Few breads are as versatile, delicious, and customizable as focaccia. This Italian classic is known for its crispy golden crust, airy texture, and rich olive oil flavor, making it a perfect base for a variety of toppings. Whether served as an appetizer, a side dish, or even the foundation for a sandwich, focaccia is a crowd-pleaser that can be easily adapted to suit any flavor profile.
One of the best things about focaccia is its simplicity. With just a few pantry staples—flour, yeast, water, olive oil, and salt—you can create a bakery-quality loaf in your own kitchen. But the real magic of focaccia lies in its ability to be endlessly customized. From herbs and cheeses to vegetables and meats, the possibilities are nearly endless.
Whether you prefer a classic rosemary and sea salt focaccia or something more adventurous like caramelized onion and blue cheese, this bread serves as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. In this post, we’ll explore the history of focaccia, a foolproof base recipe, and several creative topping ideas to inspire your next bake.
A Brief History of Focaccia
Focaccia dates back to ancient Rome, where it was known as panis focacius—a flatbread baked on a hearth or under ashes. It was traditionally used as an offering to the gods and quickly became a staple in Italian households. Over the centuries, different regions of Italy developed their own variations. In Genoa, a thin, crisp focaccia is drizzled with olive oil and salt, while in Puglia, focaccia barese is made with mashed potatoes for an extra soft texture.
Today, focaccia is beloved worldwide for its rustic charm, ease of preparation, and adaptability to different flavors.
How to Make Classic Focaccia
This simple focaccia recipe results in a beautifully fluffy, golden bread with just the right amount of chew.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes, until it becomes foamy. This means the yeast is active.
2. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead and Rise
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
4. Shape the Dough
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan (or a round cast-iron skillet) with olive oil. Stretch the dough into the pan, pressing it to fill the corners. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
5. Create the Signature Dimples
Drizzle olive oil over the dough, then use your fingers to poke deep dimples all over the surface.
6. Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top and bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from the oven and drizzle with more olive oil before serving.
Focaccia Topping Ideas: Get Creative!
While classic focaccia is delicious on its own, adding toppings can elevate it to an entirely new level. Here are some of the most popular and unique focaccia variations:
1. Rosemary & Sea Salt (The Classic)
🌿 Toppings: Fresh rosemary, flaky sea salt, extra virgin olive oil
🌿 Why it Works: This traditional topping brings out the earthy richness of the olive oil and gives a fragrant, aromatic bite.
2. Garlic & Parmesan
🧄 Toppings: Roasted garlic cloves, grated Parmesan, black pepper
🧄 Why it Works: Roasting the garlic softens its pungency, making it buttery and sweet, while Parmesan adds a savory umami kick.
3. Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil
🍅 Toppings: Sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella
🍅 Why it Works: The tomatoes bring a tangy sweetness, while basil adds freshness and mozzarella gives a gooey texture.
4. Olive & Feta (Mediterranean Style)
🫒 Toppings: Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, oregano
🫒 Why it Works: A salty, briny bite that pairs perfectly with a glass of wine.
5. Caramelized Onion & Blue Cheese
🧅 Toppings: Slow-cooked caramelized onions, crumbled blue cheese, thyme
🧅 Why it Works: The sweetness of onions balances the bold creaminess of blue cheese.
6. Pesto & Pine Nut
🌰 Toppings: Basil pesto, pine nuts, shredded Parmesan
🌰 Why it Works: A nutty, herby delight with a creamy, cheesy finish.
7. Potato & Rosemary (Focaccia di Patate)
🥔 Toppings: Thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes, fresh rosemary, garlic
🥔 Why it Works: The potatoes create a buttery, rich texture that contrasts beautifully with the crispy crust.
8. Fig & Goat Cheese
🍯 Toppings: Fresh figs, goat cheese, honey drizzle
🍯 Why it Works: The sweet and savory combo is perfect for a more gourmet-style focaccia.
9. Everything Bagel Focaccia
🥯 Toppings: Everything bagel seasoning, cream cheese dollops
🥯 Why it Works: A fun, flavorful twist on an NYC classic—perfect for breakfast or brunch!
10. Spicy Jalapeño & Cheddar
🌶 Toppings: Sliced jalapeños, shredded cheddar, hot honey drizzle
🌶 Why it Works: The heat from the peppers is balanced by the cheesy goodness and touch of sweetness from the honey.
Final Thoughts: Focaccia for Every Occasion
Focaccia isn’t just a side dish—it’s an experience. It can be as simple or as elaborate as you like, making it the perfect bread for any meal. Whether you’re baking it for a casual family dinner, a special holiday spread, or a wine-and-cheese night, focaccia is a guaranteed showstopper.
The best part? You can make it your own. Whether you stick to a classic rosemary and sea salt version or get adventurous with figs, jalapeños, or pesto, focaccia is the perfect way to explore new flavors and have fun in the kitchen.
So next time you’re in the mood for a homemade bread that’s both easy and impressive, give focaccia a try—you might just discover your new favorite recipe. 🍞✨
Focaccia: The Ultimate Versatile Bread for Any Occasion
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
Instructions
-
1. Activate the Yeast
-
In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes, until it becomes foamy. This means the yeast is active.
-
2. Make the Dough
-
In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
-
3. Knead and Rise
-
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
-
4. Shape the Dough
-
Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan (or a round cast-iron skillet) with olive oil. Stretch the dough into the pan, pressing it to fill the corners. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
-
5. Create the Signature Dimples
-
Drizzle olive oil over the dough, then use your fingers to poke deep dimples all over the surface.
-
6. Bake to Perfection
-
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top and bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from the oven and drizzle with more olive oil before serving.
