Menu
Appetizers & Snacks

Focaccia (Easy, Soft & Chewy)

This easy homemade Focaccia is the ultimate in comfort food. Garlic, Rosemary and Thyme infused olive oil brings this fresh baked bread to life; and in my opinion, fresh baked bread is hard to beat!

Ingredients

  • Yeast – This recipe requires 2 ¼ teaspoons of active yeast.
  • Warm Water – It is important that the water be close to 110°F. This is what will help the yeast bloom and allow your bread to develop fully. If you have one, I recommend using a cooking thermometer to verify the water is just the right temp!
  • Olive Oil – This gets mixed directly into the dough and then on top during baking
  • Garlic – Used to help infuse the oil and overall flavor profile of the bread
  • Thyme – Used to help infuse the oil and overall flavor profile of the bread
  • Rosemary – Used to help infuse the oil and overall flavor profile of the bread
  • Salt – I use kosher salt for the recipe but sprinkle a little bit of flaky sea salt on top to finish
  • Pepper – I use just a smidge to help balance out flavor
  • Flour – Unbleached All-Purpose Flour is a great choice here
  • Agave (or Honey) – Adds a subtle sweetness and also helps the yeast continue to activate

How to make Focaccia

Bread tends to be intimidating for many people. However, I promise that this really is an easy Focaccia recipe. Most of the time spent is hands off to allow the yeast time to bloom and the dough time to rise.

  • Infused Olive Oil: In a small sauce pan, add the olive oil, garlic, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Allow to gently heat up for about 5-10 minutes on low. Careful to not let it get too warm and allow the garlic to become bitter.
  • Proof the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, pour the yeast, agave (or honey), and warm water together. Stir 2 times to make sure all the yeast is covered. Allow to sit for 5 minutes untouched.
    Note: It helps to bring the Focaccia dough together using a stand mixer with a dough hook. However, you can bring the dough together by hand.
  • Making the dough: Add the flour, half of the infused oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Set stand mixer to low and mix for approximately 5 minutes or until the dough starts to pull away from the bowl. If you find that the dough is not pulling away from the bowl and appears too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour and allow to combine. If still too sticky add another tablespoon and mix. At this point the dough should be smooth and in a ball.
  • Dough Rise #1: Next, put the dough into a large greased bowl. Cover with a tea towel and allow to rise for 50-60 minutes. At this point the dough should have doubled in size.
  • Dough Rise #2: Roll the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for a couple of minutes. Next, place the dough on a prepared baking sheet and press the dough out toward the edges. Cover with a tea towel and allow to rise for another 20 minutes.
  • Preheating the oven: During Rise #2, begin pre-heating your oven to 400°F (204°C). This should allow for a full pre-heat and a more even cook on your Focaccia.
  • Finish Preparing Dough: After 20 minutes, remove the tea towel. Next, take your hands and press the tips of your fingers deep into the dough. Like, really press down. Touch the bottom of the baking sheet. Then, pour the remaining olive oil over the top of the bread, spread it around!
  • Baking: Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 20 minutes or until the top of nice and golden.
  • Serving: Before serving sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top, cut and serve!

What is Focaccia Bread?

The exact origin of Focaccia is up for debate. Some experts suggest that it was created in Ancient Greece back in the first millennium. Others suggest it was created in North Central Italy before the Roman Empire. Flatbread similar to focaccia has a long history or popularity in the Middle East, as well as Italy, Greece, France, and Spain.

The name Focaccia is derived from the term – panis focacius – which means Fireplace Bread or Center Bread. When focaccia was originally made it was made in fireplaces which were typically located in the center of people’s homes. For me, focaccia is such a homey comfy bread. It evokes a since of warmth and epitomizes that homemade quality.

What to eat with Focaccia

I personally love to enjoy focaccia alongside a great charcuterie board. It’s also great with some Italian Classics such as Cacio e Pepe, Pasta e Fagioli, Bolognese and even a nice salad!

The best thing about Focaccia is that you can use it as sandwich bread or even treat it more like a flatbread. I also love to enjoy a nice warm fresh loaf with some olive oil and seasoning and a nice glass of vino!

How to store Focaccia

This Focaccia will keep for 2 days at room temperature in an air tight sealed container. To reheat bake for 10 minutes at 375.

If you want to freeze this Focaccia, cut up the loaf and wrap tightly and store in an air tight freezer proof container. To reheat, allow the bread to thaw for an hour and then bake at 375 for 10 minutes. n

Can this be made ahead of time?

Yes! It can be made up to da y ahead of time. Follow the directions up until the pressing the dough into your baking dish. Brush the top of the dough with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil and cover with tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the fridge overnight. Allow to sit out for about 30 minutes to come to room temperature before baking. Then, follow the rest of the instructions as normal.

Enjoy this Focaccia recipe with this Easy Pesto Risotto!

Finished baked loaf of focaccia with a knife

Focaccia

Yield: 16 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Additional Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

This easy homemade Focaccia is the ultimate in comfort food. Garlic, Rosemary and Thyme infused olive oil brings this fresh baked bread to life; and in my opinion, fresh baked bread is hard to beat!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (1.25 teaspoons active dry yeast)
  • 1/2 cups of extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 3/4 tablespoon fresh minced thyme
  • 3/4 tablespoon fresh minced rosemary
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey (or agave)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • flaky salt (for topping)

Instructions

  1. In a small sauce pan, add the olive oil, garlic, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
  2. Allow to gently heat up for about 5-10 minutes on low. Careful to not let it get too warm and allow the garlic to become bitter.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, pour the yeast, honey (or agave), and warm water together.
  4. Stir 2 times to make sure all the yeast is covered.
  5. Allow to sit for 5 minutes untouched.
  6. Add the flour, half of the infused oil, and salt to the yeast mixture.
  7. Set stand mixer to low and mix for approximately 5 minutes or until the dough starts to pull away from the bowl.
  8. If you find that the dough is not pulling away from the bowl and appears too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour and allow to combine.
  9. If still too sticky add another tablespoon and mix. At this point the dough should be smooth and in a ball.
  10. Next, put the dough into a large greased bowl.
  11. Cover with a tea towel and allow to rise for 50-60 minutes.
  12. At this point the dough should have doubled in size.
  13. Roll the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for a couple of minutes.
  14. Next, place the dough on a prepared baking sheet and press the dough out toward the edges.
  15. Cover with a tea towel and allow to rise for another 20 minutes.
  16. During Rise #2, begin pre-heating your oven to 400°F (204°C).
  17. This should allow for a full pre-heat and a more even cook on your Focaccia.
  18. After 20 minutes, remove the tea towel.
  19. Next, take your hands and press the tips of your fingers deep into the dough - touch the bottom of the baking sheet.
  20. Then, pour the remaining olive oil over the top of the bread, spread it around!
  21. Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 20 minutes or until the top of nice and golden.
  22. Before serving sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top, cut and serve!

Notes

Note: It helps to bring the Focaccia dough together using a stand mixer with a dough hook. However, you can bring the dough together by hand.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 64Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 104mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g

The nutritional values above are auto calculated by a nutrition program and can vary based on brands of ingredients used.

Sharing is caring!

8 Comments

  • Chris Collins
    October 16, 2020 at 6:07 pm

    I love Focaccia so much, I never realised it was this easy to make! Definitely going to give the recipe a go 🙂

    Reply
  • Shadi Hasanzadenemati
    October 16, 2020 at 6:10 pm

    I have everything I need for this dish, can’t wait to make it this weekend!

    Reply
  • Beth
    October 16, 2020 at 6:34 pm

    This looks so delicious and tasty! My family is going to love this! Can’t wait to give this a try!

    Reply
  • Amanda
    October 16, 2020 at 6:41 pm

    I have been wanting to try these forever, thank you so much for sharing!

    Reply
  • Catalina
    October 17, 2020 at 4:40 pm

    I think focaccia is easy to make but very very delicious! I need to make it!

    Reply
  • Sandi
    October 17, 2020 at 6:48 pm

    What a delicious idea…trying this weekend!

    Reply
  • Kimberly
    October 17, 2020 at 9:58 pm

    I love focaccia so much! All kinds of toppings and enjoyed by itself or used for sandwiches – YUM!

    Reply
  • Toni Dash
    October 19, 2020 at 6:11 am

    I loved it!! So good and delish!! My family enjoyed it too.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Skip to Recipe