Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe With Garlic & Herbs

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve made this focaccia bread recipe—and that’s saying something coming from someone who bakes for a living.

What I love most is how it turns out so good with so little effort. The dough comes together easily, the rise time is manageable, and the end result is a tray of bread that feels like something you’d get from a bakery.

It’s an easy focaccia bread recipe that works for weeknights, weekends, or anytime the craving hits. You can top it with herbs, cheese, or keep it classic. Either way, it’s delicious.

Easy Focaccia Bread Recipe: Perfect For Home Cooks

This easy Focaccia Bread Recipe is perfect for beginners. Made with simple ingredients and no special tools, it yields soft, golden bread with a crisp edge and flavorful herb topping.

Focaccia Bread Recipe
Focaccia Bread Recipe

Recipe Overview

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (+ 2 hours for rising)
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Course: Side Dish
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Calories Per Serving: ~210

Ingredients

For The Dough:

  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For The Topping:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Activate The Yeast

Put the yeast, sugar, and warm water in a small bowl. Let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

2. Make The Dough

In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and garlic powder. Gradually add the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Stir until the dough comes together. Transfer it to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Tip: A little extra flour should be added if the dough feels sticky.

3. Let It Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.

4. Prepare The Pan

Grease a baking sheet with olive oil. Punch down the dough and spread it out onto the pan, pressing it with your fingertips to create dimples. For another 20 to 30 minutes, cover and allow it to rise.

5. Add The Toppings

Drizzle olive oil over the dough, ensuring it pools slightly in the dimples. Sprinkle with dried oregano, thyme, basil, black pepper, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.

6. Bake To Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through for even baking.

7. Cool And Serve

Before slicing, allow the focaccia to cool somewhat on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Video Tutorial:

Tips And Tricks

The Secret To Great Focaccia

The secret is in the dimples! Pressing with your fingertips helps trap the oil and seasonings, creating pockets of flavor.

Adjustments For Dietary Needs

  • Use whole wheat flour for added fiber.
  • Swap out cheese for dairy-free alternatives to make it vegan.

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover focaccia tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Focaccia is a great accompaniment to pasta dishes, salads, and soups. You can also slice it horizontally and use it for sandwiches—trust me, it’s a game-changer!

What Makes Focaccia Bread Different?

Unlike other breads, focaccia is known for its flat, dimpled surface and rich olive oil flavor. It’s similar to a pizza dough but softer and fluffier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Freeze Focaccia Bread?

Yes! For up to two months, freeze it carefully wrapped in aluminum foil and plastic wrap. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F until warmed through.

What Are The Main Ingredients In Focaccia?

The basics include flour, yeast, water, salt, and olive oil. Herbs and cheese are optional but highly recommended for extra flavor.

Why Is My Focaccia Not Fluffy?

This usually happens if the dough didn’t rise properly. Ensure your yeast is active, and allow enough time for the dough to double in size.

Can I Make Focaccia Without Olive Oil?

While olive oil is traditional and adds flavor, you can use vegetable oil as a substitute.

I hope this Focaccia Bread Recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine! Please share your thoughts in the comments section below if you give it a try.

Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends who love bread as much as we do. And hey, why not explore my other bread recipes while you’re here? Happy baking!

Focaccia Bread Recipe

Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe With Garlic & Herbs

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rising Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

For The Dough:

  • 2 ¼ teaspoons 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water 110°F/45°C
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For The Topping:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella optional
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

Activate The Yeast

  • Put the yeast, sugar, and warm water in a small bowl. Let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

Make The Dough

  • In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and garlic powder. Gradually add the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Stir until the dough comes together. Transfer it to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Tip: A little extra flour should be added if the dough feels sticky.

Let It Rise

  • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.

Prepare The Pan

  • Grease a baking sheet with olive oil. Punch down the dough and spread it out onto the pan, pressing it with your fingertips to create dimples. For another 20 to 30 minutes, cover and allow it to rise.

Add The Toppings

  • Drizzle olive oil over the dough, ensuring it pools slightly in the dimples. Sprinkle with dried oregano, thyme, basil, black pepper, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.

Bake To Perfection

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the focaccia for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
  • Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through for even baking.

Cool And Serve

  • Before slicing, allow the focaccia to cool somewhat on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Keyword Focaccia Bread Recipe
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Author & Recipe Developer at Naznin's Kitchen
Hello! I'm Naznin Aktar, a home chef and recipe creator at Naznin's Kitchen. Want to turn everyday ingredients into extraordinary dishes? Explore Naznin's Kitchen for a collection of recipes that are sure to inspire your inner chef and delight your loved ones.
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