Diethood » Recipes » Side Dishes » Focaccia

Focaccia

This fluffy, whole-wheat focaccia with crispy, golden edges will be the star of your dinner menu! Lots of garlic, herby oregano, and fragrant rosemary make it the homemade bread version of Little Italy.

Sliced focaccia on a cutting board.

Why I Love This Easy Focaccia Recipe

You’ll say goodbye to store-bought focaccia after you see how easy this recipe is.

  • Beginner-friendly. There’s barely any kneading involved, which means beginner bakers can nail this bread.
  • Herby. Garlic, oregano, and rosemary are the holy grail of Italian herbs and seasonings.
  • Authentic. The simple ingredients list is just like the one of traditional Italian focaccias.
  • Crispy. You’ll love the crunch around the edges in each bite.

What Is Focaccia?

Focaccia is a traditional, yeasted Italian flatbread. It’s made with flour, water, and olive oil. Herbs like oregano, basil, and rosemary are often added for flavor. The dough is spread out so, once baked, it’s still flat but the inside is light and airy. The edges are also crispy. It’s served as an appetizer with dipping sauces or as a side dish for Italian mains.

Labeled ingredients for focaccia.

Recipe Ingredients

Garlic powder, oregano, rosemary, and olive oil give this simple recipe its Italian flair. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact ingredient amounts.

  • White whole-wheat flour – I prefer King Arthur but use your favorite.
  • All-purpose flour – Bread flour works too, but not cake flour.
  • Salt – Kosher salt is best.
  • Instant dry yeast – Active dry yeast is great as well.
  • Garlic salt – You can make your own with 3 parts garlic powder and 1 part salt.
  • Water – It needs to be hot/warm.
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic powder – Go for finely chopped garlic if you prefer.
  • Oregano – Use Italian oregano for best results.
  • Rosemary – Dried or fresh work.

How to Make Focaccia

This almost-no-knead focaccia recipe is incredibly fluffy if you let the dough rest before shaping. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for more detailed instructions.

  • Prep the oven. Preheat the oven to 475˚F. Lightly grease a baking sheet with non-stick spray or butter. Set it aside.
  • Whisk the dry ingredients. Combine flour, salt, yeast, and garlic salt in a bowl.
  • Add water. Pour in 1/4 cup warm water at a time and mix it in. Do this for all of the water until you get a loose dough.
  • Knead it. Place the dough on a lightly-floured surface. Knead it for 1 minute until smooth. Roll it into a ball.
  • Let it rest. Transfer the dough to a lightly-greased bowl. Place it inside. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
  • Shape it. Remove the dough from the bowl and knead it again 1-2 times. Roll it out into a rectangle, about 1/4″ thick. Place it on the prepared baking sheet. Use your fingers to gently press into the dough, creating dimples.
  • Brush it. Use a pastry brush to coat the dough in olive oil. Sprinkle the garlic powder, oregano, and rosemary on top.
  • Bake it. Pop it into the oven for 10-20 minutes, depending on how crispy you like it.
  • Slice and serve. Remove it from the oven. Use a sharp knife to slice the focaccia into wedges. Serve and enjoy!
Slices of focaccia served on a plate.

Tips And Variations

You’ll love that focaccia can be kept simple, or you can make it cheesy depending on what you’re craving.

  • Spice it up. Mix 1 teaspoon paprika, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (each) into the dry ingredients for extra flavor.
  • Use dipping sauces. Turn the focaccia into an appetizer by adding your favorite dipping sauces like garlic sauce or cheese sauce.
  • Add cheese. Stir 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese or pecorino into the dry ingredients for an extra savory bite.
  • Watch the temperature. Dough takes longer to rise when it’s cold outside. Baking on warm days is always better. If it’s usually cold outside, just let the dough rise until doubled in size.
  • Make mini sandwiches. Slice the leftovers into squares and use them as the bread for your favorite sandwiches like my Freezer Egg Breakfast Sandwiches or Reuben Sandwich.
  • Use the correct kitchen counter. Move the bowl away from cold marble counters or windows because the dough will take longer to rise. If possible, place it over a warm stove or inside the oven (neither should be on).
Dipping a slice of bread in olive oil with herbs.

Serving Suggestions

Focaccia is the perfect bread side for your favorite Italian-inspired mains. I love it with my Italian Dressing Chicken and Creamy Chicken Francaise. For steak, try my Stuffed Flank Steak and Sirloin Tip Roast. If you prefer salmon, go for my Honey Mustard Salmon and Pesto Salmon. Other side ideas include Italian Wedding Soup and Green Goddess Salad.

Proper Storage

  • Counter: Place the focaccia in a paper bag or an airtight container for up to 3 days. Don’t use a bag if the area where you live has a humid climate.
  • Fridge: Store it in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Set it on the counter for 10-15 minutes so it comes down to room temperature before digging in.
  • Freezer: Wrap it in plastic wrap twice. Transfer it to a freezer-friendly bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or on the counter for 30-40 minutes.

More Bread Recipes

Sliced focaccia on a cutting board.

Focaccia

Katerina | Diethood
This homemade focaccia recipe with oregano, rosemary, and garlic has crispy edges and a deliciously fluffy center.
5 from 8 votes
Servings : 12 Servings
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup white whole wheat flour, I use King Arthur
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 package (.25 ounces) instant dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • ½ to ¾ cups lukewarm water, about 105˚F
  • olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 475˚F.
  • In a large bowl, combine the flours, salt, yeast, and garlic salt; stir well to combine.
  • Stir in 1/4 cup of warm water, mix, then pour in another 1/4 cup; continue to mix. Pour the rest of the water, if needed, until all of the flour is absorbed.
  • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 1 minute.
  • Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with the oil.
  • Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes. I always put it on top of my warm stove, and the rise is done within 20 minutes.
  • Take the dough and knead it again, briefly, on a lightly floured surface.
  • Then, roll the dough into a rectangular shape, about 1/4 inch thick, and place it on a lightly greased baking sheet.
  • Dimple the dough with your index finger.
  • Brush the dough with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, oregano and rosemary.
  • Bake it for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on desired crispness.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
  • With a sharp knife, slice the focaccia into wedges and serve it with garlic sauce, cheese sauce, or any dipping sauce of your choice. You can also cut it into squares and make little bite-sized sandwiches.

Notes

  • This focaccia recipe mixes half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour. Using only whole wheat flour will make the bread too tough. Mixing in all-purpose flour keeps it softer, avoiding a dense result.
  • Store focaccia on the counter in a paper bag or airtight container for up to 3 days. In the fridge, keep it in an airtight container for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic twice and freeze in a bag or container for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter for 30-40 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 ounce | Calories: 74 kcal | Carbohydrates: 15 g | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 0.3 g | Saturated Fat: 0.03 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.05 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04 g | Sodium: 194 mg | Potassium: 33 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 0.04 g | Vitamin A: 3 IU | Vitamin C: 0.01 mg | Calcium: 11 mg | Iron: 1 mg

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

Course: Bread, Side Dish, Side Dish/Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: focaccia, focaccia bread, focaccia recipe
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78 comments on “Focaccia”

  1. I’ve always been intimidated by making bread, but your Focaccia recipe made it so simple and fun!

  2. I’ve been wanting to try my hand at focaccia for a while now. This recipe turned out so yummy!! Thanks!

  3. I was always intimidated to make bread, but your instructions are so helpful! This is so delicious!

    1. So happy to hear that! It’s great to know the recipe was easy to follow and that you enjoyed every bite. Thanks for sharing your experience!

  4. This focaccia was so good! I order focaccia whenever we go to an Italian restaurant (if it’s available). This tasted so authentic!

    1. Thrilled to hear you loved the focaccia and found it authentic! It’s always rewarding to recreate restaurant favorites at home. Thanks for sharing your feedback!

    1. That’s fantastic! It’s always a joy to have a favorite that pairs well with new main dishes. Keep enjoying the creativity in your meals. Thank YOU! 🙂

  5. I just made the focaccia bread and I must say it is super easy to make and taste amazing. Thanks for a wonderful easy bread recipe 🙂

    1. Katerina - Diethood
      Katerina Petrovska

      Hi Vicki!! I am so happy you enjoyed it! I make it quite often and it all goes in one sitting. 😀 Thank YOU!

  6. I am going to be trying my hand at making Focaccia bread for the first time. And came across your recipe. It seems simple enough. I was wondering does the shape of the dough have to be in a rectangle shape only? Could I shape it into a Loaf? Or does it not make a difference how I shape the dough?

    1. Katerina - Diethood
      Katerina Petrovska

      HI! 🙂 Thanks so much for the question!
      Focaccia is a flat bread so that is why the directions state “rectangle form”. I have never tried to make this particular recipe into a loaf, therefore I am not sure if it will even turn out. If you need excellent loaf bread recipes, I would suggest any of these recipes from Roxana: http://www.roxanashomebaking.com/category/bread/

      Let me know if you need anything else!

  7. Kate, this is currently baking in my oven and my house smells divine! Till now, Ive failed @ all my bread baking attempts, Im really hoping this one comes through!

  8. Avatar photo
    Kim - Liv Life

    Was just searching Foodgawker for Focaccia, and look what caught my eye?? This one is going on our Father’s Day table today… and not one thing on the table is from Costco!!
    I attended a Food Blogger meeting yesterday in San Diego at Meandering Eats where Marie asked us all to bring “brunch” food. Can you just imagine the spread 15 food bloggers put on?? What a treat!!

  9. Avatar photo
    Britne @ Shabbott's Habits

    Wow! I never realized that focaccia was so easy. I’ll def be giving this a try!

  10. Well. Kate this bread is gorgeous, and as newbie yeast baker, ( I did make a King Cake this year), you had me when you said that you could make it in an hour!
    I’m having dinner guests tomorrow, so I’m trying this bread. If you hear me crying, ” Help”, please answer.

    1. Avatar photo
      Kate @ Diethood.com

      Becky, you just call and I’ll be there. 🙂 I have my Blackberry on me almost all of the time, so I will get your cry for help right away! I hope you give this deliciousness a go. Have a great weekend!

  11. Avatar photo
    Kate @ Diethood.com

    Awww I’m sorry that it didn’t turn out!! Lets see… it sounds like an issue with the yeast… did you use instant yeast or active?
    Depending on the humidity of the air where you live you may need more or less liquid. But also it may take a few minutes for the flour to fully absorb the liquid, so don’t rush to add liquid or flour to it…give it a bit of time.

    1. You are soo nice to answer a fledgling cook and baker! thank you. I used Hodgson Mill Active Drive Yeast 5/16 oz (8.75g). The liquid was in no way going to absorb all of the flour— it only made a little dent, but I could try to give it more time. I also wonder if I let it sit too long in its oiled-ball shape on the stove? 20 minutes. B/c it bloated up and wouldn’t flatten down. I cooked it for 10 minutes and it had blown up to a blow fish size so I took it out but it was not cooked. Then I put it back in and cooked it another 10 minutes, then another five minutes. The consistency was rubber. Thanks for trying to help me figure out where I went wrong — since everyone else has had great success with this recipe I want to give it another try. oh, also I used only wheat flour, no AP.

      1. Avatar photo
        Kate @ Diethood.com

        HI Amy! Did you proof the yeast? The recipe that I gave above is with instant yeast (0.25 oz) – meaning, you don’t have to proof it… just mix it in with the dry ingredients. Try using instant yeast, instead. And it’s okay that you used AP flour only – as long as it was 2 cups of flour. Get back to me and let me know how it went. Take care!

  12. Tell me where I went wrong — I used the 1/2 cup of water (divided) but it did not nearly absorb even half of the flour/yeast, so I added a little bit more water (1/4 cup more). I let it rise for 20 minutes, then I tried to roll it out but it expanded like Dr. Doughboy I could not get it flat — when I cooked it it puffed up like a blow fish. Then the entire thing tasted totally rubbery — unedible I had to throw it away. Any advice would be great. thanks.

  13. I totally agree – everything store bought is so generic and doesn’t have any personality at all. This however, is bursting with personality! I love to make focaccia : )

  14. Avatar photo
    lemonsandanchovies

    Kate, I know what you mean! I think I err on the opposite side and try to do too much at dinner parties, LOL! Your focaccia looks simply gorgeous!

  15. Avatar photo
    freshandfoodie

    This is amazing! Have you ever been to Chicago Pizza Oven Grinder on Clark? They have a flatbread just like this (you can get it whole wheat, but I’m sure yours is healthier!) that I LOVE. I’m dying to try this now. Great recipe!

  16. Avatar photo
    Maggie @ Vittles and Bits

    That is so true – if you’re going to invite people over to eat, at least make ONE thing for your guests! And this bread looks delish!

  17. Avatar photo
    Happy When Not Hungry

    I love makin focaccia bread! I’ve never tried whole wheat though. Will def have to try. So much healthier!

  18. This looks so good! And I agree, I’d be pretty bothered if I went to a party that was catered by the local store… homemade is always better!

  19. The bread is just glowing – I especially love the little sandwich – mmmm. I have friends that don’t cook – I love them for their own quirks and talents.

  20. Avatar photo
    Priscilla - She's Cookin'

    Yes, it’s sad that the scene you described is considered a dinner party by some… I once went to a cookie exchange and all the cookies, except mine and the hostess’s, were store bought. LAME! So she and I swapped cookies 😉 Anyway, you’ve inspired me to make this gorgeous focaccia for dinner soon – not even going to wait for a party!

  21. Hi…this bread looks so yummy…I would love to make it, but I only have regular whole wheat flour vice white whole wheat. Will it be okay to use the regular whole wheat? Thanks so much for posting this healthier focaccia recipe…

    1. Avatar photo
      Kate @ Diethood.com

      Hi Michele!

      The difference in the two lies in color and taste; white whole wheat flour is lighter-colored and the taste is milder. Whole wheat has a stronger flavor and it can dominate all the other flavors in the bread. But, if you prefer, you can absolutely use the whole wheat as opposed to the white whole wheat. Hope I was able to help! If you make it, please let me know how it turns out… take care!!

  22. Catered by Sam’s Club….awesome term. The focaccia bread looks fantastic, and that little sandwich at the end? Wonderful…the Boy really wants to know what is in that sammie! Well done!

  23. Couldn’t stop laughing Kate! Well said and with such humour 😉
    That focaccia is amazing. I’d love that on a buffet table no prob…

  24. I love a good bread too! Especially from the farmer’s market or fresh from the oven. Yours looks amazing and I love that it’s baked within the hour. I’m going to have to try this!

  25. Avatar photo
    Mina @ Angellove's Cooking

    You can’s imagine how less people are making their bread themselves over here nowadays, Kate… That’s a shame indeed!! But you Focaccia looks so delicious – what a great recipe :)) and I seem to have all the ingredients 😉

  26. Amen sister! You know how much I love freshly baked bread. We just had friends over for dinner on Friday night, and we made some wonderful herbed bread. It reminds me of this! Thank you for sharing your creativity with me! I hope you have a blessed Sunday. You make me smile 🙂

  27. Avatar photo
    Baking Serendipity

    This cracks me up, but I totally agree! Your focaccia bread looks fantastic and dinner-party worthy for sure 🙂

  28. Your bread looks sooo soft and i can’t wait till you share your recipe for those bite size sandwiches. they look delightful!

  29. Avatar photo
    A little bit of everything

    Oh Kate, even for some foodies catering sounds the best option sometimes. Don’t get me wrong, I love cooking and baking especially, but few months ago I had to throw a (business) party for my husband and his co-workers and felt so overwhelmed by it that i ordered all the appetizers.
    your focaccia looks delicious. thanks for sharing

  30. I thought I was the only one with that pet peeve! Glad I’m not alone in this!

    That focaccia definitely looks amazing!

  31. This bread looks easy and delish! My kinda recipe! I tend to go all out when folks come over … but I’m a foodie … with a flexible schedule! I realize that not everyone has the luxury… so I eat the Sam’s Club food, and then have homemade stuff at home! 😀

  32. ‘Tis a sad, sad business, but not everybody likes to cook! It’s hard to imagine for us, isn’t it? But your bread looks fantastic, you can invite me over for some any day.

  33. hi Kate,
    I love it catered by Sam’s Club! You are absolutely right, but for non-foodies, that’s the answer. That your for focaccia bread looks absolutely delicious.
    and we can rest assured you can’t buy anything like that at Sam’s Club.
    Thanks for sharing such a great recipe with us, and as usual. Your images are beautiful.
    Have a great weekend
    Dennis

  34. Avatar photo
    Lisa {AuthenticSuburbanGourmet}

    I love bread too! I can imagine this with some great extra virgin olive oil and a glass of perfect cabernet. This is a must make!!!Have a great weekend.

  35. Avatar photo
    Lora @cakeduchess

    I agree with you!lol. I had to giggle out loud. Or sometimes it happens we get invited to a dinner and the portions are so small and there are no seconds. ;)GORGEOUS focaccia! I also like to make my own focaccia…so much you can do with it:)

  36. Avatar photo
    gingerbreadbagels

    Wow what beautiful focaccia! It looks so flavorful with all of the herbs. One of my favorite things to make is bread, I’ll have to try out your recipe. 🙂

  37. Avatar photo
    Sandra@ Sandra's Easy Cooking

    This sounds so delicious Kate! Never tried it this way, and I loveeee your photos! Fantastic post!

  38. I’m a novice at baking breads – I’ve only done simple breads, no-yeast bread, baguettes and biscuits. I’ve been meaning to give focaccia a try and your blog post may have inspired me to try it this week!

  39. Great looking focaccia Kate! I agree with you 100%, nothing worse than a fully grocery store catered spread…and the stuff is so full of chemicals with no flavor! I would rather have a few homemade items with cheeses, olives, nutts, etc… intstead of a buffet table of junk. Thanks for sharing this great recipe, I may give a try today…have some roasted peppers and cheese I need to use up and this looks like it would make a nice sandwich.

  40. I love a great bread, especially a focaccia. This looks great and I can’t wait to give it a try. 🙂

  41. Avatar photo
    Emily @ Life On Food

    I love Focaccia bread. Its great to know you can use whole wheat flour to make it a bit more nutrious. I am going to try this recipe out this weekend. My old recipe took much longer than an hour. I will be dreaming of good sandwich bread for this week’s lunches.

  42. Avatar photo
    Melissa@EyesBigger

    That look soooooo good and pretty easy to make. I might have to give it a try (and yes – I hate parties where all the food is mini appies from M&Ms or the grocery store deli or whatever!)

  43. Avatar photo
    Lindsey@Lindselicious

    Oooh a healthier focaccia?! I’m in! I’m still intimidated my yeast a little but this seems like a quick one to try out.

  44. ROFL you are so right, I don’t love it either 😉 last year we went to a Sam’s B-day party LOL I was just waiting for someone to asks for my membership card 😛

    I love love love that bread, it looks so perfect, yummy and I can smell it trough the screen 🙂 love it! And the sandwiches look so yummy! Is that roasted or pickled pepper inside?!

  45. Avatar photo
    The Farmers Wife

    Your Focaccia looks amazing! I love that you used whole wheat flour, and those little sandwich’s you made from them look SO good!

  46. I think it is the foodie in us, but I really agree with you. It is so easy to make fun party dishes, there is no need to buy everything already made. Your focaccia looks amazing! I actually think I may make it this weekend, we were just talking about making a homemade bread:)
    Take care,
    Terra

  47. I love focaccia bread and your whole wheat version sounds so healthy. I will definitely have to try this.

  48. I hate when people serve only grocery food at dinner parties too. But I do admit that I don’t make my bread when I have someone over. But I do make everything else ;). I’m only 19, I’ll get to bread soon :).
    This focaccia looks delicious. Must be great dipped in olive oil!

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