Same Day Focaccia Recipe

Introduction

Focaccia is a beloved Italian flatbread known for its soft, airy interior and crispy, golden crust. This same-day focaccia recipe is simple and quick, perfect for a fresh homemade bread without the long wait. With fragrant herbs and your choice of toppings, it makes a versatile and delicious treat.

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

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine warm water with active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes bubbly and frothy, signaling the yeast is active.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together 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.
3. Step 3: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot. Let the dough rise until nearly doubled in size, about 1 hour.
4. 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 all over the surface.
5. Step 5: Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Add fresh herbs, garlic, cherry tomatoes, olives, and any other desired toppings evenly over the dough.
6. Step 6: Let the dough rest for 20 minutes while preheating the oven to 450°F (230°C). Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the edges.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, brush the top with garlic-infused olive oil before baking.
• Try mixing different herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil to vary the aroma and taste.
• Add a sprinkle of Parmesan or feta cheese before baking for a savory touch.
• Use different toppings such as sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or olives to customize your focaccia.

Storage

Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes to restore crispness. You can also freeze focaccia wrapped tightly for up to 1 month; thaw at room temperature before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast by mixing it directly with the flour, but reduce the rise time slightly as instant yeast acts faster.

How do I make the focaccia extra crispy?

Ensure ample olive oil is drizzled over and inside the dimples of the dough before baking. Baking at a high temperature (450°F/230°C) also helps achieve a crisp crust.

Same Day Focaccia Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 416 reviews

This Same Day Focaccia recipe delivers a soft, flavorful Italian flatbread with a crispy golden crust, perfect for a quick yet delicious homemade treat. Enhanced with fresh herbs, olive oil, and your favorite toppings like cherry tomatoes, olives, and cheese, this focaccia is an ideal accompaniment to meals or a tasty snack on its own.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 1 large rectangular focaccia (8–10 servings) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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For the Dough

• 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 (Optional)

• 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 bubbly and frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
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 olive oil. Gently combine until a wet, sticky dough forms, which will yield the focaccia’s soft interior.
3. First Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm area. Let the dough rise until nearly doubled in size, about 1 hour.
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 all over the dough’s surface to trap oil and toppings.
5. Add Olive Oil and Toppings: Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil over the dough’s surface and sprinkle with sea salt. Add any desired herbs, garlic, cherry tomatoes, olives, or other toppings.
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 golden brown and crispy around the edges.

Notes

• Use warm water around 105°F (40°C) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
• Creating dimples in the dough allows olive oil and toppings to settle, enhancing flavor and texture.
• Feel free to customize toppings based on your preference, such as different herbs, cheeses, and vegetables.
• For a softer crust, cover focaccia with a clean towel after baking to retain moisture.
• This recipe can be doubled for larger batches or customized with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

Keywords: focaccia, Italian bread, quick bread, homemade focaccia, olive oil bread, herb bread, savory bread, rosemary focaccia