Description
This easy focaccia recipe delivers a delightful bread with a crisp golden crust and a soft, airy interior. Topped with fresh herbs and plant-based ingredients, it is perfect as a snack, side, or base for creative toppings. With simple ingredients and flexible variations, this focaccia promises bakery-quality flavor and texture right from your own oven.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil (natural), plus extra for drizzling
Toppings
- Fresh rosemary, chopped
- Sea salt for sprinkling
- Optional variations: halved cherry tomatoes, caramelized onions, pitted olives, grated plant-based cheese (plant-based), red chili flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Begin by mixing warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl and let it sit until foamy, about 5 to 10 minutes. In a larger bowl, combine all-purpose flour and sea salt, then pour in the yeast mixture along with olive oil (natural). Stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This kneading develops gluten, providing focaccia with its signature airy texture.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape and Prepare the Pan: Once risen, press the dough gently into a greased baking tray, stretching it to all corners. Use your fingertips to create dimples all over the surface, helping to trap olive oil and toppings.
- Add Toppings and Second Rise: Drizzle olive oil (natural) generously over the dough, sprinkle with sea salt, fresh rosemary, and any chosen toppings. Let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes to puff up slightly before baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the focaccia for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the edges. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
- Use quality olive oil (natural) to enhance flavor and the crisp crust.
- Do not skip the dimples; they help toppings and oil settle into the dough.
- A slightly sticky dough produces lighter focaccia; avoid adding too much flour when kneading.
- Place the dough in a warm, draft-free environment to speed up yeast activity during rising.
- Allow focaccia to rest after baking for best texture and easier slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/8 of focaccia)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: focaccia, Italian bread, plant-based bread, vegan focaccia, herb focaccia, easy bread recipe
