Discover the art of making perfect focaccia bread with these 10 exceptional recipes that will transform your baking game.
From classic rosemary and sea salt to creative combinations featuring sundried tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs, each version offers a unique twist on this beloved Italian flatbread.
Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced home chef, these foolproof recipes will guide you through creating pillowy-soft, dimpled focaccia with perfectly crispy edges.
You’ll learn essential techniques, timing tips, and topping combinations that will help you achieve bakery-worthy results in your own kitchen.
Classic Rosemary and Sea Salt Focaccia
Transform your kitchen into an Italian bakery with this irresistible focaccia recipe.
This pillowy-soft, olive oil-enriched bread features a crispy golden crust topped with fresh rosemary and flaky sea salt, creating the perfect balance of flavors that will make you feel like you’re dining in Tuscany.
Ingredients:
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1½ cups warm water
• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 tablespoon flaky sea salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Combine warm water and yeast in a large bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Mix in 2 tablespoons olive oil, flour, and kosher salt until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 4: Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
Step 5: Transfer to a 9×13 inch oiled baking pan and stretch to fit.
Step 6: Dimple the dough with your fingers, drizzle with olive oil, and add rosemary and sea salt.
Step 7: Let rise again for 30 minutes while preheating oven to 425°F.
Step 8: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Pro Tip: For the signature dimpled texture, make sure to press your fingers all the way down to the bottom of the pan when creating indentations. Also, don’t skimp on the olive oil – it’s crucial for achieving that authentic Italian flavor and crispy crust.
Sun-Dried Tomato and Herb Garden Focaccia
Create a rustic Italian bread that bursts with Mediterranean flavors.
This focaccia combines the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes with aromatic garden herbs, creating a perfect accompaniment to any meal or as a standalone snack.
Ingredients:
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1½ cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for topping
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil
• Sea salt for topping
Instructions:
Step 1: Combine warm water and yeast in a large bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Add flour, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 4: Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
Step 5: Punch down dough and fold in sun-dried tomatoes and herbs.
Step 6: Transfer to an oiled baking sheet and stretch to form a rectangle.
Step 7: Create dimples with your fingertips across the surface.
Step 8: Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt, and let rise for 30 minutes.
Step 9: Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Pro Tip: For the best texture, ensure your dough is adequately hydrated – it should be slightly sticky but manageable. Let the focaccia cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing to allow the internal structure to set properly.
Caramelized Onion and Olive Focaccia
Transform your kitchen into an Italian bakery with this irresistible homemade focaccia.
This rustic bread combines the sweetness of caramelized onions with the briny punch of olives, all nestled into a pillowy, olive oil-rich dough that’s finished with aromatic rosemary.
Ingredients:
• 4 cups bread flour
• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
• 2 tsp salt
• 1¾ cups warm water
• ⅓ cup olive oil, plus more for topping
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup mixed olives, pitted and halved
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• Sea salt for sprinkling
Step 1: Combine yeast with warm water and let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Mix flour and salt in a large bowl, then add yeast mixture and ¼ cup olive oil. Knead for 8-10 minutes.
Step 3: Let dough rise in an oiled bowl for 1 hour until doubled.
Step 4: Meanwhile, caramelize onions in remaining oil over medium-low heat for 25-30 minutes until golden.
Step 5: Press dough into an oiled 9×13 inch pan, creating dimples with your fingers.
Step 6: Top with caramelized onions, olives, and rosemary. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
Step 7: Let rise for 30 minutes, then bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Pro Tip: For the best texture, don’t rush the caramelization of your onions – low and slow is key. Always use room temperature ingredients for optimal dough development and rise.
Roasted Garlic and Fresh Basil Focaccia
Roasted Garlic and Fresh Basil Focaccia is a fragrant, Italian-style flatbread that will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
This pillowy-soft bread features a crispy exterior, topped with roasted garlic, fresh basil, and flaky sea salt, making it perfect for dinner parties or as an accompaniment to your favorite soups and salads.
Ingredients:
• 3½ cups bread flour
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1½ cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for topping)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 whole heads of garlic
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• Flaky sea salt for topping
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Step 1: Combine warm water and yeast in a large bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Mix in flour, salt, and olive oil until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Knead dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 4: Let rise in an oiled bowl for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Meanwhile, cut garlic heads in half, drizzle with olive oil, and roast at 400°F for 30 minutes.
Step 6: Press dough into an oiled 9×13 inch pan, creating dimples with your fingers.
Step 7: Top with roasted garlic cloves, fresh basil, oregano, and sea salt.
Step 8: Let rise again for 30 minutes.
Step 9: Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Pro Tip: For the best texture, make sure your dough has enough moisture – it should be slightly sticky when handling. You can test if your bread is done by tapping the bottom – it should sound hollow when fully baked.
Mediterranean Herb and Feta Focaccia
Transport yourself to the Mediterranean coast with this aromatic and fluffy focaccia bread.
This homemade flatbread combines the tanginess of feta cheese with fragrant herbs, creating a perfect accompaniment to any meal or as a standalone snack.
Ingredients:
• 3½ cups bread flour
• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
• 1½ cups warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 1½ tsp salt
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary
• 2 tbsp fresh oregano
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• Sea salt for topping
Step 1: Combine warm water and yeast in a large bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Mix in flour, olive oil, and salt until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 4: Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
Step 5: Press dough into a 9×13 inch baking pan, creating dimples with your fingers.
Step 6: Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle herbs, garlic, feta, and sea salt.
Step 7: Let rise again for 30 minutes while preheating oven to 425°F.
Step 8: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the dimpling process – these indentations help create the characteristic focaccia texture and hold the olive oil and toppings. For the best herb flavor, add half the herbs before baking and the remaining half right after it comes out of the oven.
Cherry Tomato and Oregano Focaccia
A delightful Italian flatbread that combines the sweetness of cherry tomatoes with aromatic oregano.
This homemade focaccia features a crispy exterior and a soft, airy interior, making it perfect for your family gatherings or as an accompaniment to your favorite meals.
Ingredients:
• 3½ cups bread flour
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1½ cups warm water
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ¼ cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves
• 1 tablespoon sea salt flakes
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
Step 1: Combine warm water and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Mix flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons olive oil.
Step 3: Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 4: Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
Step 5: Stretch dough onto an oiled baking sheet, creating dimples with your fingers.
Step 6: Press halved tomatoes into the dough and sprinkle with oregano, sea salt, and garlic powder.
Step 7: Let rise again for 30 minutes while preheating oven to 425°F.
Step 8: Drizzle with remaining olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on your focaccia during the last 5 minutes of baking, as the tomatoes can quickly go from perfectly roasted to overly charred. For the best texture, allow your dough to rise in a warm, draft-free spot in your kitchen.
Sourdough Focaccia with Wild Mushrooms
Elevate your bread-making game with this rustic Sourdough Focaccia topped with wild mushrooms.
This Italian-inspired flatbread combines the tangy complexity of sourdough with earthy mushrooms, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that will impress your guests at any gathering.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup active sourdough starter
• 4 cups bread flour
• 1½ cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for topping
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 pound mixed wild mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, porcini)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Flaky sea salt
• Black pepper
Step 1: Mix your sourdough starter, warm water, and flour in a large bowl. Let rest for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Add salt and olive oil, then knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 4-6 hours until doubled.
Step 4: Clean and slice mushrooms, then sauté with garlic until golden brown.
Step 5: Stretch dough onto an oiled baking sheet, creating dimples with your fingers.
Step 6: Top with sautéed mushrooms, rosemary, and drizzle with olive oil.
Step 7: Let proof for 1 hour, then bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Pro Tip: For the crispiest crust, preheat your baking sheet in the oven before adding the dough. Make sure your sourdough starter is at its peak activity (doubled in size) before using it in your recipe for the best rise and flavor development.
Gluten-Free Ancient Grain Focaccia
Experience the rustic charm of Italy with this gluten-free twist on traditional focaccia.
This bread combines the nutritious benefits of ancient grains with classic Mediterranean flavors, creating a tender, aromatic flatbread that’s perfect for any meal.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups gluten-free ancient grain flour blend (quinoa, amaranth, and millet)
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1½ cups warm water
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for topping
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon xanthan gum
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• Cherry tomatoes for topping
• Sea salt flakes for sprinkling
Instructions:
Step 1: Combine warm water, honey, and yeast in a bowl. Let stand for 10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Mix flour blend, salt, and xanthan gum in a large bowl.
Step 3: Add olive oil to the yeast mixture, then combine with dry ingredients.
Step 4: Knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth.
Step 5: Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
Step 6: Press dough into an oiled 9×13 inch pan, creating dimples with your fingers.
Step 7: Top with olive oil, rosemary, tomatoes, and sea salt.
Step 8: Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Pro Tip: For the best texture, ensure your dough rises in a warm, draft-free spot. You can test if it’s ready by gently pressing the surface – it should spring back slowly but maintain a slight indentation.
Whole Wheat Focaccia with Caramelized Vegetables
Discover the perfect blend of wholesome and delicious with this Whole Wheat Focaccia topped with sweet caramelized vegetables.
This Italian-inspired flatbread combines the nutty flavor of whole wheat flour with perfectly caramelized onions, bell peppers, and zucchini, creating a nutritious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients:
• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1½ cups warm water
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 2 medium onions, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Sea salt for topping
Step 1: Combine warm water, yeast, and honey in a bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Mix flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons olive oil.
Step 3: Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth. Place in an oiled bowl and let rise for 1 hour.
Step 4: Meanwhile, caramelize vegetables in olive oil over medium heat for 20-25 minutes.
Step 5: Press dough into an oiled baking sheet, creating dimples with your fingers.
Step 6: Top with caramelized vegetables, rosemary, and sea salt.
Step 7: Let rise again for 30 minutes while preheating oven to 425°F.
Step 8: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Pro Tip: For the best texture, ensure your dough is sticky but still manageable – resist the urge to add too much flour. Always let your focaccia come to room temperature before cutting to maintain its perfect texture.
Artichoke and Fresh Thyme Focaccia
Transform your kitchen into an Italian bakery with this aromatic and flavorful focaccia.
This rustic bread combines the earthy notes of fresh thyme with tender artichoke hearts, creating a Mediterranean-inspired flatbread that’s perfect for any meal or gathering.
Ingredients:
• 4 cups bread flour
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1½ cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for topping
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
• 3 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• Sea salt for sprinkling
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
Step 1: Combine warm water and yeast in a large bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Mix in flour, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and salt until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Knead dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 4: Let rise in an oiled bowl for 1 hour or until doubled.
Step 5: Press dough into an oiled 9×13 inch pan, creating dimples with your fingers.
Step 6: Arrange artichoke pieces and sprinkle thyme, garlic, and sea salt.
Step 7: Drizzle with olive oil and let rise for 30 minutes.
Step 8: Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Pro Tip: For the best texture, don’t skip the dimpling process – it creates those characteristic focaccia pockets. Also, ensure your artichokes are well-drained to prevent soggy spots in your bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes traditional focaccia bread different from regular bread?
Focaccia features a dimpled surface, liberal use of olive oil, and a chewy interior with crispy crust. The high hydration dough and specific preparation method create its signature texture.
What are the essential ingredients needed for basic focaccia bread?
You’ll need bread flour, active dry yeast, olive oil, salt, warm water, and herbs like rosemary. These six core ingredients form the foundation of authentic focaccia.
How long should you let focaccia dough rise for the best results?
Allow your focaccia dough to rise twice: first for 1-2 hours until doubled, then another 30-45 minutes after shaping. This develops proper texture and flavor.
What temperature should you bake focaccia at for the perfect crust?
Bake your focaccia at 425-450°F (218-232°C) for about 20-25 minutes. This high temperature creates the signature golden-brown crust while maintaining a soft interior.
What are popular focaccia toppings besides rosemary and salt?
Top your focaccia with cherry tomatoes, olives, caramelized onions, or roasted garlic. You can also add herbs like sage or thyme for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve explored these ten amazing focaccia recipes, you can confidently create this beloved Italian bread at home.
Remember that the key to perfect focaccia lies in allowing proper proofing time and maintaining adequate hydration in your dough.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and herbs to create your signature version.
Start with the basic recipe, master the technique, and then venture into more creative variations.
Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or alongside your main dish, homemade focaccia will surely impress your guests.
