How to Make Focaccia Bread That’s Fluffy, Olive-Packed & Photo-Worthy

There’s something magical about homemade focaccia — the golden crust, the fluffy inside, and the irresistible aroma of olive oil and herbs wafting through your kitchen. It’s rustic, beautiful, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re serving it alongside soup, turning it into sandwiches, or just tearing off a warm piece to dip in olive oil, this Italian classic always delivers.

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Step 1: What Makes Focaccia Special

Focaccia is Italy’s answer to the perfect bread: crisp on the outside, airy on the inside, and rich with olive oil flavor. It’s a “no-stress” bread — no kneading machines, no fancy shaping, and no special tools required.

The secret? A high-hydration dough and plenty of olive oil. That combination gives focaccia its signature light texture and chewy bite.

Pro Tip: Think of focaccia as bread that loves to be pampered — the more rest and oil you give it, the better it gets.

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Step 2: Gather Your Ingredients

You only need a handful of pantry staples — but the quality makes all the difference.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for extra chew)
  
• 1 cup warm water (around 110°F / 43°C)
  
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  
• 1 teaspoon sugar
  
• 1 teaspoon salt
  
• 2–3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus more for topping)
  
• Optional toppings: olives, cherry tomatoes, rosemary, garlic, flaky sea salt
  

Pro Tip: Use the good olive oil — its flavor shines through in every bite.

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Step 3: Make the Dough

This part is almost effortless — you’ll be amazed at how forgiving focaccia dough is.

1. In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it starts to foam.
   
2. Add flour and salt, and stir until a sticky dough forms.
   
3. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and fold it in gently with your hands or a spatula.
   

The dough will look loose and messy — that’s exactly how it should be!

Pro Tip: Resist the urge to add more flour. The wetter dough is what gives focaccia its airy, bubbly texture.

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Step 4: Let It Rise (Slow & Easy)

Once your dough is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rest:

• At room temperature: for about 2 hours until doubled in size.
  
• Or overnight in the fridge: for a deeper, more developed flavor.
  

When ready, pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil into a 9×13-inch baking pan and transfer the dough in. Gently stretch it to fit the pan — no need to press hard.

Let it rise again for 30–45 minutes while your oven preheats to 425°F (220°C).

Pro Tip: Cold, overnight dough is easier to handle and creates beautiful bubbles when baked.

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Step 5: Dimple & Decorate

Now comes the most satisfying part — dimpling!

• Drizzle more olive oil on top (don’t be shy).
  
• Press your fingers all over the dough to create little “dimples.”
  
• Sprinkle on your favorite toppings:
  
  • Olives & Rosemary (classic and fragrant)
    
  • Cherry Tomatoes & Garlic (sweet and savory)
    
  • Caramelized Onions & Thyme (deep flavor)
    

Finish with flaky sea salt for that perfect crunch.

Pro Tip: The dimples help hold the olive oil and toppings — and create those irresistible golden pockets after baking.

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Step 6: Bake Until Golden & Puffy

Place your focaccia in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until it’s puffed, golden, and crisp on top.

When it comes out, brush with a little more olive oil and let it cool slightly before slicing.

Pro Tip: For an extra crispy bottom, preheat your baking pan in the oven for 5 minutes before adding the dough.

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Step 7: Serve & Store

Focaccia is best eaten warm, fresh out of the oven — but it also makes amazing leftovers.

Ways to Enjoy It:

• Plain: Dip in olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
  
• Sandwiches: Slice horizontally and fill with roasted veggies or mozzarella.
  
• Toast: Reheat slices in a skillet or toaster oven for a quick snack.
  

Storage Tip: Keep leftovers wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer. Reheat in the oven to bring back the crispness.

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Bonus: Make It Photo-Worthy

Focaccia isn’t just delicious — it’s Instagram-famous! Try these easy ways to make it look (and taste) even more stunning:

• Arrange toppings like a floral garden using sliced bell peppers, herbs, and cherry tomatoes.
  
• Use different colored olives and herbs for contrast.
  
• Sprinkle sea salt flakes for that irresistible sparkle in photos.
  

Pro Tip: Brush the surface lightly with olive oil before baking for that glossy, golden finish every food blogger dreams of.

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Final Bite

Making focaccia at home is one of those baking experiences that’s equal parts relaxing and rewarding. It fills your kitchen with warmth, your hands with olive oil, and your table with something truly beautiful — soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor.

So next time you’re craving homemade bread, skip the loaf and make this olive-packed Italian masterpiece instead.

Save this recipe for later — your future self (and dinner guests) will thank you!