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Same Day Focaccia

Same Day Focaccia

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This Same Day Focaccia recipe delivers fresh, flavorful Italian bread with a crispy crust and soft, airy interior, ready in just a few hours. Using simple pantry ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for snacks, sandwiches, or as a versatile side without the long wait of traditional focaccia recipes.

Ingredients

Scale

Basic 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)

Optional Toppings

  • 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 room temperature ingredients to ensure a quick and even rise.
  • Don’t skip pressing dimples into the dough to allow olive oil to pool and create flavor pockets.
  • Preheat your baking sheet inside the oven for an instant crust when dough is placed.
  • Be generous with olive oil for a crisp crust and authentic taste.
  • Test for doneness by tapping the bottom of the focaccia; it should sound hollow and have a golden brown color.

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