How to Bake Rustic Olive and Herb Focaccia Bread: A Simple Guide

There’s something truly special about baking bread at home. The aroma, the warmth, and the satisfaction of pulling a golden loaf out of the oven are hard to beat. One type of bread that’s simple, delicious, and perfect for beginners is focaccia. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving some warm homemade bread, rustic olive and herb focaccia is a winning choice.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps to bake this delicious bread in simple terms. You don’t need fancy equipment or advanced skills—just a love for baking and a few basic ingredients.

What Is Focaccia?

Focaccia is a flat, oven-baked bread that originates from Italy. It’s known for its slightly crisp crust, soft chewy inside, and flavorful toppings. It’s similar to pizza dough but thicker and often served on its own or with dips like olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

The rustic olive and herb focaccia we’ll make today adds beautiful flavors from fresh herbs (like rosemary) and briny black or green olives. It’s easy to customize with your favorite herbs and toppings!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make rustic olive and herb focaccia:

For the Dough:

All-purpose flour: 2 ¾ cups (plus extra for dusting)
Instant yeast: 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp)
Sugar: 1 tsp
Salt: 1 tsp
Warm water: 1 cup (100–110°F)
Olive oil: 2 tbsp (for the dough) + extra for drizzling

For Toppings:

Fresh rosemary: 2 tbsp (roughly chopped)
Olives: ½ cup (pitted and roughly chopped, use black or green)
Sea salt: A pinch for garnish
Extra olive oil: For drizzling

Tools You’ll Need

Large mixing bowl
Wooden spoon or spatula
Baking sheet or pan (about 9×13 inches)
Plastic wrap or a kitchen towel
Measuring cups and spoons
Sharp knife (to chop herbs and olives)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s dive into the process! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a loaf of warm, rustic focaccia ready to enjoy in no time.

Step 1: Make the Dough

Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
Add the wet ingredients: Pour the warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil into the bowl. Mix everything together using a wooden spoon or spatula until a sticky dough forms.
Knead the dough: Lightly flour your work surface and knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour, but don’t add too much—focaccia dough should stay soft.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Prepare the rising bowl: Clean the mixing bowl and lightly coat the inside with olive oil. Place your dough ball inside, turning it to coat it with oil.
Cover and rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Pan and Shape the Dough

Grease the pan: Drizzle olive oil onto your baking sheet or pan, spreading it evenly.
Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air and transfer it to your baking sheet. Gently stretch and press it into a rectangular shape, about ½ inch thick. Don’t worry if it looks rustic—that’s the charm of focaccia!

Step 4: Add Toppings

Prepare the toppings: Scatter the chopped rosemary and olives on top of the dough. Be generous! Press them lightly into the dough so they stick.
Add dimples: Use your fingers to poke dimples all over the surface of the dough. This gives focaccia its signature shape and holds the olive oil and seasonings.
Drizzle olive oil: Pour a good drizzle of olive oil over the entire surface. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt for a touch of crunch and flavor.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Bake: Place the focaccia in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Cool: Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly on a rack. Resist the urge to dive in immediately—letting it rest helps the flavors settle.

Serving and Storing Your Focaccia

Once cool enough to handle, slice your rustic olive and herb focaccia into squares or rectangles. Serve it as an appetizer, with soup, or as part of a charcuterie board. It’s perfect dipped in olive oil or topped with cheese and tomatoes.

If you have leftovers, wrap them in foil or store them in an airtight container. Homemade focaccia is best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat it in the oven for a few minutes to revive it.

Final Thoughts

Making rustic olive and herb focaccia bread is a delightful and rewarding experience for home bakers of all levels. It doesn’t require a long list of complicated ingredients or hours of preparation. By following these simple steps, you can create a beautiful bread that’s full of flavor and perfect to share with family and friends.

So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and give it a try! Baking focaccia might just become one of your favorite kitchen activities.

Happy baking!

How to Bake Rustic Olive and Herb Focaccia Bread