There’s something magical about baking homemade focaccia—Focaccia best way to eat the dough puffs up, the golden crust crisps just right, and the olive oil seeps into every airy pocket. It’s soft, fluffy, and packed with flavor!
Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, sandwich bread, or a snack with a drizzle of olive oil, this easy focaccia recipe is a no-fuss way to bake bakery-quality bread at home. Trust me—once you taste this, you’ll never want store-bought focaccia again!
If you love toasts and toppings, you might also enjoy Cottage Cheese Toast—a high-protein breakfast that pairs well with fresh fruit or honey.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy on the Outside, Soft on the Inside – The perfect contrast in textures!
- Easy & Beginner-Friendly – No fancy techniques, just simple ingredients and a little patience.
- Totally Customizable – Add fresh herbs, roasted garlic, olives, or even cheese!
- Pairs with Everything – Serve it with soup, pasta, or just dunk it in olive oil for an irresistible snack.
If you enjoy buttery breads, try Croissant Toast—another flaky and delicious option for breakfast or snacks!
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make the easiest, fluffiest focaccia ever:
- All-Purpose Flour – Creates the perfect soft and airy texture.
- Active Dry Yeast – Helps the dough rise into light, fluffy perfection.
- Honey or Sugar – Feeds the yeast and adds a hint of natural sweetness.
- Warm Water (110°F) – Activates the yeast and brings the dough together.
- Olive Oil – For rich flavor and a golden, crispy crust.
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors.
- Dried Rosemary (Optional) – For a classic herb-infused aroma.
- Garlic Powder (Optional) – Because garlic makes everything better.
- Coarse Sea Salt – The final touch for that perfect salty crunch.
👉 Full ingredient measurements are listed in the recipe card below!
For another amazing sandwich idea, try this Chicken Parm Sandwich—a crispy, cheesy delight!
How to Make Easy Homemade Focaccia
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine:
✔️ Warm water (110°F)
✔️ Honey (or sugar)
✔️ Active dry yeast
Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic!
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
✔️ Flour
✔️ Salt
✔️ Yeast mixture
✔️ 1/4 cup olive oil
Mix everything together until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. (If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour.)
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking sheet with olive oil. Punch down the dough and transfer it to the baking sheet.
Use your fingertips to gently press and stretch the dough into the shape of the pan.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover with a clean towel and let it rise for another 20-30 minutes—this gives the bread a lighter, airier texture.
Step 7: Add Toppings
Drizzle olive oil over the dough, then sprinkle with:
✔️ Dried rosemary
✔️ Garlic powder
✔️ Coarse sea salt
Step 8: Bake the Focaccia
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Step 9: Cool & Serve
Let the focaccia cool slightly before slicing. Then, enjoy it warm, dipped in olive oil, or served alongside your favorite meal!
Pro Tips for the Best Focaccia
- Use High-Quality Olive Oil – It makes all the difference in flavor and texture.
- Let the Dough Rise Fully – A longer rise = better flavor and fluffier texture.
- Dimple the Dough – Press your fingers into the dough before baking to create those signature focaccia pockets.
- Add Extra Toppings – Try sun-dried tomatoes, olives, caramelized onions, or feta cheese for a twist!
How to Serve
This crispy, airy focaccia is delicious on its own, but if you want to take it up a notch, try serving it with:
- Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar – A classic dipping combo.
- Soups & Stews – Perfect for soaking up all that goodness.
- Pasta Night – A side of focaccia makes any pasta dish even better.
- Sandwiches – Slice it in half and stuff it with your favorite fillings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
Reheating
- Oven: Warm at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
- Toaster Oven: Crisp it up for a few minutes for the best texture.
Freezing
Focaccia freezes beautifully! Wrap it securely and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp and reheat in the oven for that fresh-baked taste.
FAQs About the Best Way to Eat Focaccia
Got questions about focaccia best way to eat? Here are some quick answers!
How Should Focaccia Be Served?
Focaccia is best served warm or at room temperature. You can:
- Slice it into squares for appetizers or dipping.
- Use it as sandwich bread for a hearty meal.
- Tear it apart rustic-style for a casual bite.
What is Focaccia Bread Good With?
Focaccia pairs well with a variety of foods, including:
- Olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
- Cheeses and meats like mozzarella, prosciutto, and salami.
- Pasta dishes, soups, and antipasto platters for a full meal.
Is Focaccia Better Warm or Cold?
Warm focaccia enhances the flavors of olive oil and herbs, making it soft inside and crisp outside. However, at room temperature, it works great for sandwiches and salads.
Conclusion – Why You’ll Love Focaccia
The focaccia best way to eat depends on your preference, but no matter how you enjoy it, this Italian bread is a must-try! Whether dipped in olive oil, paired with pasta, made into a sandwich, or turned into a dessert, its soft texture and rich flavor make it unforgettable.
So why not grab a loaf and try one of these delicious serving ideas? From breakfast to dinner, focaccia is always a great choice!
Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water 110°F/45°C
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 tsp flaky sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth.
- Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Step 4: Shape & Second Rise
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and press dough evenly into it.
- Cover and let rise for 30 more minutes.
- Step 5: Add Toppings
- Mix olive oil and garlic, then drizzle over the dough.
- Sprinkle with rosemary, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Use your fingers to poke dimples into the dough.
- Step 6: Bake the Focaccia
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
- Let cool for 10 minutes, then slice and serve warm!
Notes
For a softer texture, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.