Description
This Same Day Focaccia recipe delivers a soft, fluffy homemade bread with a crisp golden crust infused with aromatic herbs. Ready in just a few hours, it blends simple pantry staples and fresh herbs to create a versatile, flavorful Italian classic perfect for snacks, sides, or sandwiches.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (natural), plus extra for oiling bowl and brushing
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Toppings
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt for sprinkling
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), optional, for brushing
Instructions
- Prepare the yeast mixture: In a small bowl, combine warm water with sugar and active dry yeast. Stir lightly and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until creamy foam forms on top, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Slowly add the yeast mixture and half of the olive oil (natural). Mix until a sticky dough forms. Use your hands or a stand mixer with a dough hook for best results.
- Knead the dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft but not overly sticky; add a little flour if necessary to maintain tenderness.
- First rise: Lightly oil a bowl with olive oil (natural). Place the dough inside, cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape and rest: Transfer the risen dough to a well-oiled baking pan. Gently press the dough with your fingers to spread it evenly, creating dimples. Brush generously with olive oil (natural), then sprinkle fresh rosemary and coarse sea salt on top. Let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F). Bake the focaccia for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Proof your dough in a slightly warm spot to help the yeast activate quickly and evenly.
- Use plenty of olive oil (natural) on the dough surface to develop a crisp crust.
- Create dimples firmly but gently with your fingertips for perfect texture and to hold toppings.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme provide more vibrant aroma compared to dried.
- Monitor the oven after 15 minutes to prevent burning, as oven temperatures vary.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 60g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: focaccia, quick bread, Italian bread, homemade focaccia, herb bread, easy bread recipe
