Description
This quick and easy Same Day Focaccia recipe delivers a fluffy, aromatic homemade bread perfect for busy cooks. Featuring classic Mediterranean flavors with fresh herbs and olive oil, it bakes up in just a few hours without any special equipment. Customize with your favorite herbs or toppings for versatile, delightful bread that pairs well with any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 100°F)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (natural) plus extra for drizzling
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder (natural)
Toppings
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: Mix warm water with active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy and bubbly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sea salt, and garlic powder to distribute flavors evenly.
- Mix Dough: Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil (natural) into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until dough begins to form, then transfer to a floured surface.
- Knead the Dough: Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky to develop gluten.
- First Rise: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover loosely with cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape and Prepare for Baking: Transfer dough onto a parchment-lined or lightly oiled baking sheet. Stretch and press into a 1-inch thick rectangle or round. Use fingertips to create dimples all over the surface to hold olive oil and herbs.
- Add Toppings and Second Rise: Drizzle extra olive oil generously on top, sprinkle with fresh rosemary and sea salt. Let rest for 20 to 30 minutes to puff slightly.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and crispy on top with a soft interior. Cool a few minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use warm water around 100°F to activate yeast without killing it.
- Creating dimples traps olive oil for traditional focaccia texture and flavor.
- Allowing two rises builds flavor and fluffy crumb.
- Fresh herbs enhance aroma and brightness.
- Serve focaccia warm, fresh from the oven or gently reheated.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to two days.
- Freeze portions wrapped in foil or plastic wrap for up to one month; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes to refresh texture and aroma.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/8 of focaccia)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: focaccia, quick bread, homemade bread, Italian bread, herb bread, rosemary focaccia, plant-based bread