The King Arthur Baking Company Big Book of Bread: 125+ Recipes for Every Baker (A Cookbook)
There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, golden slice of homemade focaccia. This Italian focaccia recipe delivers the perfect blend of crisp edges, airy crumb, and rich olive oil flavor that defines this classic flatbread. Whether you’re new to bread baking or a seasoned home baker, this recipe makes it easy to bring a little slice of Italy to your kitchen.
From traditional methods to an easy focaccia bread recipe and a tangy sourdough focaccia recipe, this guide covers everything you need to know.
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What Is Italian Focaccia?
Focaccia is a traditional Italian flatbread, often infused with olive oil, sea salt, and herbs. It’s soft, chewy, and ideal for sandwiches, dipping, or serving alongside soups and salads. While regional variations exist, the classic focaccia bread recipe remains a beloved staple of Italian cuisine.
Classic Italian Focaccia Recipe
This traditional Italian focaccia recipe yields a soft, fluffy interior with a golden, crisp crust. Perfect for beginners, it uses simple ingredients and easy steps.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose or bread flour
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more for topping)
- Coarse sea salt and fresh rosemary for topping
Instructions:
- In a bowl, dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Punch down the dough and transfer to a greased 9×13-inch pan. Stretch to fit the pan and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Dimple the dough with your fingers, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with sea salt and rosemary.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before slicing.
This easy focaccia recipe delivers big flavor and texture with minimal effort.
Sourdough Italian Focaccia Recipe for Deeper Flavor
For a more complex taste, try a sourdough focaccia recipe. The natural fermentation adds tang and chew to this Italian favorite.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 cup active sourdough starter
- 1 ¼ cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Toppings: cherry tomatoes, garlic, herbs, olives, or onions
Instructions:
- Combine flour, water, and starter in a bowl. Mix until incorporated. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.
- Add salt and olive oil. Knead gently until smooth.
- Let the dough rise at room temperature for 4–6 hours, or overnight in the fridge.
- Spread dough in a well-oiled baking pan and let rise again for 1–2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Dimple the dough, add your favorite toppings, and bake for 25–30 minutes.
This sourdough focaccia recipe is ideal when you want bakery-quality bread with a bit more depth in flavor.
Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe with Quick Prep
Need bread in a hurry? This easy focaccia bread recipe skips long fermentation without sacrificing flavor.
Quick Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Mix until dough forms.
- Let rise for 30–45 minutes.
- Press into a greased pan, dimple, drizzle with oil, and sprinkle with herbs or salt.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
This shortcut version makes it easy to whip up fresh focaccia on busy weeknights.
Italian Focaccia Recipe Topping Ideas
Focaccia is endlessly customizable. Here are a few tasty topping options to try:
- Herbed: Rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil
- Savory: Caramelized onions, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, olives
- Cheesy: Parmesan, feta, or mozzarella
- Sweet: Grapes, figs, or honey with a sprinkle of sea salt
Feel free to mix and match toppings for your ideal flavor combination.
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Storage and Serving Tips
Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life. Reheat slices in the oven or toaster for the best texture. Serve it with soups, salads, or use it as the base for gourmet sandwiches.
Conclusion
This Italian focaccia recipe is a must-have for any home baker. Whether you choose a classic version, a tangy sourdough focaccia recipe, or a quick and easy focaccia recipe, you’ll be rewarded with delicious, bakery-style bread made from scratch.
With just a few ingredients and some olive oil magic, you can elevate any meal with this timeless Italian favorite.
The King Arthur Baking Company Big Book of Bread: 125+ Recipes for Every Baker (A Cookbook)