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Homemade Focaccia

An exceptional vegan focaccia bread with a golden crust and tender, airy interior. This recipe is enriched with fresh rosemary and finished with flaky sea salt. It features a crisp bottom and is simple to prepare with minimal hands-on time.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Rising Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary finely chopped
  • 2 cups lukewarm water 450 grams
  • 4 cups flour 510 grams, all-purpose or bread flour, or a combination of both
  • 1 –2 teaspoons flaky sea salt
  • 2 teaspoons fine salt
  • 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
  • 1 –2 teaspoons instant rise yeast

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, fine salt, and instant yeast, whisking thoroughly to integrate. Add the lukewarm water and stir using a fork or spatula until a loose, sticky dough forms.
  • Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil around and over the dough, coating it evenly. Cover and allow to rise at room temperature for 1½ to 2 hours until it doubles in size, or refrigerate for 24–72 hours to enhance flavor and texture.
  • Generously oil a 10×14-inch metal baking pan with 2–3 tablespoons olive oil, ensuring the bottom and sides are coated. Alternatively, use butter or a mixture of butter and oil if using glass or ceramic bakeware.
  • With a greased hand, loosen the dough from the bowl edges. Perform six stretch-and-folds by lifting the dough at the edge, folding it over itself, and rotating the bowl 90 degrees after each fold to form a round.
  • Transfer the dough to the prepared pan, allowing it to stretch and rise uncovered until it fills the pan and doubles in volume—approximately 45 minutes. For enhanced texture and flavor, allow it to rest for 2–4 hours at room temperature.
  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (or 400°F with convection).
  • Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the dough. Using oiled fingertips, press deep dimples into the surface, gently pushing the dough toward the edges. If the dough is resistant, pause for five minutes before continuing. Scatter the flaky sea salt and rosemary evenly on top.
  • Place on the middle oven rack and bake for 25–30 minutes until the focaccia is golden, puffed, and the underside is crisp. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Yeast Adjustment: Use 2 teaspoons of instant yeast for a rapid rise. For refrigerated fermentation beyond 24 hours, reduce to 1 teaspoon. Avoid substituting with rapid-rise yeast. If using active dry yeast, bloom it in the warm water for 5 minutes before adding salt and flour; rising time will double.
Baking Vessel Advice: Butter is recommended for ceramic or glass dishes to avoid sticking. Two glass pie plates may also be used.
Optional Toppings: Garlic, cherry tomatoes, olives, anchovies, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or cheeses such as parmesan, fontina, or pecorino, along with hearty herbs.
Dipping Oil Suggestion: Simmer ½ cup olive oil with 3 smashed garlic cloves. Once fragrant, add 2 tablespoons rosemary and 1 tablespoon lemon zest; heat briefly until crisp. Cool, optionally adding Aleppo chili flakes. Remove garlic before serving.
Baking Tip: The internal temperature should reach at least 190°F when fully baked.