Focaccia Bread Recipe🍞
Hey everyone👋🏼! Here is a delicious bread recipe just for you!
Focaccia Bread Recipe Ingredients:
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 packet yeast (entire packet)
• 2 cups warm water (100°F–110°F / 38°C–43°C), divided
• Olive oil
Herb & Spice Blend Ingredients:
• 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1–2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried rosemary)
• 1/2–1 tsp red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp mild, 1 tsp more “zing”)
• 1 tsp coarse or flaky salt (or 3/4 tsp regular table salt)
Instructions:
1) In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of your warm water (100°F–110°F / 38°C–43°C) with 1 tsp sugar. Stir in the entire packet of yeast until dissolved. Wait 5–10 minutes until it’s foamy. Then add the remaining 1 3/4 cups of warm water to this mixture.
2) In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups flour and 2 tsp salt. Pour in the foamy yeast water mixture. Stir with a spatula or sturdy spoon until a sticky, shaggy ball forms.
3) Drizzle the dough with a little olive oil. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
4) First Fold: With a wet hand, pull the North, South, East, and West sides of the dough into the center. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.
5) Second Fold: Repeat the 4-direction pull. This builds strength so the bread rises “up” instead of “out.”
6) Cover the bowl and let it rise in a warm spot (like the oven with the light on) for 1.5 to 2 hours, until doubled in size.
7) Oil a 9x13 inch pan heavily. Move the dough to the pan and let it rest for 20 minutes. Gently stretch it to the corners.
8) In a small bowl, mix together:
• 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1–2 tbsp fresh rosemary (or 1 tbsp dried)
• 1/2–1 tsp red pepper flakes
9) Drizzle the herb and olive oil mixture over the dough. Use your fingers to poke deep dimples all over the surface. Sprinkle the top with 1 tsp coarse or flaky salt (or 3/4 tsp regular table salt).
10) Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.
Let cool slightly before slicing😎! Store covered at room temperature for best texture!
Focaccia bread is one of my favorite types of bread to make because of its versatility and amazing flavor. What I love most about this recipe is how it balances simplicity with a burst of aromatic herbs and spices which really elevate the final product. One key tip I've found when making focaccia is to be patient with the rising process. Allowing the dough to rise fully in a warm spot, as suggested here with the oven light method, helps develop that beautiful airy texture and a perfect crust. Also, the two-step folding technique mentioned in the recipe is excellent for building strength in the dough, which keeps the bread thick and pillowy rather than flat. Using fresh rosemary instead of dried makes a noticeable difference in flavor, especially when combined with the extra virgin olive oil. The red pepper flakes add a subtle spicy warmth that pairs beautifully with the coarse salt sprinkled on top. When it comes to baking, keeping the oven at 425°F ensures that the bread gets that golden, crispy exterior while staying moist inside. I usually bake mine for about 28 minutes, checking towards the end to make sure it doesn’t overbake. For serving, focaccia is wonderful on its own as a snack or paired with soups and salads. Leftovers can be toasted the next day to bring back some crispiness. This recipe is very beginner-friendly and perfect for anyone wanting to experiment with homemade bread without complicated steps. Plus, the use of all-purpose flour and everyday pantry ingredients makes it easy to try on a whim. Give it a go and enjoy the satisfying process of baking your own focaccia bread!
