Name: Same Day Focaccia Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast; 1 1/3 cups warm water (about 105°F/40°C); 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling; 1 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1 pinch sugar (optional, to activate yeast); Fresh rosemary sprigs; Minced garlic or garlic-infused olive oil; Cherry tomatoes; Olives; Fresh thyme, oregano, or basil; Grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese; Thinly sliced red onions, bell peppers, or zucchini

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Introduction

Enjoy a soft and flavorful Same Day Focaccia with a golden, crispy crust and your favorite toppings. This easy recipe requires just a few simple ingredients and no overnight rising, perfect for when you want fresh, homemade bread fast.

A rustic focaccia bread sits on a wooden cutting board, topped with golden-brown baked dough and scattered with caramelized dark brown onions and melted cheese in light yellow patches, along with small sprigs of green herbs. Next to the bread is a white pot filled with thick, creamy soup in a warm orange-brown color, sprinkled lightly with black pepper on top. A large silver ladle rests inside the pot. In the background, a white marbled surface holds a glass of clear water and a beige ceramic vase with green leaves. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1 1/3 cups warm water (about 105°F/40°C)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 1/2 tsp sea salt
1 pinch sugar (optional, to activate yeast)
Fresh rosemary sprigs
Minced garlic or garlic-infused olive oil
Cherry tomatoes
Olives
Fresh thyme, oregano, or basil
Grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese
Thinly sliced red onions, bell peppers, or zucchini

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until bubbly and frothy to activate the yeast.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the flour and sea salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and 1/4 cup olive oil. Stir gently until a wet, sticky dough forms.
Step 3: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot. Allow the dough to rise until nearly doubled, about 1 hour.
Step 4: Transfer the dough to an oiled baking sheet. Stretch and press it into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. Use your fingertips to create dimples across the surface.
Step 5: Drizzle olive oil generously over the dough and sprinkle with sea salt. Add fresh rosemary, garlic, cherry tomatoes, olives, and any other toppings you like.
Step 6: Let the dough rest for 20 minutes while you preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Bake the focaccia for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown and crispy around the edges.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, brush the focaccia with garlic-infused olive oil before adding toppings.
Try different herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil to customize the aroma and taste.
Add cheese such as grated Parmesan or crumbled feta for a savory boost.
You can substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier texture.
To keep the dough soft, avoid over-kneading—just combine ingredients until mixed well.

Storage

Store focaccia in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooled focaccia wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 1 month. Reheat in a warm oven for a few minutes until crispy.

How to Serve

A rectangular focaccia bread cut into three pieces sits on a wooden board, showing its golden crust with a soft, slightly puffed texture. The top layer is uneven with baked rosemary sprigs, small golden potato chunks, caramelized dark brown onions, and melted cheese that has browned in spots. To the right of the board is a white bowl filled with a creamy, light brown sauce sprinkled with black pepper, with a spoon resting inside. The bowl is placed on a stack of white plates with a folded light purple cloth napkin and a small green paper decoration nearby, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this focaccia gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but the texture will be different from traditional focaccia. Adding xanthan gum may help improve the dough’s elasticity.

Why is my focaccia not rising properly?

If the dough doesn’t rise well, it may be due to inactive yeast or water that’s too hot or cold. Make sure to use warm water around 105°F (40°C) and check the yeast expiration date before starting.