Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe

Focaccia is perfect for any time of day. As it bakes, your home fills with an irresistible aroma, and you're rewarded with a comforting, airy bread featuring a crisp golden crust and a soft, fluffy interior. Top it with your favorite ingredients, and with just a few simple pantry staples, you'll have a bakery-style focaccia ready to enjoy.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3 cups sifted all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon dry yeast

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1¼ cups lukewarm water

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

For the Topping

• 3–4 tablespoons olive oil

• Coarse sea salt

• Fresh or dried herbs to taste (rosemary, oregano, or thyme)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and sugar.

2. Add the lukewarm water and olive oil, and mix until a dough begins to form.

3. Add the salt and knead the dough for about 8 minutes, until it becomes soft and elastic.

4. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

5. Lightly grease a baking pan and transfer the dough to the pan.

6. Gently stretch and press the dough to cover the surface of the pan.

7. Using your fingertips, create small dimples all over the dough.

8. Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle with coarse salt and herbs.

9. At this stage, you can add any toppings you like, such as:

• Halved cherry tomatoes

• Olives

• Roasted eggplant

• Bell peppers

• Red onion slices

10. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 20 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and fragrant.

Serving Suggestion

Serve warm as a side dish, sandwich bread, appetizer, or snack. It's delicious on its own or dipped in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, or your favorite spreads.