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Same Day Focaccia Recipe

4.9 from 136 reviews

This Same Day Focaccia recipe delivers a soft, fluffy, and aromatic Italian flatbread topped with olive oil, fresh herbs, and your choice of delicious additions like cherry tomatoes, olives, and cheese. Perfect for a quick homemade bread experience without a long wait, this focaccia is golden, crispy on the edges, and wonderfully tender inside.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough 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)

Toppings

  • 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

  1. Activate the Yeast: Combine warm water with active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes bubbly and frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
  2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, stir together the flour and sea salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture along with 1/4 cup of olive oil. Gently combine until a wet, sticky dough forms, which is essential for the focaccia’s soft interior texture.
  3. First Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm area. Allow the dough to rise until it nearly doubles in size, about 1 hour, to develop flavor and structure.
  4. Shape and Prepare for Baking: Transfer the risen dough to an oiled baking sheet. Gently stretch and press it into a rectangular shape about 1 inch thick. Use your fingertips to create dimples across the dough’s surface to trap olive oil and toppings effectively.
  5. Add Olive Oil and Toppings: Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil over the dough’s surface and sprinkle with sea salt. Add your choice of fresh herbs, garlic, cherry tomatoes, olives, or other toppings for added flavor and visual appeal.
  6. Final Rise and Bake: Let the dough rest for 20 minutes while preheating the oven to 450°F (230°C). Bake the focaccia for 15 to 20 minutes until it turns golden brown and achieves a crispy crust around the edges. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Use warm water (approximately 105°F/40°C) to activate yeast effectively without killing it.
  • You can customize toppings freely – experiment with different herbs, vegetables, and cheeses.
  • Make sure to oil your baking sheet well to prevent sticking and enhance crust texture.
  • Creating dimples in the dough is essential for trapping olive oil and ensuring the focaccia remains moist and flavorful.
  • Serving focaccia warm or at room temperature enhances its texture and taste.

Keywords: focaccia, Italian bread, same day bread, homemade bread, rosemary focaccia, easy focaccia, olive oil bread