Dinner

Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe

Name: Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil (120ml); 2 garlic cloves, finely minced; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried; ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper; 1 cup lukewarm water, 110°F to 115°F (235ml); 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast, one ¼-ounce packet; ¼ teaspoon sugar, honey, or maple syrup; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (325g); 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

ByIsabella Vance October 31, 2025October 31, 2025

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Introduction

Easy focaccia bread is a fragrant, soft Italian classic that’s perfect for any occasion. Infused with garlic and fresh herbs, this recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and a wonderfully tender crumb. Whether served as an appetizer or alongside your favorite meal, it’s simple to make and sure to impress.

The image shows soft, square pieces of focaccia bread with a golden brown top sprinkled with green herbs and small bits of dried seasoning. Each piece has a light, airy texture with visible pockets inside and a slightly crisp crust. A woman's hand is lifting one piece, showing its thickness and fluffy inside. The pieces are placed on a white marbled surface with a blurred green garnish in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup extra-virgin olive oil (120ml)
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried
¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 cup lukewarm water, 110°F to 115°F (235ml)
2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast, one ¼-ounce packet
¼ teaspoon sugar, honey, or maple syrup
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (325g)
1 teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions

Step 1: Combine olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper in a cold medium skillet. Place the pan over low heat and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 10 minutes until aromatic. Avoid browning the garlic by keeping the heat low and removing the pan before it browns. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir a few times and let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast activates.
Step 3: Add 1 cup of flour and ¼ cup of the cooled garlic-olive oil mixture to the yeast bowl. Stir 3 to 4 times until the flour is moistened. Let it rest for another 5 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the remaining 1 ½ cups flour and salt. When the dough comes together, transfer it to a floured surface and knead 10 to 15 times until smooth.
Step 5: Place the dough in a large oiled bowl, cover with a warm, damp towel, and let it rise at room temperature until doubled in size, about 1 to 2 hours.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
Step 7: Use 2 tablespoons of the remaining garlic-olive oil mixture to oil a 9×13-inch rimmed baking sheet.
Step 8: Transfer the dough to the baking sheet and gently press it into the pan. Dimple the dough with your fingers, drizzle with the remaining garlic-olive oil mixture, and let it rise for 20 to 30 minutes until slightly puffed.
Step 9: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and let the focaccia cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Tips & Variations

For an overnight rise, cover the dough and refrigerate it after kneading. Remove it from the fridge 1 hour before baking to come to room temperature and rise further.
Experiment with toppings like cherry tomatoes, olives, or caramelized onions before baking for added flavor.
Try using different herbs such as oregano or sage to customize the bread to your taste.
If you don’t have a 9×13-inch pan, a similar-sized baking dish or two smaller pans will work well.

Storage

Store focaccia in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5 to 10 minutes to regain its crispness.

How to Serve

A close-up view shows a thick square piece of golden focaccia bread being held by a woman's hand, highlighting its soft, airy texture with visible air pockets inside. The bread has a light golden brown crust with small dimples on top, sprinkled with dried herbs and small bits of roasted garlic. Around the main slice, several more thick focaccia pieces with the same golden crust and seasoning rest on a white marbled surface, creating a cozy, fresh-baked feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but you’ll need to activate active dry yeast in the warm water for about 5 to 10 minutes until frothy before adding the other ingredients.

How do I know when the dough has doubled in size?

The dough should look noticeably larger and feel soft and springy when gently pressed with a fingertip. This usually takes 1 to 2 hours at room temperature.