Authentic Focaccia Recipe – Soft, Flavorful Italian Bread

The authentic focaccia recipe is one of the breads I personally fell in love with the very first time I made it. The soft, slightly chewy texture and the rich olive oil flavor instantly reminded me of freshly baked Italian bakery bread. It’s one of those rare recipes that looks fancy but is actually very easy to prepare even for complete beginners.

When I tried this focaccia for the first time at home, I was surprised at how simple and relaxing the whole process felt. The aroma that fills the kitchen, the golden crust that forms perfectly, and the light airy inside make this recipe feel incredibly rewarding. If you are a food lover who enjoys simple, comforting dishes, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.

A Brief Look at the Background of This Traditional Bread

Focaccia is one of Italy’s oldest and most beloved breads, believed to have originated from the ancient Roman flatbreads baked on hot stones. Over the centuries, Italians added olive oil, herbs, and various toppings to enhance its flavor. Today, focaccia is enjoyed across the world for its simplicity, versatility, and signature dimpled top that locks in olive oil and aromatics. Despite its long history, the preparation technique remains wonderfully simple and beginner-friendly.

What Exactly Is Focaccia Bread?

Focaccia is a flat, oven-baked Italian bread known for its soft, airy texture and crisp golden crust. Imagine a bread that is fluffy like pizza dough but richer and more fragrant due to generous use of olive oil. Its signature “dimpled” surface helps hold herbs, garlic, tomatoes, or sea salt, allowing the flavors to infuse into the dough. It can be served as a snack, appetizer, sandwich base, or even with soups and salads.

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

You should try this recipe because it is one of the easiest breads you can make at home—no special skills, no complicated tools, and no bakery experience needed. The ingredients are simple, the method is relaxing, and the taste is unforgettable. Whether you want to impress guests, try Italian cooking, or make a bakery-style bread at home, this focaccia delivers perfect results every single time. Most importantly, it uses natural ingredients and olive oil, making it healthier than store-bought breads.

Tools & Equipment You Will Need

Below is a complete list of basic kitchen tools required for making focaccia, explained simply:

• Large Mixing Bowl to combine and knead the dough.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula for mixing the dough until it forms a soft mass.
• Baking Tray or Rectangular Pan used for shaping and baking the focaccia.
• Clean Kitchen Towel or Plastic Wrap for covering the dough while it rises.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons to ensure accuracy in salt, yeast, water, and flour ratios.
• Olive Oil Brush or Spoon to spread oil evenly on the dough.
• Your Fingers! because dimpling the dough is the most unique part of making focaccia.

Ingredient List for This Recipe

Here are the ingredients you need to prepare soft, aromatic, Italian-style focaccia:

• All-Purpose Flour – 4 cups
• Warm Water – 1 ½ cups
• Active Dry Yeast – 2 ¼ teaspoons
• Sugar – 1 teaspoon (helps activate the yeast)
• Salt – 2 teaspoons
• Olive Oil – ½ cup (for dough + topping)
• Fresh Rosemary – 1 tablespoon (optional)
• Sea Salt Flakes – optional for topping
• Cherry Tomatoes or Garlic – optional toppings

You can adjust toppings based on your taste focaccia is extremely customizable.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Authentic Focaccia RecipeFrom Scratch

Follow this detailed guide to prepare the best Italian-style focaccia that’s soft inside and crispy outside.

1. Activate the Yeast

• Take warm water in a bowl (should be warm like bath water, not hot).
• Add sugar and yeast.
• Stir gently and let it rest for 5–7 minutes.
• When bubbles form, your yeast is active and ready.

2. Prepare the Dough

• Add flour and salt to a mixing bowl.
• Pour in the activated yeast mixture.
• Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
• Mix with a spoon until a sticky dough forms
• Do not worry if it seems shaggy focaccia dough is supposed to be soft.

3. Knead (Lightly)

• Grease your hands with olive oil.
• Knead for 2–3 minutes until slightly smooth.
• You don’t need to knead like regular bread; focaccia prefers minimal handling.

4. First Rise

• Coat the dough lightly in olive oil.
• Cover with a towel or plastic wrap.
• Let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.

5. Prepare the Baking Tray

• Pour 2–3 tablespoons of olive oil into the tray.
• Spread it evenly this gives focaccia its crispy bottom.

6. Transfer the Dough

• Gently place the risen dough onto the oiled tray.
• Stretch it softly with your fingers to fit the pan.
• Don’t press too hard; keep it airy.

7. Create the Famous Dimples

• Dip your fingers in oil.
• Press into the dough to form deep dimples.
• These dimples hold olive oil and toppings during baking.

8. Add Toppings

• Drizzle olive oil generously.
• Add rosemary, tomatoes, garlic, or sea salt flakes.
• You can also keep it plain classic focaccia tastes amazing without toppings too.

9. Second Rise

• Let the shaped dough rest for 20–25 minutes.
• This ensures a soft, fluffy crumb.

10. Bake the Bread

• Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F).
• Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
• The edges will become crisp and the center soft.

11. Cool and Serve

• Let it rest for 10 minutes after baking.
• This helps the texture settle perfectly before cutting.

This method produces one of the best homemade breads you will ever taste simple, flavorful, and absolutely comforting.

Prep Time, Cook Time & Serving Size

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: Around 2 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 6–8 slices

Nutrition Information (Per Slice Approx.)

• Calories: 220
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: moderate depending on topping
• Sugar: minimal

(The values may vary based on toppings and oil usage.)

How to Serve This Delicious Bread

Focaccia can be served in multiple creative ways:

• As a side with soups, pastas, or salads
• Cut into squares for snacking
• Split and use as a sandwich bread
• Serve with olive oil + balsamic dip
• Toast leftovers and eat with scrambled eggs
• Serve with cheese or hummus for a quick appetizer

Its versatility makes it a great addition to any meal.

FAQs

1. Can I make focaccia without rosemary?

Yes, you can keep it plain or substitute with thyme, oregano, or mixed herbs.

2. How do I store leftover focaccia?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days or refrigerate for 4 days.

3. Is focaccia similar to pizza dough?

Yes, very similar, but focaccia uses more olive oil and rises higher, making it fluffier.

4. Can beginners make this easily?

Absolutely! The method is simple, forgiving, and perfect for first-time bread makers.

5. Can I freeze baked focaccia?

Yes, slice it, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month.

Conclusion

This recipe gives you everything you need to create the authentic focaccia recipe at home with confidence. Its simple ingredients, rich flavor, and beginner-friendly method make it a perfect choice for anyone wanting to try homemade Italian bread. Whether you are cooking for family, guests, or yourself, this focaccia brings fresh bakery-style goodness right into your kitchen.