There’s something magical about pulling a tray of golden, crispy, fluffy focaccia bread straight out of the oven. The aroma of olive oil, fresh herbs, and warm bread is simply irresistible — and the best part? You don’t have to be an experienced baker to make it.

This beginner-friendly focaccia bread recipe is perfect for anyone wanting to bake homemade bread from scratch. You can do this without the stress of complicated techniques. I’ve even created a step-by-step video tutorial that shows you exactly how easy it is. I’ll link it below so you can bake along with me.

What is Focaccia Bread?

Focaccia is a traditional Italian flatbread known for its signature dimpled surface, fluffy crumb, and generous drizzle of olive oil. Ancient Rome is believed to be its place of origin. There, it was baked on the hearth. It was topped with herbs and sea salt.
Today, focaccia comes in many variations. These range from classic rosemary and sea salt to more creative toppings. Examples include olives, caramelised onions, and sun-dried tomatoes.

close up of focaccia bread topped with dried rosemary and flakey sea salt

Why You’ll Love This Focaccia Bread

Beginner-Friendly – No fancy skills required.
Crispy & Fluffy – Golden crust with a soft, airy inside.
Customisable – Add garlic, rosemary, sundried tomatoes, or olives.
Everyday Ingredients – Simple pantry staples you probably already have.

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Full quantities in the printable recipe card below)

Warm water
Active dry yeast
Sugar (to help activate the yeast)
Plain flour (all-purpose)
Olive oil
Salt
Toppings: fresh rosemary, garlic, or flaky sea salt

Why a Wet, Sticky Dough is Essential for Focaccia

If you’ve never made focaccia before, you might be tempted to add extra flour. You might feel this way when you see just how sticky the dough is, but resist the urge! That high hydration (extra water in the dough) is what gives focaccia its signature light, airy texture and open crumb. A wetter dough traps more steam during baking. This creates those beautiful pockets inside the bread. It also keeps the bread soft and fluffy. The dough lets the olive oil soak in more evenly. This gives you that perfect balance of crispy crust and tender centre. So, embrace the sticky dough — it’s the secret to truly great focaccia.

Serving Suggestions

Focaccia bread is incredibly versatile. Serve it alongside soups, cut into squares for sandwiches, or enjoy it as a side with pasta. It’s also delicious dipped in balsamic vinegar and olive oil for a simple appetizer.

Watch the Video Tutorial

Want to see exactly how it’s done? Watch my step-by-step focaccia bread video and bake along with me in real time.

Try pairing this focaccia bread with my easy How to Make Simple Homemade Garlic Oil – 2 Ingredients

homemade garlic oil in a jar with fresh garlic cloves on a wooden board

How to Store & Freeze Focaccia Bread

Room Temperature – Wrap in baking paper and store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator – Store for up to 4 days, reheating gently before serving.
Freezer – Slice into portions, wrap well, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven for best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Absolutely. Let it rise slowly in the fridge overnight, then bring it to room temperature before baking.

Do I have to dimple the dough?
Yes! The dimples help hold the olive oil and toppings while preventing the bread from puffing unevenly.

Tips for Perfect Focaccia Bread

Use good-quality olive oil for maximum flavour.

Letting the dough rise fully is the secret to light, fluffy bread.

For extra crispiness, bake on the middle rack of your oven.

Try topping with caramelised onions or cherry tomatoes for a gourmet twist.

Add a pinch of flaky sea salt just before serving for that bakery-style finish.

Stacey’s Kitchen Notes

Here on the farm, I love recipes that feel special but don’t require fuss. This focaccia bread has become a favourite for family dinners. It’s especially loved on chilly evenings when the oven warms up the kitchen. The smell of fresh bread fills the air.
Try top one half with rosemary and flaky salt for the grown-ups. The other half has cheese for the kids. It will disappear in minutes!
If you’re nervous about baking bread, trust me, this recipe will give you the confidence to try. Just remember: good olive oil, patience for the rise, and don’t be shy with those finger dimples!

Prep Time:5

Cook Time:20

Rising Time:1 30

Total Time:1 55

Ingredients

2 cups Warm water
2 tsp Active dry yeast
1 Tbsp Sugar to help activate the yeast
4 cups Plain flour all-purpose
4 Tbsp and 1 Tsp Sunflower Oil or Olive oil
1 tsp Sea Salt
Toppings: fresh rosemary garlic, or flaky sea salt

Instructions

Step 1 – Activate the yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
Step 2 – Mix the dough
Add flour, olive oil, and salt to the bowl. Using a stand mixer on medium speed, knead the dough for five minutes. You can do this by hand, but it will be a sticky dough. The secret is NOT to add too much flour.
Step 3 – First rise
Cover the bowl with a clean tea towel or cling wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 4 – Shape and top
Transfer the dough to a greased baking tin or tray. I used a 34cm by 15 cm tray. Gently stretch it to fit,
Step 5 – Second rise for 20 minutes, then
use your fingertips to press dimples across the surface. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle on your favourite toppings. Set aside for 10 more minutes to rest.
Preheat your oven to 180°C Fan bake or 200 °C bake (390°F).
Step 6 – Bake
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Cool before slicing — though it’s hard to resist eating it warm!

Servings: servings

Author: Farmers Wife Homestead

Cost: $

Beginner-Friendly Focaccia Bread | Step-by-Step Homemade Recipe