Description
This Same Day Focaccia recipe delivers a tender, airy Italian bread with a delightfully crispy golden crust. Made with simple pantry staples and plant-based ingredients, this quick and convenient focaccia is perfect for sandwiches, dips, or enjoyed plain. Customize with your favorite herbs and toppings for a flavorful, wholesome bread baked fresh in just a few hours.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (natural)
Toppings
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (natural), for drizzling
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary (natural), chopped
- Coarse sea salt for topping
Optional Variations
- Kalamata olives and mixed herbs
- Roasted garlic cloves
- Chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- Caramelized onions
- Grated plant-based cheese (plant-based)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and sea salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture along with half of the extra virgin olive oil (natural). Stir with a spoon or spatula until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add small amounts of flour if needed to manage stickiness, but keep the dough soft.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape and Second Rise: Transfer the dough onto a lightly oiled baking sheet. Gently stretch it into a roughly 9×13 inch rectangle. Use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface. Drizzle the remaining olive oil (natural) over the top, sprinkle fresh rosemary (natural), and coarse sea salt. Cover and allow to rest for another 20 to 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Bake the focaccia for about 20 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Remove from the oven and cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use warm water, not hot, to activate yeast properly.
- Dimples help trap olive oil, creating crispy pockets and richer flavor.
- Use a light hand with flour during kneading to keep focaccia airy.
- Allow sufficient rising time for best texture and flavor development.
- Experiment with toppings such as olives, herbs, roasted garlic, or plant-based cheese for variety.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/8 of focaccia)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: same day focaccia, easy focaccia, quick focaccia bread, plant-based bread, Italian bread, homemade focaccia, crispy crust bread
