Name: Same Day Focaccia Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-490365H11M3S
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast; 1 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1 pinch sugar (optional, to activate yeast); 1 1/3 cups warm water (about 105°F/40°C); 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling; Fresh rosemary sprigs; Minced garlic or garlic-infused olive oil; Cherry tomatoes; Olives; Fresh thyme, oregano, or basil; Grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese; Thinly sliced red onions, bell peppers, or zucchini

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Introduction

Focaccia is a classic Italian flatbread known for its soft, airy interior and crispy, golden crust. This same-day focaccia recipe is quick and easy, perfect for a flavorful homemade bread topped with herbs and your favorite toppings.

A thick slice of focaccia bread with a golden brown top layer that is bumpy and bubbly. The bread has visible holes and soft white inside layers beneath the crust. There are small roasted cherry tomatoes on the top, showing red and slightly wrinkled skin, along with light green fresh basil leaves scattered on top. Fine dark herbs and seasonings are sprinkled across the surface, adding texture. The focaccia sits on a wire rack over a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1 1/3 cups warm water (about 105°F/40°C)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 1/2 tsp sea salt
1 pinch sugar (optional, to activate yeast)
Fresh rosemary sprigs
Minced garlic or garlic-infused olive oil
Cherry tomatoes
Olives
Fresh thyme, oregano, or basil
Grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese
Thinly sliced red onions, bell peppers, or zucchini

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine warm water with the active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until bubbly and frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the flour and sea salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and 1/4 cup olive oil. Stir gently until a wet, sticky dough forms.
Step 3: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot. Let the dough rise until nearly doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Step 4: Transfer the risen dough to an oiled baking sheet. Stretch and press it into a rectangular shape about 1 inch thick. Use fingertips to create dimples all over the surface.
Step 5: Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil over the dough and sprinkle with sea salt. Add your choice of herbs, garlic, cherry tomatoes, olives, and other toppings.
Step 6: Let the dough rest for 20 minutes while preheating the oven to 450°F (230°C). Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown and crispy around the edges.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, brush the dough with garlic-infused olive oil before adding toppings.
Swap fresh rosemary with other herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil to customize the aroma.
Add a sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top just before baking to enhance texture and taste.
Use a mix of cheeses such as Parmesan and feta for a richer savory flavor.

Storage

Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it longer, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat by warming in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 10 minutes to restore crispness.

How to Serve

The image shows two thick slices of focaccia bread stacked on top of each other on a dark wooden board. The bread has a golden-brown crust with a slightly bubbly, airy texture on the inside. The top layer of the bread is sprinkled with coarse salt and small rosemary leaves, adding green accents on the crust. In front of the bread lies a silver serrated knife with a black handle. The background is a soft dark blue, which contrasts with the warm color of the bread. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Just mix it directly with the flour and reduce the water slightly if needed. No need to activate it beforehand.

How do I make focaccia fluffier?

Ensure the dough rises until nearly doubled and avoid overworking it. Creating those characteristic dimples helps trap oil and air pockets, contributing to a soft, fluffy texture.