Skip to Content

How to Make Homemade Focaccia (Recipe Guide)

How to Make Focaccia – An Authentic Focaccia (Recipe Guide)

Focaccia is one of Italy’s most beloved breads, cherished for its golden, crisp crust, airy yet chewy interior, and fragrant toppings of olive oil, herbs, and sea salt. Originating from Liguria, this versatile flatbread has been a staple of Italian cuisine for centuries, traditionally enjoyed as a street food, table bread, or savory snack. Its simplicity is what makes it so timeless—requiring just a few basic ingredients to create a bread that bursts with rustic, authentic flavor.

Homemade focaccia is easier than most think. The dough is forgiving, and the process is meditative, involving kneading, gentle stretching, and the satisfying dimpling before baking. It fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of olive oil and rosemary, instantly transporting you to a coastal Italian bakery. Whether topped simply with coarse sea salt and rosemary or enhanced with cherry tomatoes, garlic, or olives, focaccia is a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

In this recipe guide, you’ll learn how to make authentic focaccia from scratch, with tips for achieving the perfect fluffy crumb and golden crust every time. It’s a bread that transforms any meal, gathering, or simple snack into a celebration of Italian comfort and tradition.

Read here best Italian foodvegetarian food in Italy, best drinks in Italy and best breakfast in Italy

Read Here Things to know before visiting Italy and how to buy a sim card in Italy

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki

Best Time to Eat and What to Serve It With

Best time to eat:

Focaccia is perfect any time of day—enjoy it warm for breakfast with coffee, as a sandwich bread for lunch, or as a side for dinner alongside soups and salads. It also makes an excellent appetizer when served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.

Perfect pairings:

Side: Serve with antipasto platters of cured meats, cheeses, marinated olives, and roasted peppers for an Italian aperitivo spread.

Drink: Pair with a glass of Chianti or crisp Pinot Grigio to complement its olive oil richness, or enjoy with a cappuccino for a rustic breakfast.

Dessert: End your meal with a simple Italian dessert like panna cotta or fresh fruit with mascarpone and honey to maintain the authentic Italian dining experience.

Homemade focaccia isn’t just bread; it’s a celebration of Italian simplicity and tradition, perfect for sharing with friends and family over laughter, wine, and warm conversation.

How to Make Focaccia

Focaccia Recipe Ingredients

How to Make Foccacia – An Authentic Foccacia (Recipe Guide)

500g (about 4 cups) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons instant yeast
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
1 1/2 cups warm water
Extra toppings: Coarse sea salt, rosemary, cherry tomatoes, olives, etc.

Get the best deals for your home and kitchen needs

Step By Step How to Make Focaccia

How to Make Foccacia – An Authentic Foccacia (Recipe Guide)

Step 1 – Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, and salt. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the olive oil and warm water. Stir with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.

Step 2 – First Rise

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 2 hours.

Step 3 – Shape and Second Rise

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and drizzle it with olive oil. Turn the risen dough out onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread the dough out with your hands to roughly fill the sheet. If the dough springs back, let it rest for a few minutes before continuing.
Dimple the surface of the dough with your fingertips, creating small indentations and let the dough rise uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until noticeably puffy.

How to Make Foccacia – An Authentic Foccacia (Recipe Guide)

Step 4 – Add Toppings and Bake

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Drizzle additional olive oil over the top of the dough. Sprinkle coarse sea salt and any other toppings like rosemary, cherry tomatoes, or olives.
Bake the focaccia in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and the edges are crisp.

Step 5 – Serve

Let the focaccia cool slightly on a wire rack before cutting into pieces. Serve warm or at room temperature. Focaccia is best enjoyed the day it is made but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

How to Make Foccacia – An Authentic Foccacia (Recipe Guide)

Tips To Make Focaccia

Focaccia dough is quite wet and sticky compared to other bread doughs; this moisture helps create a light and airy bread with a crisp exterior. Experiment with various herbs and toppings like sliced onions, minced garlic, or different cheeses for added flavor.
Generously oiling the pan and the top of the dough ensures the characteristic crisp and flavorful crust of focaccia.

How to Make Foccacia – An Authentic Foccacia (Recipe Guide)

How Many Calories Has A Focaccia

Olive oil is calorie-dense. About 1/4 cup used in the dough and for drizzling on top can add up to 480 calories. Ingredients like onions, garlic, rosemary, or sun-dried tomatoes add minimal calories, generally not more than 50 calories combined unless cheese or meats are added.

The total calorie count for a Focaccia would be approximately 985 calories, if you divide the focaccia into 8 pieces, each piece would roughly contain 123 calories.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Please note that we only recommend products and services that we have personally used or believe will add value to our readers. Your support through these links helps us to continue creating informative and engaging content. Thank you for your support!