Focaccia Bread Recipe With Herbs
Focaccia Bread Recipe With Herbs is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 206 calories per serving. Recipe by Ready Steady Eat on YouTube.
Prep: 2 hrs 7 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 2 hrs 42 min
Cost: $6.11 total, $1.53 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 0.75 cup Water (warm, about 110°F (43°C))
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin recommended; reserve extra for greasing and topping)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (kosher or table salt)
- 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Mixed Herb Seasoning (blend of dried onion, garlic, oregano, thyme)
- 0.5 teaspoon Dry Basil
- 0.5 teaspoon Dry Rosemary
- 1 tablespoon Active Dry Yeast (instant or active dry yeast)
- 1 tablespoon Butter (optional, melted for finishing)
- 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional topping)
- 5 tablespoons Olives (optional, sliced)
Instructions
Activate Yeast
In the large mixing bowl, combine the active dry yeast, warm water, and sugar. Whisk until the yeast fully dissolves and the mixture becomes foamy.
Time: PT2M
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Stir in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then add the flour, salt, mixed herb seasoning, dry basil, and rosemary. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead on a lightly oiled surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Time: PT7M
First Rise
Lightly oil the mixing bowl, place the dough inside, and turn to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1½ hours.
Time: PT1H30M
Punch Down & Brief Knead
Punch the risen dough down to release air, then knead gently for about 1 minute.
Time: PT1M
Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 200°C
Shape & Second Rise
Grease the baking sheet with olive oil. Transfer the dough onto the sheet and pat it into a rectangle or circle about ½ to ¾ inch thick. Cover loosely and let rest for 15 minutes to puff up slightly.
Time: PT15M
Add Toppings
Using your fingers, dimple the surface, then brush generously with olive oil. Sprinkle additional dried basil and rosemary (or fresh herbs) over the top.
Time: PT2M
Bake
Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 200°C
Finish & Serve
Remove the focaccia from the oven, brush with melted butter (optional), cut into pieces, and serve warm.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 206
- Protein
- 2.5g
- Carbohydrates
- 40g
- Fat
- 6g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten, Contains dairy (optional)
Allergens: Wheat, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Bread Flour, Whole Wheat Flour
- Instead of Water: Warm Milk
- Instead of Olive Oil: Canola Oil, Vegetable Oil
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Honey, Maple Syrup (use less)
- Instead of Mixed Herb Seasoning: Italian Seasoning
- Instead of Dry Basil: Fresh Basil (use 3× amount)
- Instead of Dry Rosemary: Fresh Rosemary (use 3× amount)
- Instead of Active Dry Yeast: Fresh Yeast (2× amount)
- Instead of Butter: Olive Oil
- Instead of Grated Parmesan Cheese: Grated Pecorino
- Instead of Olives: Capers
Equipment Needed
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Kitchen Towel or Damp Cloth
- Baking Sheet
- Pastry Brush
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Activating the yeast properly
- Kneading the dough to a smooth, elastic texture
- First rise until the dough doubles in volume
- Second rise after shaping on the baking sheet
- Baking until the focaccia is golden brown
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use high‑quality extra‑virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Add a handful of cherry tomatoes or sliced red onions on top for extra texture.
- For a fragrant finish, drizzle a little infused olive oil (with garlic or rosemary) just after baking.
Troubleshooting
Dough does not rise.
Check that the water was warm (not hot) and that the yeast is fresh. If in doubt, proof the yeast in a small cup with warm water and a pinch of sugar; it should foam within 5–10 minutes.
Focaccia is dense or heavy.
Knead longer to develop gluten and ensure the dough had a full first rise. Over‑mixing with too much flour can also cause density; add flour gradually.
Top becomes soggy.
Make sure the dough is well‑dimpled and brushed with enough olive oil before baking. A hot oven and proper preheating also help create a crisp crust.
Storage
Refrigerator: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Room temperature: Best eaten the same day; can sit uncovered for up to 1 day but may dry out.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the dough the night before, let it rise slowly in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before the second rise.
- After the first rise, you can shape the dough, freeze it on the baking sheet, and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
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 a hearth. In Liguria, especially Genoa, it evolved into the herb‑infused loaf we know today, often served as a snack, accompaniment to meals, or with olive oil and cheese.
What are the traditional regional variations of focaccia in Italian cuisine?
In Liguria, focaccia is thin, olive‑oil rich, and topped with rosemary or sea salt. In Puglia, it’s thicker and sometimes stuffed with tomatoes and olives. The Tuscan version, known as "schiacciata," is crispier and may include herbs like sage.
How is focaccia traditionally served in Italy?
Focaccia is typically served warm, sliced and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of sea salt. It can accompany soups, salads, cured meats, or be enjoyed on its own as a snack.
What occasions or celebrations is focaccia traditionally associated with in Italian culture?
Focaccia is a staple at everyday meals but also appears at festivals, family gatherings, and as part of a traditional Italian antipasto spread during holidays and celebrations.
How does focaccia fit into the broader Italian cuisine tradition?
Focaccia showcases the Italian emphasis on simple, high‑quality ingredients—flour, olive oil, salt, and herbs. It reflects the Mediterranean diet’s focus on bread as a vehicle for flavor and communal sharing.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for focaccia versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic focaccia uses all‑purpose or bread flour, extra‑virgin olive oil, sea salt, fresh or dried rosemary, and sometimes olives or tomatoes. Substitutes include whole‑wheat flour for a nuttier crumb, or a neutral oil if olive oil is unavailable, though flavor will differ.
What other Italian dishes pair well with herb focaccia?
Herb focaccia pairs beautifully with minestrone soup, caprese salad, grilled vegetables, cured meats like prosciutto, or a simple bowl of olive oil and balsamic for dipping.
What makes herb focaccia special or unique in Italian cuisine?
The generous use of olive oil and herbs creates a fragrant, moist crumb that distinguishes focaccia from other breads. Its dimpled surface traps oil and toppings, delivering bursts of flavor in each bite.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making focaccia at home?
Common errors include using water that’s too hot (killing the yeast), under‑kneading (resulting in a tough texture), and not allowing a full rise, which leads to a dense loaf. Also, insufficient olive oil on the surface can cause a dry 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 it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. A internal temperature of about 200°F (93°C) also indicates it’s fully baked.
What does the YouTube channel Ready Steady Eat specialize in?
The YouTube channel Ready Steady Eat, hosted by Kanak, focuses on quick, everyday recipes that are easy to follow, often featuring Indian and international comfort foods with step‑by‑step guidance for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Ready Steady Eat's approach to Italian cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Ready Steady Eat emphasizes simplicity and speed, using readily available ingredients and minimal equipment, whereas many Italian‑focused channels may delve into more traditional techniques or specialty ingredients. Kanak’s style makes Italian dishes approachable for busy home cooks.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
