No Knead Focaccia from @daenskitchen
No Knead Focaccia from @daenskitchen is a medium Italian recipe that serves 8. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by FutureCanoe on YouTube.
Prep: 28 hrs 35 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 29 hrs 10 min
Cost: $1.57 total, $0.20 per serving
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups Warm Water (lukewarm, about 105°F (40°C) to activate yeast)
- 7 g Active Dry Yeast (equivalent to about 2 teaspoons; can use instant yeast)
- 2 teaspoons Honey (feeds the yeast; can substitute with sugar for vegans)
- 5 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted; about 625 g)
- 2 teaspoons Salt (fine sea salt)
- 4 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin; plus extra for drizzling before baking)
Instructions
Activate Yeast
In a small bowl combine 1 ¼ cups warm water, 7 g active dry yeast and 2 tsp honey. Stir gently and let sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
Time: PT5M
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl whisk together 5 cups sifted all‑purpose flour and 2 tsp salt until evenly distributed.
Time: PT5M
Combine Wet and Dry
Make a well in the flour mixture, pour in the activated yeast mixture, add the remaining 1 ¼ cups warm water and 4 Tbsp olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
Time: PT10M
Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8‑10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
Time: PT10M
First Cold Fermentation
Lightly oil the large mixing bowl, place the dough inside, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 24 hours.
Time: PT24H
Edge Fold
Remove the dough from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes, then grab each edge of the dough and fold it over the center, sealing the edges.
Time: PT5M
Second Warm Rise
Place the folded dough in a warm spot (e.g., oven with light on) and let it rise for about 4 hours, or until noticeably puffed.
Time: PT4H
Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) while the dough finishes its second rise.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 200°C
Shape and Dimple
Transfer the risen dough onto a parchment‑lined baking sheet. Gently stretch it to fit the sheet, then press dimples into the surface with your fingertips. Drizzle generously with olive oil and add any toppings you like (e.g., rosemary, olives, cherry tomatoes).
Time: PT5M
Bake
Bake the focaccia for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are crisp.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 200°C
Cool and Serve
Remove from oven, let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then cut into squares and serve warm.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 200
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan by substituting honey with sugar or maple syrup
Allergens: Wheat, Honey
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Warm Water: Milk, Plant‑based milk
- Instead of Active Dry Yeast: Instant yeast
- Instead of Honey: Granulated sugar, Maple syrup
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Bread flour, Whole‑wheat flour (use half whole‑wheat, half all‑purpose)
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt
- Instead of Olive Oil: Vegetable oil, Canola oil
Equipment Needed
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Small Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
- Dough Scraper (optional)
- Plastic Wrap
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper (optional)
- Pastry Brush (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Activating the yeast with warm water and honey
- Cold fermentation for 24 hours
- Second warm rise for 4 hours
- Dimpling the dough before baking
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use high‑quality extra‑virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before baking for a pleasant crunch.
- For extra aroma, press fresh rosemary leaves into the dimples before baking.
Troubleshooting
Dough does not rise during the second warm rise.
Check that the dough was kept at a warm enough temperature (75‑80°F). If the yeast was old or the water too hot during activation, the yeast may be dead; start over with fresh yeast.
Bread is dense and heavy.
Ensure the yeast was properly activated and that the dough had a full 24‑hour cold fermentation. Over‑kneading can also develop too much gluten; knead just until smooth.
Crust is pale and not crisp.
Bake at the full 200°C (400°F) and drizzle extra olive oil on top before baking. A hot oven and proper preheating are essential.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month; reheat in oven.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 days if covered.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The dough can be prepared up to the cold fermentation step and kept in the fridge for 24 hours.
- Baked focaccia freezes well; reheat at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of focaccia in Italian cuisine?
Focaccia originated in ancient Roman times as a simple flatbread baked on hot stones. Over centuries it became a staple of Ligurian cuisine, especially in Genoa, where olive oil and sea salt are traditional toppings. Today it is enjoyed across Italy and the world as a versatile base for toppings or as a side.
What are the traditional regional variations of focaccia in Italy?
In Liguria, focaccia is thin, olive‑oil rich, and often topped with rosemary or onions. In Puglia, it is thicker and may include tomatoes and olives. The Tuscan version, called "schiacciata," is pressed very thin and sometimes flavored with herbs or cheese.
How is focaccia traditionally served in Liguria?
Ligurian focaccia is typically served warm, drizzled with extra‑virgin olive oil and a pinch of coarse sea salt. It is eaten as a snack, alongside soups, or used to make "panini" sandwiches with cured meats and cheese.
What occasions or celebrations is focaccia associated with in Italian culture?
Focaccia is a common accompaniment at family meals, festivals, and market stalls. In many Italian towns it is sold fresh each morning and enjoyed with coffee or wine during casual gatherings.
How does focaccia fit into the broader Italian cuisine tradition?
Focaccia exemplifies the Italian emphasis on simple, high‑quality ingredients—flour, water, yeast, olive oil, and salt. Its versatility allows it to complement a wide range of dishes, from antipasti to soups, reflecting the Mediterranean principle of sharing bread at every meal.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for focaccia versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional focaccia uses all‑purpose or bread flour, extra‑virgin olive oil, sea salt, and fresh yeast. Acceptable substitutes include using instant yeast instead of fresh, substituting a portion of all‑purpose flour with whole‑wheat for added flavor, and using a neutral oil if olive oil is unavailable, though the taste will change.
What other Italian dishes pair well with focaccia?
Focaccia pairs beautifully with classic Italian antipasti such as prosciutto, mozzarella, and marinated olives. It also complements hearty soups like minestrone, stews, and can be used as a base for bruschetta toppings.
What makes this dimpled olive oil focaccia special in Italian cuisine?
The dimpled surface creates pockets that hold olive oil and toppings, delivering bursts of flavor with each bite. The 24‑hour cold fermentation adds depth and a slightly tangy aroma that distinguishes it from quicker breads.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making focaccia at home?
Common errors include using water that is too hot, which kills the yeast; skipping the cold fermentation, which reduces flavor; over‑kneading, leading to a tough crumb; and not dimpling the dough, resulting in a dense top. Follow the temperature guidelines and allow the full rise times for best results.
How do I know when the focaccia is done baking?
The focaccia is done when the top is golden‑brown, the edges are crisp, and a tap on the bottom sounds hollow. The internal temperature should be around 200°F (93°C). If the crust is pale, bake a few minutes longer.
What does the YouTube channel FutureCanoe specialize in?
The YouTube channel FutureCanoe focuses on straightforward, home‑cooking tutorials that blend modern techniques with classic comfort dishes. Their videos emphasize clear step‑by‑step instructions, minimal equipment, and practical tips for everyday cooks.
Last updated: August 30, 2026








