Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

With just a few simple ingredients and time in the refrigerator, you can make this Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread at home. This soft, chewy bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or sandwiches. Its delightful flavor and texture will impress anyone who tries it!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Dough
• For Topping
• How to Make Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread
• Step 1: Mix the Dough
• Step 2: Oil the Dough
• Step 3: Prepare the Baking Pan
• Step 4: Shape the Dough
• Step 5: Preheat Your Oven
• Step 6: Dimples and Topping
• Step 7: Bake Your Bread
• How to Serve Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread
• As a Snack
• For Breakfast
• In Sandwiches
• With Soups
• How to Perfect Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread
• Best Side Dishes for Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread
• Reheating Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread?
• Can I customize the toppings on Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread?
• How do I know when my focaccia is done baking?
• How long does it take to make Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: You only need basic pantry staples to create this delicious focaccia.
• Versatile Use: Enjoy it on its own, as a side dish, or use it for sandwiches.
• Long Rise Time: The extended fermentation develops a rich flavor without much effort from you.
• Fresh Herbs Optional: Customize with toppings like rosemary or flaky salt for added flavor.
• Impressive Result: This bread looks and tastes gourmet, making it perfect for entertaining.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your focaccia bread, gather the essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Plastic wrap
• Baking pan (9×13-inch)
• Non-stick spray
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for mixing your dough comfortably.
• Baking pan: A 9×13-inch pan ensures even baking and perfect thickness for your focaccia.
• Wire rack: Cooling on a wire rack prevents sogginess by allowing air circulation.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 500 g (4 cups, spoon and leveled) bread flour
• 7 g (2 1/4 teaspoons or 1 standard packet) instant yeast
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 480 g (2 cups) lukewarm water (see notes for preparation)
• 6 tablespoons high-quality extra-virgin olive oil, divided

For Topping

• Flaky salt, for topping
• 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary (optional)

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How to Make Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

Step 1: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the bread flour. Add the yeast and kosher salt on opposite sides of the bowl to prevent direct contact initially. Use your fingers to mix the dry ingredients together, then create a well in the center. Pour in the lukewarm water and stir with a wooden spoon until a wet, shaggy dough forms.

Step 2: Oil the Dough

Drizzle 30 g (2 tablespoons) of olive oil over the surface of the dough. Use your fingers to rub the oil over the dough. Gently wiggle the dough from the edges of the bowl to coat the sides and bottom with oil. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 18 hours, up to 72 hours.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Pan

Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray and drizzle 30 g (2 tablespoons) olive oil in the center of the pan. Set aside.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Remove the dough from the fridge. Use your fingers to pull the edges of the dough towards the center while rotating the bowl to form it into a ball. Transfer this dough to your prepared baking pan, turning it a few times to coat its entire surface in olive oil. Allow it to rise uncovered in a warm place for 3-4 hours until nearly filling the pan.

Step 5: Preheat Your Oven

As your dough rises during its final hour, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).

Step 6: Dimples and Topping

Drizzle another 30 g (2 tablespoons) olive oil over your risen dough. Rub this oil over its surface evenly before adding chopped rosemary if desired. Use your fingers to press down deep into each section of dough creating dimples all over its surface. Gently stretch it as needed to fill corners of the pan before sprinkling flaky salt on top.

Step 7: Bake Your Bread

Place your focaccia in preheated oven where it will bake for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown and pulling away from sides of pan. Afterward let cool in pan for about five minutes before transferring carefully onto wire rack using a large metal spatula if necessary; allow cooling another ten minutes prior slicing or serving!

How to Serve Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

Focaccia bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re having it for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack, there are numerous serving suggestions that elevate its delightful flavors.

As a Snack

• With Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar: Drizzle high-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar on a plate for dipping. It enhances the focaccia’s taste.
• Accompanied by Cheese: Pair it with cheese like mozzarella or feta for a rich flavor contrast. It’s perfect for casual snacking.

For Breakfast

• With Scrambled Eggs: Serve slices alongside fluffy scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast. The bread’s texture complements the eggs well.
• As Avocado Toast: Top your focaccia with smashed avocado, salt, and pepper. It makes a delicious and trendy breakfast option.

In Sandwiches

• Caprese Focaccia Sandwich: Layer fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for a refreshing sandwich. This combination is simple yet flavorful.
• Turkey and Spinach Wraps: Use focaccia as the base for turkey slices and fresh spinach. It creates a satisfying meal.

With Soups

• Dunking in Tomato Soup: Cut focaccia into strips or cubes to dunk in tomato soup. The bread absorbs the flavors beautifully.
• Pairing with Minestrone: Serve alongside minestrone for a comforting meal. The focaccia adds texture to the dish.

How to Perfect Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

To ensure your focaccia turns out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is active to get the best rise from your dough.
• Don’t Skip the Oil: Generously using olive oil while preparing the dough and pan adds flavor and keeps it moist.
• Allow Proper Rising Time: Be patient with the rising times; this enhances flavor and texture significantly.
• Create Deep Dimples: Press firmly into the dough before baking to create those iconic dimples; they hold toppings well.
• Bake Until Golden Brown: Keep an eye on the oven; bake until golden brown for that perfect crust.

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Best Side Dishes for Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

Focaccia bread pairs wonderfully with many side dishes. Here are some excellent options that complement its flavors perfectly.

1. Marinated Olives: Serve a variety of marinated olives for a salty snack that works well with bread.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables adds color and nutrition to your meal.
3. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with creamy dressing makes a refreshing side that balances focaccia’s richness.
4. Pasta Primavera: Pair with this light pasta dish filled with colorful veggies for a delightful combination.
5. Stuffed Peppers: These can be served alongside focaccia as they provide a hearty yet healthy option.
6. Antipasto Platter: Include cured meats, cheeses, and pickled vegetables to create an inviting appetizer spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread can be simple, but a few common mistakes can prevent you from achieving the perfect loaf.

• Not measuring accurately: Using incorrect measurements can lead to a dough that is too dry or too wet. Always use a kitchen scale for precision.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold water or ingredients can slow down yeast activity. Ensure your water is lukewarm to activate the yeast properly.
• Skipping the rise time: Rushing the rising process will result in dense bread. Give your focaccia enough time to rise for optimal texture.
• Overcrowding the pan: If the dough is pushed into a small pan, it won’t have enough space to spread and rise correctly. Use a proper-sized baking pan for best results.
• Not using enough olive oil: Focaccia needs oil for flavor and texture. Don’t skimp on olive oil during preparation and topping.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store focaccia in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3 days for best flavor and texture.

Freezing Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds per slice. Be cautious not to overheat as this can make it chewy.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat with a lid, warming for 2-3 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread?

Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread is a soft, chewy Italian bread that is simple to make at home with just a few ingredients.

Can I customize the toppings on Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread?

Yes! You can add toppings like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or different herbs to suit your taste.

How do I know when my focaccia is done baking?

The focaccia should be golden brown and pulling away from the sides of the pan when it’s fully baked.

How long does it take to make Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread?

This recipe requires about 18 hours of rise time but only 15 minutes of hands-on preparation.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a side dish, used for sandwiches, or savored on its own, this recipe allows plenty of room for customization. Try adding your favorite herbs or toppings to make it uniquely yours!