The Easiest Homemade Focaccia Bread (Beginner-Friendly Guide!)

There’s something magical about baking your own bread, especially when it’s as easy and rewarding as focaccia! If you’ve never baked bread before, this is the perfect recipe to start with. Focaccia is an Italian flatbread known for its soft, chewy interior, crisp golden crust, and deep dimples filled with flavorful olive oil and herbs.

​When I first made focaccia, I experimented with different techniques and found that both traditional bulk fermentation and a more structured folding approach yielded delicious results. However, for beginners, I wanted to share a straightforward, no-fuss method that guarantees a great outcome. This recipe is simple, requires no fancy equipment, and will fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread!

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What Makes This Recipe Beginner-Friendly?

​✅ Minimal hands-on kneading
✅ Simple ingredients (flour, yeast, water, olive oil, salt)
✅ No complicated shaping—just press it into a pan!
✅ A foolproof rise and bake process
✅ A delicious golden crust with a soft, airy interior
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Easy Homemade Focaccia Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rest Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 8-10
*Disclaimer: As an amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Ingredients

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose or bread flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast or instant yeast
• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F / 45°C) [thermometer I use here]
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey or sugar

For the Topping:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

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​​1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, mix warm water, honey (or sugar), and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
3. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes (by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook) until smooth and elastic.
5. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Shape and Second Rise

1. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or a large baking sheet with olive oil.
2. Punch down the risen dough and stretch it out evenly in the pan.
3. Cover and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.

3. Prepare the Garlic & Herb Infused Oil

1. While the dough is rising, heat ¼ cup olive oil in a small pan over low heat.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant (do not brown).
3. Remove from heat and stir in rosemary, thyme, and sage. Let it cool.

4. Create Dimples and Bake

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Use your fingertips to press deep dimples all over the dough.
3. Drizzle the garlic-herb oil evenly over the top and sprinkle with coarse sea salt and black pepper (if using).
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and crisp on top.

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5. Serve & Enjoy

1. Let the focaccia cool slightly before slicing.
2. Serve warm with olive oil and balsamic vinegar or alongside your favorite dishes.

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Bread-Making Tips for Beginners

• Don’t stress over kneading! If you don’t have a stand mixer, just knead until the dough feels smooth and elastic.
• Be patient during the rise! Giving the dough enough time to rise properly will create a soft, airy texture.
• Use fresh yeast. If your yeast doesn’t foam when mixed with warm water, it might be expired.
• Make it your own! Experiment with different toppings like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or caramelized onions.
• Check for doneness. The focaccia should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom, and the crust should be golden brown.
• Let it cool slightly before slicing. This helps the crumb set and prevents tearing.
• Store leftovers properly. Keep focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or freeze for longer storage.

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Final thoughts:

​Baking focaccia is a fantastic introduction to homemade bread. It’s simple, forgiving, and incredibly satisfying to make. Whether you follow this beginner-friendly method or explore more advanced techniques like dough folding, you’ll be rewarded with a golden, herby, and delicious bread every time.
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Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! Have you ever baked focaccia before? Share your experience in the comments below! 🍞✨