Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe
Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe is a easy Italian recipe that serves 8. 180 calories per serving. Recipe by Inspired Taste on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 1 hr 50 min | Total: 2 hrs 30 min
Cost: $3.38 total, $0.42 per serving
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, divided (for oil infusion, dough, and topping))
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Rosemary (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme (finely chopped)
- 1 cup Warm Water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast (instant or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar (helps activate yeast)
- 2.5 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (kosher or sea salt)
Instructions
Make Garlic‑Herb Olive Oil
In a small saucepan, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme. Warm over low heat just until the garlic becomes fragrant (about 2‑3 minutes), then remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
Time: PT10M
Activate the Yeast
In the large mixing bowl, stir together warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let sit until the mixture becomes foamy, about 5‑8 minutes.
Time: PT8M
Add Initial Flour and Oil
Stir 1 cup of the sifted flour and 1/4 cup of the cooled garlic‑herb oil into the yeast mixture. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to hydrate the flour.
Time: PT5M
Incorporate Remaining Flour and Salt, Knead
Add the remaining 1½ cups flour and the salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead gently 10‑15 folds (about 2 minutes) until the dough pulls together into a ball.
Time: PT2M
First Rise
Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough inside, turn to coat, cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Time: PT1H
Temperature: room temperature
Prepare Baking Dish and Shape Dough
Drizzle 2‑3 tablespoons of the garlic‑herb oil into the baking dish. Transfer the risen dough onto the dish, stretch it to the edges, and press dimples into the surface with your fingertips. Drizzle the remaining oil over the top.
Time: PT5M
Second Proof
Cover the dish loosely and let the dough rest for another 20‑30 minutes until it puffs slightly.
Time: PT25M
Temperature: room temperature
Bake
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the focaccia for 20‑25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges sound hollow when tapped.
Time: PT25M
Temperature: 425°F
Cool and Serve
Remove the focaccia from the oven, let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cutting board. Slice and serve warm.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 180
- Protein
- 4g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 6g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan
Allergens: Wheat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Olive Oil: Canola oil, vegetable oil
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Rosemary: Dried rosemary (1 tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Thyme: Dried thyme (1 tsp)
- Instead of Warm Water: Milk (for richer flavor)
- Instead of Active Dry Yeast: Instant yeast (same amount)
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Honey (½ tsp)
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Bread flour, Whole‑wheat flour (may need more water)
- Instead of Salt: Table salt (½ tsp)
Equipment Needed
- Small Saucepan
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Mixing Bowl (large)
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- 9x13‑inch Baking Dish
- Kitchen Towel or Plastic Wrap
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Making the garlic‑herb olive oil without burning the garlic
- Ensuring the yeast mixture becomes foamy
- First rise until the dough doubles in size
- Creating dimples in the dough before baking
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before baking.
- Use a mixture of rosemary and thyme, but feel free to add oregano or basil for a different herb profile.
Troubleshooting
Dough didn’t rise
Check that the water was warm (not hot) and that the yeast is fresh; a cold kitchen will need a longer rise time.
Top is pale after baking
Increase oven temperature by 10‑15°F or bake a few minutes longer; a quick broil at the end can add color.
Bread is dense
Avoid over‑kneading and ensure the dough rested enough; too much flour can also cause density—measure flour by weight if possible.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze up to 1 month. Reheat in oven before serving.
Room temperature: Best eaten the day of baking; can sit uncovered for up to 4 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The dough can be prepared the night before; after the first rise, punch down, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature and give a short second proof before baking.
- Garlic‑herb oil can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of focaccia (fkaca) in Italian cuisine?
Focaccia originates from ancient Roman times as a simple flatbread baked on a hearth. Over centuries it became a staple in Liguria and throughout Italy, often flavored with local herbs and olive oil, symbolizing hospitality and the Mediterranean love of simple, high‑quality ingredients.
What are the traditional regional variations of focaccia in Italian cuisine?
In Liguria, focaccia is thin, olive‑oil‑rich, and topped with rosemary; in Puglia, it’s often dotted with tomatoes and olives; in Tuscany, it may be seasoned with coarse sea salt and sometimes cheese. Each region adapts the basic dough to local flavors.
How is authentic focaccia traditionally served in Italy?
Authentic focaccia is served warm, brushed with extra‑virgin olive oil, and sometimes sprinkled with flaky sea salt. It is enjoyed as a snack, alongside soups, or as an accompaniment to meals, especially with cured meats and cheeses.
On what occasions or celebrations is focaccia traditionally associated in Italian culture?
Focaccia is a everyday bread but is also featured at festivals, family gatherings, and as part of the antipasto spread during holidays. In some regions it is baked for religious feasts such as Saint Joseph’s Day.
How does focaccia fit into the broader Italian cuisine tradition?
Focaccia exemplifies the Italian culinary principles of simplicity, high‑quality olive oil, and fresh herbs. It bridges the gap between bread and flatbread, complementing pasta, salads, and charcuterie, and showcases the importance of regional produce.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for focaccia versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional focaccia uses extra‑virgin olive oil, sea salt, fresh rosemary or thyme, and all‑purpose or bread flour. Acceptable substitutes include other high‑quality oils, dried herbs (in smaller amounts), and whole‑wheat flour (though it changes texture).
What other Italian dishes pair well with garlic‑herb focaccia?
Garlic‑herb focaccia pairs beautifully with tomato‑based soups, minestrone, grilled vegetables, antipasto platters, and robust red wines such as Chianti or Barbera.
What makes garlic‑herb focaccia special or unique in Italian cuisine?
The infusion of garlic and fresh herbs into the olive oil adds an aromatic depth that elevates the simple bread, creating a fragrant, savory crust that is both comforting and gourmet.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making garlic‑herb focaccia at home?
Common errors include overheating the oil and burning the garlic, using water that’s too hot which kills the yeast, over‑kneading the dough, and skipping the dimpling step which results in a dense crust.
How do I know when the focaccia is done baking?
The focaccia is done when the top is deep golden brown, the edges are crisp, and tapping the bottom produces a hollow sound. Internal temperature should be around 200°F (93°C).
What does the YouTube channel Inspired Taste specialize in?
The YouTube channel Inspired Taste specializes in approachable, step‑by‑step home cooking tutorials that focus on classic comfort foods, quick weeknight meals, and simple techniques for beginners.
How does the YouTube channel Inspired Taste's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?
Inspired Taste emphasizes minimal ingredient lists, clear visual cues, and practical tips for home kitchens, whereas many Italian channels focus on regional authenticity or elaborate techniques. This channel aims to make Italian staples like focaccia accessible to cooks of any skill level.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
