Big Bubble Focaccia - No-Knead Focaccia Bread - Food Wishes

Big Bubble Focaccia - No-Knead Focaccia Bread - Food Wishes is a medium Italian recipe that serves 6. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Food Wishes on YouTube.

Prep: 18 hrs 28 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 19 hrs 13 min

Cost: $2.09 total, $0.35 per serving

Ingredients

  • 500 g Bread Flour (high‑protein bread flour for strong gluten)
  • 400 g Water (room temperature)
  • 0.25 tsp Dry Active Yeast (about 1 g; can use instant yeast with same amount)
  • 10 g Salt (fine sea salt)
  • 30 ml Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, for the dough)
  • 60 ml Olive Oil (for greasing work surface, hands, and pan)
  • 5 g Fresh Rosemary (chopped finely)
  • 5 g Coarse Sea Salt (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Mix the dough

    In a large mixing bowl combine 500 g bread flour, 0.25 tsp dry active yeast, 10 g salt, and 30 ml olive oil. Add 400 g room‑temperature water and stir with a wooden spoon for about 2 minutes until a very wet, sticky dough forms.

    Time: PT2M

  2. First bulk fermentation

    Scrape down the sides of the bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let the dough rest at room temperature for 12–14 hours (about 13 hours).

    Time: PT13H

  3. Oil the work surface and transfer dough

    Generously oil a clean countertop or large board with the extra 60 ml olive oil. Using a bench scraper, lift the dough and place it onto the oiled surface.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Stretch to rectangle

    Oil your hands, then gently press and stretch the dough into a rough rectangle about 16 × 12 inches.

    Time: PT5M

  5. First set of folds and 1‑hour rest

    Fold the rectangle into thirds (like folding a letter), turn, and fold the other way. Transfer the folded dough, smooth side up, into a well‑oiled pan, cover with oiled plastic wrap, and let rest for 1 hour.

    Time: PT1H

  6. Second set of folds and 1‑hour rest

    Remove the plastic, oil your hands again, and perform another series of stretch‑and‑folds directly in the pan (fold in thirds one way, then the other). Cover with oiled plastic and rest for another hour.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Final folds and 1‑hour rest

    After the second hour, repeat a final stretch‑and‑fold (stretch one end, fold over, repeat on opposite side, then turn and repeat on the remaining sides). Cover again and let rest for a third hour.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Final stretch into pan and 2‑hour proof

    Transfer the dough, smooth side up, into the oiled pan. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the top and gently press the dough to the pan edges. Cover with oiled plastic wrap and let proof for 2 hours until nearly doubled.

    Time: PT2H

  9. Preheat and bake

    Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Uncover the focaccia, dimple the surface with oiled fingertips, scatter chopped rosemary and coarse sea salt, then bake for 30 minutes until golden brown.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 425°F

  10. Cool and serve

    Remove the pan from the oven, let the focaccia cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Cool completely to room temperature before slicing.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
6 g
Carbohydrates
38 g
Fat
9 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan

Allergens: Wheat, Olive Oil

Last updated: April 18, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Big Bubble Focaccia - No-Knead Focaccia Bread - Food Wishes

Recipe by Food Wishes

A high‑hydration, no‑knead focaccia that produces giant airy bubbles and a tender, ciabatta‑like crumb. The dough is wet, requires generous olive oil for handling, and goes through several stretch‑and‑fold rests before a final rise and bake at 425°F.

MediumItalianServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
16h 29m
Prep
30m
Cook
2h 2m
Cleanup
19h 1m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$2.09
Total cost
$0.35
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Handling a high‑hydration dough without flour; use plenty of olive oil.
  • Accurate 80% hydration (500 g flour to 400 g water).
  • Long, undisturbed fermentation periods (total ~16 hours).
  • Stretch‑and‑fold schedule to develop gluten without kneading.
  • Generously oil the pan and hands to prevent sticking.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oven and pan with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Olive oil can splatter; keep a safe distance when drizzling over hot surfaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of focaccia in Italian cuisine?

A

Focaccia originates from ancient Roman flatbreads and has become a staple of Italian regional cooking, especially in Liguria where it is known as "focaccia di Recco". It is traditionally served as a snack, side dish, or appetizer and reflects the Italian love of simple, high‑quality ingredients like olive oil and herbs.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of focaccia in Italy?

A

In Liguria, focaccia is thin, olive‑oil‑rich, and often topped with rosemary or sea salt. In Puglia, it may be topped with tomatoes and olives, while in Tuscany a thicker, more bread‑like version called "schiacciata" is common. Each region adds local herbs, cheese, or vegetables to the basic dough.

cultural
Q

How is big bubble focaccia traditionally served in Italian households?

A

It is usually served warm, sliced and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, sometimes accompanied by cured meats, cheeses, or a simple tomato‑olive salad. In many Italian homes it appears on the table alongside soups or salads as a hearty side.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is focaccia associated with in Italian culture?

A

Focaccia is a everyday staple but is also featured at family gatherings, picnics, and festive occasions like holidays and weddings, where it may be presented as a welcoming bread for guests.

cultural
Q

What makes big bubble focaccia special or unique in Italian cuisine?

A

The high‑hydration dough creates an open crumb with giant air pockets, giving the bread a light, airy texture similar to ciabatta but with the buttery richness of focaccia. The generous olive oil and rosemary add classic Mediterranean flavor.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making big bubble focaccia?

A

Common errors include adding too much flour (which kills the bubbles), under‑oiling the work surface (causing sticking), skipping the long fermentation, and over‑baking which dries out the crumb. Follow the stretch‑and‑fold schedule and keep the dough well‑oiled.

technical
Q

Why does this big bubble focaccia recipe use a 80% hydration dough instead of a firmer dough?

A

An 80% hydration dough is extremely wet, which encourages strong gluten development during the stretch‑and‑folds and creates the large, irregular holes that define the "big bubble" texture. A firmer dough would produce a denser crumb.

technical
Q

Can I make big bubble focaccia ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. After the final proof, you can bake it, let it cool, then wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month. Reheat in a 350°F oven to restore the crisp crust.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the big bubble focaccia is done?

A

The crust should be golden‑brown with a crisp exterior, while the interior should show large, irregular air pockets and a moist, tender crumb. The surface will be dimpled and speckled with rosemary and coarse sea salt.

technical
Q

How do I know when the big bubble focaccia is fully baked?

A

The focaccia is done when the edges are deep golden, the bottom sounds hollow when tapped, and an internal temperature of about 200°F (93°C) is reached. The top should be lightly crisp but not burnt.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Food Wishes specialize in?

A

Food Wishes, hosted by Chef John, specializes in approachable, step‑by‑step video recipes that blend classic techniques with humor. The channel covers a wide range of cuisines, focusing on home‑cook friendly dishes with clear explanations.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Food Wishes' approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?

A

Food Wishes often simplifies traditional Italian recipes, using minimal equipment and no‑knead methods while still preserving authentic flavors. Chef John emphasizes technique explanations and practical tips, making Italian dishes accessible to beginners compared to more technique‑heavy channels.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Soft Big Bubble Focaccia
14

Soft Big Bubble Focaccia

A super soft, airy focaccia with giant bubbles made from a high‑hydration dough using just five simple ingredients. The stretch‑and‑fold method creates a chewy crust and pillowy interior, perfect for topping with olives, rosemary, or any favorite ingredients.

4 hrs 7 minServes 8$2
Italian
Cheese Pull-Apart Garlic Bread l Made With No-Knead Focaccia Dough
4

Cheese Pull-Apart Garlic Bread l Made With No-Knead Focaccia Dough

A soft, pillowy pull‑apart bread packed with garlicky butter and mozzarella. Made with a high‑hydration no‑knead dough, a cold fermentation, and a buttery garlic spread, this loaf is perfect for garlic lovers and makes a spectacular side or snack.

28 hrs 41 minServes 12$11
American
HOW TO MAKE SOFT and CRISPY FOCACCIA BREAD
26

HOW TO MAKE SOFT and CRISPY FOCACCIA BREAD

A quick, no‑overnight Italian focaccia with a crisp golden crust, fluffy interior, and a fragrant garlic‑rosemary topping. Perfect as a side, sandwich bread, or snack, and served with a simple olive‑oil‑balsamic dip.

4 hrs 54 minServes 8$2
Italian
This Garlic Butter Focaccia Will Change The Way You Bake Bread Forever!
29

This Garlic Butter Focaccia Will Change The Way You Bake Bread Forever!

A soft, airy focaccia infused with rich garlic confit butter. No kneading required—just stretch‑and‑fold, a few rests, and a buttery, garlicky topping. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a savory side to any Italian meal.

6 hrs 5 minServes 6$42
Italian
100% Whole Wheat No-Knead Cold Fermented Focaccia Recipe
13

100% Whole Wheat No-Knead Cold Fermented Focaccia Recipe

A rustic, 100% whole‑wheat focaccia made with a no‑knead method and a cold bulk fermentation. The dough is folded three times during a short fridge rest, then proofed overnight for maximum flavor and a light, airy crumb. Topped with goat cheese, olives, chives and plenty of olive oil, this bread is perfect as a snack, side dish, or base for sandwiches.

17 hrs 35 minServes 6$7
Italian
Easy Sourdough Focaccia Everyone can Make! It's the most SIMPLE homemade bread to start with!
18

Easy Sourdough Focaccia Everyone can Make! It's the most SIMPLE homemade bread to start with!

A simple, rustic focaccia‑style flatbread that can be made with either sourdough starter dough or yeasted dough. No shaping, no baskets – just olive oil, garlic‑infused oil, cheese, and herbs. Perfect for serving with soups, salads, or as a snack.

2 hrs 51 minServes 6$6
Italian