Freshly baked rosemary focaccia bread being sprinkled with salt by hand.

How to Make the Best Italian Focaccia Bread at Home

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Introduction: Try This Easy Italian Focaccia Bread Recipe Today

Looking for the perfect Italian focaccia bread recipe? You’re in the right place.

This homemade focaccia is soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. It’s the kind of bread that smells amazing as it bakes—warm, golden, and full of flavor. And the best part? You don’t need to be a pro baker to make it.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make bakery-style focaccia using simple ingredients. From mixing the dough to adding your favorite toppings, it’s all covered step by step.

Whether you’re craving classic olive oil bread or want to try a new twist with herbs and garlic, this recipe is for you. It’s easy to follow, fun to make, and delivers real Italian taste in every bite.

So if you’ve been searching for an easy focaccia recipe that tastes just like authentic Italian bread, keep reading. Let’s get started with this delicious homemade focaccia!

What Is Focaccia? A Quick Look at This Italian Classic

Origins of Focaccia in Italian Cuisine

Focaccia dates back to ancient Rome. It started as a flatbread baked on hot stones. Over time, it became a favorite in Italy, especially in Liguria. Today, it’s a key part of many Italian meals. This rich history makes every bite of this Italian focaccia bread recipe more meaningful.

Differences Between Focaccia and Other Breads

Focaccia stands out for its airy texture and rich flavor. Unlike pizza dough, it uses more olive oil and often rises higher. It’s also softer than ciabatta, which has bigger holes and a chewy crust. This easy focaccia recipe creates a light and fluffy bread that’s perfect for everyday meals.

Popular Regional Variations

Different parts of Italy have their own unique way of making focaccia. Ligurian focaccia is thin and crisp, brushed with extra virgin olive oil. Tuscan focaccia is saltier and thicker. Some versions include toppings like onions, olives, or cheese. This homemade focaccia recipe lets you try your favorite style at home.

Why It’s a Staple in Italian Homes

Focaccia is simple, filling, and full of flavor. Italian families serve it with soups, salads, or as a quick snack. It’s also great for dipping in olive oil or making sandwiches. That’s why this authentic Italian bread is found in bakeries and homes across Italy.

Ideal Ways to Enjoy Focaccia

You can eat focaccia warm or at room temperature. Use it as a side for pasta or soup. Make a sandwich with it. Or simply enjoy it on its own with olive oil and herbs. No matter how you serve it, this olive oil bread brings comfort and taste to any table.

Ingredients You Need to Make Authentic Focaccia Bread

Freshly baked Italian focaccia topped with tomatoes, olives, and rosemary next to raw focaccia dough and ingredients.
Golden, fluffy Italian focaccia with olives and tomatoes, shown next to the dough before baking—a perfect side or snack

All-Purpose Flour (or Bread Flour)

Flour is the base of every good Italian focaccia bread recipe. You can use all-purpose flour for a soft texture. Bread flour gives it more chew and structure. Both work well in this easy focaccia recipe.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Highlight Quality and Flavor)

Olive oil is the heart of olive oil bread. Choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil. It adds rich flavor and gives the bread a golden crust. Use it in the dough, on top, and for greasing the pan. It’s key to any authentic Italian bread.

Instant or Active Dry Yeast

Yeast helps the dough rise and gives focaccia its airy texture. Both instant yeast and active dry yeast work well for this recipe. Just make sure it’s fresh. This ingredient makes your homemade focaccia light and fluffy.

Warm Water and Sea Salt

Warm water activates the yeast. Sea salt adds flavor and brings out the taste of the bread. Don’t skip the salt—it’s essential in a true Italian focaccia bread recipe.

Optional Herbs and Toppings (Rosemary, Garlic, Cherry Tomatoes)

Top your focaccia with rosemary for a classic touch. Add garlic for bold flavor or cherry tomatoes for color and sweetness. These toppings make your easy focaccia recipe even more delicious.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Focaccia at Home

Mixing and Kneading the Focaccia Dough

Begin by combining flour, yeast, salt, and warm water in a big mixing bowl. Stir until it forms a sticky dough. Add olive oil and knead until smooth. This step gives your homemade focaccia the perfect soft texture.

First Proofing: How Long and Why It Matters

Allow the dough to rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours. It should double in size. This first rise is key to getting that airy crumb in your Italian focaccia bread recipe A longer rise time helps develop a deeper flavor.

Shaping and Dimpling the Dough

Place the dough on a well-oiled pan. Gently stretch it into shape. Use your fingertips to create deep impressions in the dough. This gives olive oil bread its signature look and texture.

Adding Olive Oil and Toppings

Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the dough. Let it fill the dimples. Then, sprinkle sea salt and your favorite toppings like rosemary, garlic, or tomatoes. This step adds bold flavor to your authentic Italian bread.

Second Rise and Baking Time + Temperature

Let the dough rise again for 30–40 minutes. Then bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes. The top should turn golden and crisp. This final step makes your easy focaccia recipe truly bakery-quality.

Tips for Perfect Focaccia Bread Every Time

Sliced Italian focaccia bread topped with cherry tomatoes, olives, and rosemary on a gray surface.
Crispy golden focaccia bread, cut into slices and topped with tomatoes, olives, and herbs—ready to serve.

Use Good Quality Olive Oil

Always choose extra virgin olive oil. It adds rich flavor and gives the crust a golden finish. This is a key ingredient in any Italian focaccia bread recipe. Good oil makes your olive oil bread stand out.

Let the Dough Ferment Longer for More Flavor

If you have time, let the dough rest in the fridge overnight. A slow rise builds deeper flavor. This simple trick takes your homemade focaccia to the next level.

Dimple Generously with Your Fingertips

Don’t be shy—press your fingers deep into the dough. These dimples help hold the oil and toppings. They also give your authentic Italian bread its classic look.

Don’t Skip the Second Rise

Let the dough rise again after shaping. This step adds volume and makes the bread softer. Skipping it can lead to a flat or dense result. It’s important for a fluffy and easy focaccia recipe.

Finish with Flaky Sea Salt for Texture

Just before baking, add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the top. It boosts the flavor and adds a nice crunch. It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference in this Italian focaccia bread recipe.

Variations and Creative Focaccia Toppings

Classic Rosemary and Sea Salt

This is the most popular version of any Italian focaccia bread recipe. Rosemary adds a rich aroma. Sea salt brings out the flavor. Together, they create a perfect bite. It’s simple, delicious, and loved in every authentic Italian bread kitchen.

Garlic and Herb Focaccia

Add minced garlic and your favorite herbs to the dough or on top. Try thyme, oregano, or basil. This homemade focaccia variation brings bold and earthy flavors. It’s a great way to upgrade your easy focaccia recipe.

Tomato and Olive Topping

Chopped cherry tomatoes and sliced olives make your olive oil bread colorful and fresh. These toppings add a juicy and slightly salty bite. This combo works well for summer meals or as a party appetizer.

Cheese-Stuffed Focaccia or Focaccia with Mozzarella

Add shredded mozzarella or stuff cheese inside the dough before baking. It melts into every layer. This cheesy twist on the Italian focaccia bread recipe is great for lunch or dinner. Kids and adults both love it.

Sweet Focaccia (e.g., Fig and Honey)

Want to try something new? Use figs, honey, or even apples for a sweet version. This idea turns your homemade focaccia into a dessert or brunch favorite. It’s proof that authentic Italian bread can be sweet too.

Italian Focaccia Bread Recipe

Thick slice of golden Italian focaccia bread topped with cherry tomatoes, black olives, and herbs.

Italian Focaccia Bread Recipe

This easy Italian focaccia breadrecipe serves 4 and takes just a few simple ingredients—flour, water, yeast,olive oil, and salt. After mixing and letting the dough rise, press it into apan, dimple it with your fingertips, top with olive oil, sea salt, androsemary, then bake until golden. The result is soft, fluffy, and full ofclassic Italian flavor—perfect as a side or snack!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rising Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes
Course Breakfast, dinner, lunch
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups 250g all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup 180ml warm water
  • 1 1/2 tsp instant yeast
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil plus more for topping and pan
  • 1 tsp flaky sea salt for topping
  • 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary optional

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Dough: In a big bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes so the yeast can activate. Then add the flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and stir until combined. Mix until the dough becomes sticky.
  • Light Kneading: Knead the dough by hand for around 5 minutes until it turns smooth. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour.
  • First Rise : Cover the bowl with a clean towel. Set it in a warm area and allow the dough to rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
  • Shape the Dough: Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with olive oil. Gently spread the dough into the pan. Let it rest again for about 20 minutes.
  • Add Toppings and Dimple: Use your fingertips to press deep dimples across the dough. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the top, then sprinkle with sea salt and chopped rosemary.
  • Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the focaccia for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp.
  • Cool and Enjoy: Take the focaccia out of the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Slice it up and serve warm or at room temperature.
Keyword focaccia, focaccia bread, italian focaccia bread recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is focaccia the same as pizza dough?

No, they’re different. Focaccia dough has more olive oil and is thicker and fluffier than pizza dough. It’s also baked differently.

2. Can I make focaccia without a stand mixer?

Absolutely. This easy focaccia recipe can be mixed and kneaded by hand. Just use a large bowl and a wooden spoon, then knead until smooth.

3. Do I have to let the dough rise twice?

Yes, for best results. The first rise builds flavor, and the second rise creates a soft, airy texture—essential for fluffy homemade focaccia.

4. What are the best toppings for focaccia?

Popular toppings include rosemary, sea salt, garlic, cherry tomatoes, olives, and cheese. You can also try sweet versions with figs or honey.

5. Can I make focaccia gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. However, the texture will be slightly different. Choose a recipe that’s tested for gluten-free results.

Conclusion: Try This Italian Focaccia Bread Recipe Today

Now you know how to make the best Italian focaccia bread recipe at home. It’s simple, fun, and full of flavor. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy soft, golden, homemade focaccia fresh from your oven.

This easy focaccia recipe works for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. You can keep it classic with rosemary and sea salt or get creative with cheese, tomatoes, or even sweet toppings.

So why not give this authentic Italian bread a try today? Bake it once, and it may become your favorite olive oil bread.

Don’t forget to leave a comment below and share your results. Tell us what toppings you used or how you made it your own. And while you’re here, explore more delicious Italian recipes on the blog!

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