Anyone can make this focaccia

Anyone can make this focaccia is a easy Italian recipe that serves 6. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking With Ayeh on YouTube.

Prep: 25 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 1 hr

Cost: $2.92 total, $0.49 per serving

Ingredients

  • 500 g All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 10 g Salt (fine sea salt)
  • 350 ml Warm Water (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 1 tsp Granulated Sugar
  • 2 tsp Active Dry Yeast (proofed in warm water with sugar)
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, plus extra for pan)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Rosemary (chopped leaves)
  • 1 tsp Flaky Sea Salt (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted flour and fine sea salt until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Proof Yeast

    In a small bowl, combine warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Form the Sticky Dough

    Make a well in the dry mixture, pour in the proofed yeast liquid and 3 tbsp olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until a very sticky, shaggy dough forms.

    Time: PT5M

  4. First Fermentation (Cold Rise)

    Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top, and place in the refrigerator overnight (about 12 hours).

    Time: PT12H

  5. Bring to Room Temperature & Second Rest

    Remove the dough from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 2 hours to finish rising and become puffy.

    Time: PT2H

  6. Prepare Baking Sheet

    Generously oil a baking sheet or oven‑safe dish, then gently spread the dough onto it, stretching it to the edges.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Dimple and Top

    Using your fingertips, press deep dimples all over the surface. Drizzle a little more olive oil, sprinkle chopped rosemary and flaky sea salt evenly.

    Time: PT10M

  8. Bake

    Place the sheet in a pre‑heated oven at 425°F (220°C) and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: 425°F

  9. Cool & 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
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Wheat

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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Anyone can make this focaccia

Recipe by Cooking With Ayeh

A simple, beginner‑friendly focaccia recipe from Cooking With Ayeh. Mix a sticky dough, let it rise overnight in the fridge, dimple, top with rosemary and flaky sea salt, then bake to golden, crispy perfection.

EasyItalianServes 6

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

Source Video
14h 40m
Prep
20m
Cook
1h 48m
Cleanup
16h 48m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$2.92
Total cost
$0.49
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Proofing the yeast correctly (step 2)
  • Ensuring the dough remains sticky (step 3)
  • Cold overnight fermentation (step 4)
  • Dimpling the dough before baking (step 7)
  • Baking until golden and crisp (step 8)

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oven and baking sheet with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Do not use water hotter than 120°F (49°C) when proofing yeast, as it can kill the yeast.

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 originated in ancient Roman times as a simple flatbread baked on hot stones. Over centuries it became a staple in Liguria and other Italian regions, often flavored with local herbs, olives, or cheese, and is now a beloved accompaniment to meals and a canvas for creative toppings.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of focaccia in Italy?

A

In Liguria, especially Genoa, focaccia is thin, olive‑oil‑rich, and topped with rosemary or sea salt. In Puglia, it’s often thicker and dotted with cherry tomatoes (focaccia di Recco). In the Veneto, it may be sweetened with sugar and served as a dessert. Each region adds its own local herbs and toppings.

cultural
Q

How is authentic focaccia traditionally served in Italy?

A

Authentic Italian focaccia is served warm, brushed with extra‑virgin olive oil, and sometimes sprinkled with coarse sea salt. It is commonly eaten as a snack, alongside soups, or used to sop up sauces and olive oil at the table.

cultural
Q

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

A

Focaccia is a everyday staple but is also featured at festivals, family gatherings, and church feasts, especially in the Ligurian region where it is offered as a welcoming bread for guests.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with rosemary focaccia from Cooking With Ayeh?

A

Rosemary focaccia pairs beautifully with minestrone soup, grilled vegetables, antipasto platters, fresh mozzarella, and hearty pasta sauces such as ragù or pesto.

cultural
Q

What makes rosemary focaccia special or unique in Italian cuisine?

A

The combination of a super‑sticky, high‑hydration dough, overnight cold fermentation, and the signature dimpling technique creates a light, airy crumb with a crisp, olive‑oil‑laden crust, making it distinct from other breads.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making focaccia from Cooking With Ayeh?

A

Common errors include using water that’s too hot (killing the yeast), adding extra flour which makes the crumb dense, skipping the overnight rise, and not dimpling the dough before baking, which leads to a tough crust.

technical
Q

Why does this focaccia recipe use an overnight cold rise instead of a quick warm rise?

A

A cold rise slows yeast activity, allowing complex flavors to develop and giving the dough a more open crumb. It also makes the sticky dough easier to handle because it firms up slightly in the fridge.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes. Prepare the dough through step 4, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it the next day. After baking, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for a month.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cooking With Ayeh specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Cooking With Ayeh specializes in approachable home‑cooking tutorials, focusing on simple techniques, comfort foods, and step‑by‑step guidance for beginners and intermediate cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cooking With Ayeh's approach to Italian cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Cooking With Ayeh emphasizes minimal equipment, clear visual cues, and practical tips like overnight fermentation that make classic Italian dishes like focaccia accessible without professional kitchen tools, setting it apart from more technique‑heavy channels.

channel

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