Go Back
Slices of golden homemade focaccia topped with cherry tomatoes, garlic and rosemary on a wooden board beside a bowl of olive oil.

Fluffy Homemade Focaccia Bread

This easy same-day focaccia bread is beautifully soft and fluffy on the inside with golden, crispy edges. Topped with cherry tomatoes, fresh rosemary, olive oil and flaky sea salt, it's perfect for serving alongside dinner or enjoying warm from the oven.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting and Rising Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 12 pieces

Ingredients
  

Focaccia Dough

  • 500 g high-grade flour
  • 6 g active dry yeast approximately 2 tsp
  • 400 ml warm water
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 2-3 tbsp olive oil for the baking dish and dough

Toppings

  • cherry tomatoes halved (optional)
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional)
  • 1-2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1-2 tsp flaky sea salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the dough: Combine the yeast and warm water in a large bowl. Add the flour and salt, mixing until a sticky, shaggy dough forms. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.
  • Stretch and fold: With wet hands, lift one side of the dough and fold it over itself. Rotate the bowl and repeat on all four sides. Cover and rest for 30 minutes. Repeat until you've completed 3–4 sets of folds in total.
  • Transfer to the dish: Generously oil a 20 × 30 cm baking dish. Transfer the dough into the dish and allow it to relax for 10 minutes.
  • Stretch the dough: Gently stretch the dough towards the edges of the dish. Cover and rest for another 20 minutes.
  • Add toppings: Drizzle with olive oil and press your fingertips into the dough to create dimples. Add the cherry tomatoes, rosemary and flaky sea salt. Leave for another 20 minutes, or until noticeably puffy.
  • Bake: Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan bake). Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown with crispy edges.
  • Serve: Allow to cool slightly before removing from the dish and slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Cherry tomatoes and rosemary are completely optional. This focaccia is just as delicious with olive oil and flaky sea salt.
  • The dough should be sticky. Avoid adding extra flour unless absolutely necessary.
  • Rising times will vary depending on how warm your kitchen is. If the dough isn't puffy after the final rest, allow extra time.
  • Use plenty of olive oil in the baking dish for a golden, crispy base.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat in the oven to restore the crispy edges.
Keyword Cherry Tomato Focaccia, Easy Bread Recipe, Fluffy Focaccia, Focaccia Bread, Homemade Bread, Italian Bread, No Knead Bread, Rosemary Focaccia, Same Day Focaccia