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Homemade Focaccia Recipe

A truly exceptional focaccia bread crowned with fresh rosemary and flakes of sea salt. This simple yet impressive vegan bread is golden, airy, and crisp beneath—an ideal addition to any table.
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Course: Bread
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Homemade Focaccia Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Rising Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

  • 1 –2 teaspoons flaky sea salt
  • 2 cups lukewarm water 450 grams
  • 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
  • 1 –2 teaspoons instant rise yeast see notes
  • 4 cups flour 510 grams, either all-purpose or bread flour
  • 2 teaspoons fine salt

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, fine salt, and yeast with a whisk. Gently pour in the lukewarm water and mix using a spatula or fork until the flour is fully absorbed and a soft, loose dough forms. Scrape down the sides to tidy, then drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over and around the dough, coating the surface and edges. Cover and allow the dough to rise at room temperature for 1½–2 hours, or refrigerate for 24–72 hours for enhanced flavor and an airy crumb. Pour 2–3 tablespoons of olive oil into the bottom and sides of a 10×14-inch Detroit-style pan, or butter a 9×13-inch baking dish if preferred (refer to notes for ceramic or glass). With oiled hands, loosen the dough from the bowl’s edges and perform six sets of stretch-and-folds, lifting the dough at the edge and folding it over itself, turning the bowl a quarter turn each time to form a smooth ball. Transfer the dough ball into the prepared pan, leaving it uncovered to rise again until doubled and spread across the pan—approximately 45 minutes, or 2–4 hours for optimal texture and taste. Preheat the oven to 425°F (or 400°F for convection). Drizzle the final tablespoon of olive oil over the surface, then press oiled fingertips into the dough to create deep dimples, gently coaxing the dough to the pan’s edges. Should the dough resist, allow it to rest for five minutes before continuing. Sprinkle generously with flaky sea salt and scatter the rosemary over the top. Bake on the middle rack for 25–30 minutes until the focaccia is puffed, deeply golden, and the bottom is crisp. Rest for 10 minutes prior to slicing.
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Notes

For rapid rising, use 2 teaspoons of instant yeast; for cold fermentation beyond 24 hours, 1 teaspoon suffices. Instant yeast is optimal for extended refrigeration; do not confuse it with “rapid rise” yeast. When substituting active dry yeast, activate it in warm water for five minutes until bubbly before mixing in flour and salt—expect a longer rise on the counter. If using ceramic, glass, or Pyrex, coat generously with butter or a mix of butter and oil to prevent sticking; glass pie plates are also suitable. Optional toppings include garlic, cherry tomatoes, olives, anchovies, sautéed mushrooms, or cheeses like parmesan, fontina, or pecorino. For a rosemary garlic dipping oil, warm ½ cup olive oil with three smashed garlic cloves until aromatic, then add 2 tablespoons rosemary and 1 tablespoon lemon zest, cooking just until crisp. Remove from heat, cool, add Aleppo chili flakes if desired, discard garlic, and serve alongside. The finished focaccia should reach an internal temperature of at least 190°F.