Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe

This homemade focaccia bread recipe transforms simple, everyday ingredients into an Italian delicacy bursting with fragrant rosemary and extra virgin olive oil. With its delicately crisp exterior and pillowy interior, this vibrant creation serves as an unforgettable appetizer or side dish, inviting you to truly savor every delicious aromatic bite.

I discovered this easy homemade focaccia bread recipe and it truly brings a taste of Italy right into my kitchen. I mixed 4 cups bread flour with 1 1/2 cups warm water (around 110°F) and added 2 teaspoons active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar to get the perfect start on the dough.

Then I stirred in 2 teaspoons salt and 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil which not only gives it a great flavor but adds healthy fats to the nutritional profile. I tossed in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves making the flatbread taste authentic and aromatic.

A pinch of coarse sea salt on top gives it that final crunchy kick. I love knowing that each bite has a balance of simple carbs from the flour and a boost of antioxidants from the rosemary.

This recipe reminds me of recipes I used to see in classic Italian panaderia styles mixed in with a touch of Recetas Deliciosas flair.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe because it’s simple enough for me to follow even when im not super experienced in the kitchen and i really like how it turns out every time. Also, I love the aroma of rosemary and olive oil when its baking and trust me, it fills my whole house with this amazing smell that makes everyone hungry. Another thing is that the bread is perfectly crispy on the outside but stays really soft on the inside, which is exactly what i’ve always wanted in a focaccia. Finally, making this bread feels like i’m taking a mini trip to Italy without leaving my home and that little escape makes the whole process even more enjoyable.

Ingredients

• Bread flour gives a chewy texture and loads of carbohydrates for energy
• Warm water activates the yeast, making the dough light and airy
• Active dry yeast ferments sugar and creates those delightful bubbles in your bread
• Extra virgin olive oil adds rich flavor and healthy fats that keep it moist
• Fresh rosemary leaves infuse an earthy, herby kick that elevates the taste
• A pinch of coarse sea salt enhances every flavor, giving it a crunchy finish

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 cups bread flour
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (around 110°F)
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves (chopped)
• A pinch of coarse sea salt for topping

How to Make this

1. In a large bowl, mix the warm water with the yeast and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it starts to bubble.

2. Add the bread flour and salt to the bowl. Stir a bit to combine the dry ingredients.

3. Pour in the extra virgin olive oil and mix everything together until a sticky dough is formed.

4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it gets smooth, but it can still be a little sticky.

5. Place your dough back into the bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

6. After rising, gently punch down the dough and then press it into a well-oiled baking pan.

7. Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the dough and use your fingers to dimple the surface.

8. Sprinkle the chopped fresh rosemary and a pinch of coarse sea salt evenly on top, pressing them lightly so they stick.

9. Cover the dough again and let it rest for an additional 30 minutes to rise a bit more.

10. Preheat your oven to around 425°F. Bake the focaccia for about 25 minutes until it’s golden and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Enjoy it while its warm!

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Wooden spoon or spatula
4. Clean, floured surface for kneading
5. Dough scraper (or a spatula to help transfer dough)
6. Clean towel or plastic wrap for covering the dough
7. Oiled baking pan
8. Oven (preheated to 425°F)
9. Knife for chopping fresh rosemary

These are the essential kitchen tools you need.

FAQ

Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you cant get bread flour, try using all-purpose flour instead but be ready for a slight change in the texture of the bread.
• You can swap warm water with lukewarm milk or even a non-dairy milk like almond milk to give the dough a richer flavor.
• If active dry yeast is unavailable, use instant yeast instead; just use about 1 1/2 teaspoons since it’s a bit more potent.
• Instead of sugar, a bit of honey or maple syrup can work, but mix it well since they’re a bit more viscous.
• Don’t have fresh rosemary? Dried rosemary works fine too, just use half the amount listed because it’s a bit stronger in flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your water temperature is just right so the yeast wakes up properly. If it is too hot or too cold, your dough might not rise as well as it should.

2. When you’re kneading the dough and it feels super sticky, try adding a bit more flour at a time. But don’t overdo it because you still want that soft, chewy texture inside.

3. Find a warm spot in your kitchen for the dough to rise and cover it properly. If it dries out or gets too cold, you might not end up with that fluffy focaccia you want.

4. Drizzle extra olive oil on top just before baking and press your fingers into the dough to create those cute dimples. This trick helps make the crust nice and crispy on the outside while staying soft on the inside.