How to Bake Italian Focaccia with Olive Oil

Few things smell as heavenly as freshly baked focaccia — golden, soft, and glistening with olive oil. This Italian flatbread is simple to make yet delivers bakery-level flavor right from your kitchen. Whether you top it with rosemary, sea salt, or tomatoes, focaccia is the kind of bread that turns any meal into a celebration.

What Makes Focaccia Special

Focaccia is Italy’s classic olive oil bread — crisp on the outside, soft and airy inside. It’s similar to pizza dough but richer and more fragrant thanks to generous olive oil. It’s perfect for dipping, sandwiches, or serving alongside soups and salads.

This recipe will guide you through making authentic focaccia from scratch — simple, rustic, and full of flavor.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for one large baking sheet (serves 6–8):

2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
1 ⅓ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons kosher salt
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil (plus more for brushing and drizzling)
1 teaspoon sugar
Flaky sea salt for topping
Optional: fresh rosemary, cherry tomatoes, olives, or garlic slices

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar.
Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the surface becomes foamy.

👉 This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to make that dough rise beautifully.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Add the flour and kosher salt to the yeast mixture.
Pour in the olive oil and mix with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes with the dough hook attachment.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Lightly oil a clean bowl and place the dough inside, turning it once to coat with oil.
Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel.
Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

Tip: The dough should be soft, pillowy, and full of bubbles when ready.

Step 4: Prepare the Pan

Generously coat a baking sheet (about 9×13 inches) with 2 tablespoons olive oil.
Transfer the dough onto the pan and gently stretch it with your fingertips to fill the shape.
Let it rest again for 20–30 minutes to relax before dimpling.

Step 5: Dimple and Top It

Drizzle more olive oil on top of the dough.
Use your fingertips to press deep dimples all over the surface — this creates those signature golden pockets.
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and add any toppings you love: rosemary, cherry tomatoes, or thin garlic slices.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Bake the focaccia for 20–25 minutes, until the edges are crisp and the top turns golden brown.
As soon as it comes out, drizzle a little more olive oil over the warm bread for that signature glossy finish.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the focaccia cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Delicious Serving Ideas:

Slice it into squares and serve with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Use it for Italian-style sandwiches with mozzarella, tomato, and pesto.
Pair it with soups, roasted vegetables, or pasta dishes.

Pro Tips for Perfect Focaccia

Don’t skimp on olive oil. It’s what gives focaccia its signature crust and flavor.
Try cold fermentation. Let the dough rest overnight in the fridge for even better flavor and texture.
Add toppings creatively. Think caramelized onions, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even grapes for a sweet-savory twist.
Store it right. Wrap leftovers in foil and reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispness.

Make It Your Own

Focaccia is a blank canvas for creativity. Try these flavor combinations:

Rosemary & Sea Salt: The Italian classic.
Tomato & Basil: Bright and summery.
Olive & Garlic: Bold and savory.
Sweet Onion & Thyme: Perfect for fall and winter.

Final Thoughts

Baking focaccia at home is easier than it looks — and the reward is a warm, fragrant loaf that feels like a slice of Italy. 🍞🇮🇹
Each bite carries the flavor of good olive oil, a crisp crust, and tender crumb inside.

So next time you crave fresh bread, skip the bakery line — make your own focaccia, drizzle it with olive oil, and share the joy around your table.

✨ Save this recipe for later — it’s one you’ll bake again and again! 🫒💛

Emily Rae Harper