How to Bake Rustic Focaccia Bread with Olive Oil and Herbs
Welcome to the world of homemade bread! If you’ve ever dreamed of baking the perfect rustic bread that smells heavenly and tastes amazing, focaccia is a great place to start. This Italian flatbread is simple to make yet packed with flavor, thanks to olive oil and fresh herbs. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps to bake your own focaccia bread from scratch—using simple ingredients and easy techniques.
Are you ready to bake? Let’s dive in!
What Is Focaccia Bread?
Focaccia is a flat, oven-baked bread that is popular in Italy. It’s similar to pizza dough but thicker and fluffier, making it a perfect side dish, snack, or addition to your favorite meal. Olive oil plays a key role in giving focaccia its rich flavor and crisp exterior. The combination of fresh herbs and simple seasoning, like salt and pepper, transforms this humble bread into something truly special.
The best part? You don’t need fancy equipment or baking skills. The ingredients are easy to find, and the process is straightforward.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For one sheet pan of rustic focaccia bread, gather the following ingredients:
Dough:
- 2 ½ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 ¾ cups warm water (about 110°F or warm to the touch)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for the dough)
Topping:
- ⅓ cup olive oil (for brushing and drizzling)
- 2 teaspoons flaky sea salt (or regular salt)
- 1 tablespoon fresh or dried rosemary (you can use thyme, oregano, or a mix of herbs)
- Optional: Sliced cherry tomatoes, olives, or garlic for extra flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
To start, mix the yeast, sugar, and warm water in a large bowl. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes. You’ll notice bubbles or foam forming on the surface—this means your yeast is alive and ready to go. If no bubbles appear, your yeast might be expired, and you’ll need to start over.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Gradually stir in the flour and salt using a wooden spoon or your hands. Add the olive oil and mix until a rough dough forms. Knead the dough on a clean surface for about 8–10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and stretchy. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle a bit of flour as you knead.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1–2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Pro tip: If your kitchen is cool, try placing the dough in a turned-off oven with the light on. The gentle warmth will help it rise faster.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Pan
Once the dough has risen, grease a sheet pan (or large baking dish) with olive oil. Punch down the dough gently with your fists to remove air bubbles, then transfer it to the pan. Spread the dough out with your fingers, stretching it to fit the pan evenly.
A fun trick: Use your fingertips to press little dimples all over the surface of the dough. These dimples will create pockets for the olive oil to gather, making the bread even more flavorful.
Step 5: Add the Toppings
Brush the surface of the dough with a generous amount of olive oil. Sprinkle flaky sea salt and fresh rosemary (or your chosen herbs) evenly over the top. If you want to get creative, add sliced cherry tomatoes, olives, minced garlic, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Let the dough rest for about 15–20 minutes before baking—this step will make the bread fluffier.
Step 6: Bake the Focaccia
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Once ready, bake the focaccia for 20–25 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and crispy around the edges. Keep an eye on it—you don’t want it to burn!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. If desired, drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top before serving. Focaccia is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days.
Tips for the Best Focaccia
- Use Good Quality Olive Oil: Since olive oil is the star of this recipe, choose one with a rich, smooth flavor. It will make all the difference!
- Experiment with Toppings: While rosemary is the classic choice, don’t hesitate to try other herbs or add extras like caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh basil.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly and reheat in the oven to bring back the crispiness.
Final Thoughts
Rustic focaccia bread is easy to make and incredibly rewarding. Its crispy edges, soft center, and flavorful toppings are sure to impress family and friends. Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced home cook, focaccia is a recipe that you’ll want to make again and again.
So grab your apron, turn on some Italian music, and enjoy the magic of baking this delicious bread. Happy baking!
