, sandwich base, or simply dip it in olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
🍞 Ingredients for the Perfect Focaccia
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Delicious Focaccia Bread Recipe You’ll Love:
For the Dough:
2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
1 ⅓ cups warm water (about 105°F / 40°C)
1 tsp honey or sugar
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (you can mix with ½ cup bread flour for extra chew)
1 ½ tsp sea salt
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
For Topping:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
Optional additions: cherry tomatoes, garlic, sliced onions, olives, or parmesan cheese.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm water, honey, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to rise.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and ¼ cup olive oil. Mix until the dough starts to come together. Knead for about 8–10 minutes (or 5 minutes using a stand mixer with a dough hook) until smooth and elastic.
💡 Pro tip: If the dough feels sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time. If too dry, drizzle a bit more olive oil.
Step 3: First Rise
Grease a large bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside, turning it to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Focaccia
Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air. Transfer it to a greased baking pan (9×13-inch works well). Press and stretch the dough evenly to fill the pan.
Cover and let it rest again for 30 minutes for the second rise.
Step 5: Create the Signature Dimples
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Using your fingertips, press deep dimples into the dough. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle rosemary and sea salt, and add any toppings you like.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and crisp around the edges.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let it cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy warm with olive oil, soups, salads, or sandwiches.
🌿 Tips for the Best Focaccia Bread
This Delicious Focaccia Bread Recipe You’ll Love turns out perfectly every time if you follow these expert tips:
1. Use Quality Olive Oil
Good olive oil makes a huge difference! Use extra virgin olive oil for a rich, fruity flavor that enhances the bread’s aroma.
2. Let the Dough Rest
Don’t rush the rising time — slow fermentation develops more flavor and gives focaccia its airy, chewy texture.
3. Dimple Deeply
Those famous dimples aren’t just for looks — they help trap oil and seasonings, ensuring every bite is deliciously moist and flavorful.
4. Add Toppings Before Baking
Toppings like tomatoes, olives, or garlic should be added before baking to infuse the bread as it cooks.
5. Store Properly
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.
🍅 Focaccia Variations to Try
This Delicious Focaccia Bread Recipe You’ll Love is a perfect base for creativity! Try these flavorful twists:
1. Garlic & Herb Focaccia
Mix minced garlic, oregano, and thyme into the olive oil before drizzling over the dough.
2. Tomato Basil Focaccia
Add halved cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and a sprinkle of parmesan.
3. Olive & Rosemary Focaccia
Press sliced olives into the dough for a briny, savory flavor.
4. Caramelized Onion Focaccia
Top with golden, slow-cooked onions and a hint of balsamic glaze for sweetness.
5. Sweet Focaccia
Brush with honey, sprinkle cinnamon sugar, and serve with mascarpone or ricotta for a delightful dessert twist!
🧂 Serving Suggestions
Focaccia is incredibly versatile — here’s how you can serve this Delicious Focaccia Bread Recipe You’ll Love:
With soup: Try pairing with tomato basil soup or minestrone.
As a sandwich: Slice horizontally and stuff with roasted vegetables or mozzarella.
As a side: Perfect for pasta, salads, or grilled meats.
Appetizer platter: Serve with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and dipping spices.
🧊 Storage & Freezing Tips
Room temperature: Store in a bread box or airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate: For up to 5 days, wrapped tightly.
Freeze: Wrap slices individually in foil and store for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes before serving.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple ingredients – pantry staples, no fancy tools.
Beginner-friendly – perfect for first-time bread bakers.
Crispy, fluffy, flavorful – a beautiful balance of texture and taste.
Endlessly customizable – personalize with your favorite herbs and toppings.
This Delicious Focaccia Bread Recipe You’ll Love isn’t just a bread recipe — it’s a baking experience. Each bite brings a hint of olive oil, a touch of salt, and the comforting warmth of homemade bread.
🌞 Conclusion
Making focaccia at home is easier than you think — and once you do, you’ll never go back to store-bought bread again! This Delicious Focaccia Bread Recipe You’ll Love is proof that with simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create bakery-quality bread right in your kitchen.
So roll up your sleeves, grab some olive oil, and let your oven work its magic. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, as a snack, or alongside your favorite pasta, this focaccia will earn you endless compliments — and maybe even a few recipe requests! 🍽️✨