Description
This Same Day Focaccia recipe delivers soft, fluffy, and aromatic bread made quickly without overnight waiting times. Using simple pantry staples and easy steps, it produces a fresh, tender crumb with a golden, crispy crust infused with Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for snacks, appetizers, or as a side, this versatile focaccia can be customized with herbs and toppings for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
Toppings and Flavorings
- Additional olive oil (natural) for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or other herbs like thyme or oregano)
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
- Optional: chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, sesame/poppy/flax seeds
Instructions
- Proof Your Yeast: Dissolve the sugar into warm water. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour and sea salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture with one tablespoon of olive oil (natural). Stir gently until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough: Transfer the risen dough to a well-oiled baking pan. Press it evenly with your fingers, creating dimples across the surface to hold olive oil (natural) and seasonings.
- Add Toppings and Second Rise: Drizzle the dough generously with olive oil (natural), sprinkle with coarse sea salt, and fresh rosemary. Cover and allow it to rest for 20 to 30 minutes to puff slightly.
- Bake Until Golden: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the focaccia for 18 to 22 minutes until the crust is golden and crisp. Remove from oven and cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use warm water to activate yeast without killing it.
- Don’t skip the dimpling; it locks in olive oil (natural) and toppings for flavor.
- Keep an eye on rise times as warmer environments speed fermentation.
- Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil (natural) for best aroma and taste.
- Allow focaccia to cool enough to firm up for easier slicing without drying out.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of focaccia)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Same Day Focaccia, Quick Focaccia, Soft Bread, Mediterranean Bread, Easy Bread Recipe
