Reading Time: 7 minutes Same-Day Focaccia Bread Recipe: Easy, Delicious, and Versatile
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If you’re looking for a quick and delicious bread recipe that’s easy to make at home, this focaccia bread is perfect for you!
Traditionally, focaccia bread takes a full day to make, but this version can be completed in just 3 hours, including a shorter rise at room temperature.
With only a handful of ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, you can create a fluffy, flavorful bread that’s as versatile as it is satisfying.
In this step-by-step guide, I’ll show you exactly how to make this easy focaccia recipe from scratch, with tips to customize it for any occasion.
Looking for more baking inspiration? Don’t miss our roundup of bread recipes: 10+ Delicious Bread Recipes You Can Make at Home!
Now, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need for This Focaccia Bread Recipe
To make your focaccia bread, you’ll need just a handful of pantry staples:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon active yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- Olive oil (for mixing, drizzling, and prepping the pan)
Optional toppings I used for extra flavor:
- Rosemary
- Garlic (minced or sliced)
- Flaky sea salt
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Same-Day Focaccia
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast. Give it a quick mix to evenly incorporate the dry ingredients. Add the warm water and a drizzle of olive oil, then mix everything together until the dough forms a sticky ball.
2. Let the Dough Rise
Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the sticky dough and cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Place it at room temperature and let it rise for 1 hour. During this time, the dough should double in size.
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3. Fold the Dough
After the first rise, gently fold the dough over itself a few times for 2-3 minutes. This helps build structure in the bread. Once it’s back to its original size, cover it again and let it rise for another hour.
4. Shape and Rest
After the second rise, transfer the dough to a generously oiled baking sheet. Fold the dough over itself a few times until it forms a rough rectangular shape. Let it rest on the counter for 30-45 minutes to rise one final time.
While you wait, preheat your oven to 425°F.
5. Add Toppings and Dimple the Dough
Once the dough has risen, drizzle olive oil over the surface. Lightly massage it with your fingertips to create the classic “dimples.” This step is not just fun but also helps create pockets that trap olive oil and toppings.
For this recipe, I used garlic, rosemary, and sea salt as toppings. Use your fingertips to gently dimple the dough, creating those signature focaccia bubbles.
Pro Tip: Feel free to get creative! Add sliced cherry tomatoes, olives, caramelized onions, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra flavor.
6. Bake to Perfection
Place the dough in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
7. Cool and Enjoy
Once your focaccia is done, immediately transfer it to a cooling rack. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy. Let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve and enjoy!
What Makes This Same-Day Focaccia Recipe Special?
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just a few hours, perfect for same-day baking.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need flour, yeast, salt, olive oil, and water, things you probably already have at home.
- Customizable: Use it as a savory side, a pizza base, or even a dessert.
The Versatility of Focaccia Bread
This focaccia isn’t just a side dish, it’s a canvas for endless possibilities. Here are some ways to use it:
As a Pizza Base: Top your focaccia with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and your favorite toppings for an easy, homemade pizza.
Related: Easy Homemade Pizza Recipe + DIY Pizza Buffet
Savory Sandwiches: Slice it horizontally and use it as sandwich bread for a hearty, flavorful meal.
Dessert Twist: Drizzle honey, sprinkle cinnamon sugar, or add fresh fruits before baking for a sweet version of focaccia.
Dippers for Soups: Serve warm slices alongside a bowl of soup for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Garlic Bread: Add more garlic and butter before baking to make a soft, buttery garlic bread.
Same-Day Focaccia Bread Recipe: Easy, Delicious, and Versatile
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon active yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- Olive oil for mixing, drizzling, and prepping the pan
- Rosemary
- Garlic minced or sliced
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Start by combining 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of active yeast in a large mixing bowl. Give it a quick mix to evenly incorporate the dry ingredients.
- Slowly pour in 1 cup of warm water while mixing. Add a drizzle of olive oil (about 1-2 tablespoons) and continue stirring until the dough begins to form a sticky ball.
- Once the dough has come together, drizzle a little more olive oil on top to prevent it from drying out. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 1 hour.
- After 1 hour, the dough should have risen noticeably. Gently fold the dough by stretching and folding it over itself for 2-3 minutes. This helps build structure.
- Once folded, the dough should return to its original size. Cover it again and let it rise for another hour in the same spot.
- When the second rise is complete, drizzle olive oil onto a baking sheet and transfer the dough onto it. Fold the dough over itself a few times until it forms a smooth, rounded shape. Let it rest on the counter for 30-45 minutes to rise again.
- Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) while the dough is resting on the baking sheet.
- After the final rise, drizzle olive oil over the surface of the dough and season it with rosemary, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of salt. (Feel free to use other toppings like olives, tomatoes, or even grated cheese.)
- Use your fingertips to gently press into the dough, creating dimples all over its surface. This step is essential for that classic focaccia texture and helps trap bubbles for a light, airy crumb.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and crispy on the edges. Immediately transfer the bread to a cooling rack to prevent the bottom from becoming soggy.
- Once cooled slightly, slice your fresh focaccia into squares or strips and enjoy it warm! Serve as is, dip in olive oil, or pair with your favorite toppings.
Bake Your Focaccia Today!
Making same-day focaccia bread is simple, rewarding, and absolutely worth the effort. With just a handful of ingredients and a little time, you can create a bread that’s fluffy, flavorful, and ready to impress.
So grab your flour and olive oil, and give this recipe a try, you’ll want to make it again and again!
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