If you’ve ever wanted to fill your kitchen with the aroma of freshly baked bread, this easy homemade focaccia recipe is the perfect place to start. How to Bake the Best Homemade Focaccia Bread is soft, pillowy, golden, and infused with herbs and olive oil—this is the best focaccia bread recipe for beginners and pros alike.

Whether you’re looking to master the art of baking bread at home, searching for the perfect rolls for a dinner party, or craving that crispy-yet-fluffy bite only focaccia can deliver—this recipe will quickly become your go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Focaccia Bread Recipe

• No fancy tools or mixer required
• Uses simple pantry staples for this bread
• Crispy golden crust, fluffy center
• Customizable toppings: herbs, cherry tomatoes, caramelized onions, garlic—endless options
• Great for beginners learning how to bake bread from scratch
• When you use an infused olive oil like I did (parmesan and garlic) it takes less ingredients on your end
• Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, and rosemary are always classic winners
• Use sea salt for both the recipe and the topping once the bread is removed from the oven

Ingredients for How to Bake the Best Homemade Focaccia Bread

Ingredients for the best bread dough:

• 1 3/4 cup (255 ml) warm water
• 2 teaspoons (5 g) instant yeast
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 1 ¼ teaspoons (8 g) sea salt
• 2 tablespoons (25 g) olive oil or choice
• 3 cups (400 g) all-purpose flour

For the topping:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for greasing)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or your favorite dried herbs)
• Optional: A few sprigs of fresh thyme or chopped basil

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Bake the Best Homemade Focaccia Bread

1. Activate the Yeast

Pour the warm water and sugar into a large mixing bowl or KitchenAid mixing bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the water, stir, and let it sit for a 5 minutes, until a creamy or foamy appears. Crush sea salt between your fingers as you sprinkle it into the bowl.

2. Mix the Dough in a Standing Mixer

If using your KitchenAid standing mixer fitted with the hook, add your flour. On low, start your mixer until the flour is combined, then, on medium-low speed, set your timer for about 4 minutes. Knead one minute by hand until the dough bounces back.

By hand- add half the flour to the bowl and stir for about a minute. Then, add the rest of the flour and continue mixing until the dough comes together. It will be sticky—resist the urge to add more flour.

3. Knead the Dough by hand:

Knead by hand for around 8 minutes, either in the bowl or on a lightly floured surface. The dough should feel elastic and tacky.

4. First Rise

Transfer the dough to a clean bowl greased generously with olive oil. Turn the dough to coat it completely in oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size—this usually takes 60 minutes, depending on your kitchen temperature.

5. Shape the Dough

Line a 9×13-inch (33×23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper and brush it with olive oil. Gently transfer the dough to the pan and stretch it out with your fingers to fill the surface, taking care not to deflate it.

6. Top and Dimple

Drizzle another tablespoon of olive oil over the dough and spread it evenly. Sprinkle with dried thyme, then use your fingers to create dimples all over the surface. This classic focaccia technique gives the bread its signature look and helps flavor seep in.

7. Second Rise (Optional but Recommended)

Allow the dough to rise again for 20–30 minutes until slightly puffed. You don’t need to cover it—thanks to the olive oil, it won’t dry out.

8. Bake the Focaccia

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the focaccia for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before sprinkling fresh basil, sea salt, and slicing.

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Quick Tip: Want to Skip the Second Rise?

If you’re short on time, place the focaccia directly into a cold oven after shaping and topping it. Turn on the heat to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes. This slow rise while the oven preheats still gives great texture and flavor.

How To Serve Focaccia Bread

This fresh bread is perfect served warm with:

• Olive oil and balsamic vinegar
• Soup or pasta dishes
• As a sandwich base
• On a charcuterie board with cheeses and olives

Tips for Perfect Homemade Bread Every Time

• Use quality olive oil and/or infused olive oil– It enhances flavor and texture.
• Don’t over-flour – A sticky dough makes fluffy bread!
• Let it rise fully – Give the dough time to develop flavor.
• Use fresh or dried herbs – Thyme, rosemary, or oregano work beautifully
• Add some fun ingredients ,- as you familiarize yourself with the bread like sundried tomatoes, a mixture of herbs, onion, olives, and more! I love using an infused oil so the bread has flavor without adding anything extra. There are lots of options at your local store!

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Final Thoughts: Fresh Bread Is Easier Than You Think

Learning how to bake bread at home doesn’t have to be intimidating. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can create a fluffy, golden focaccia that tastes like it came straight from a bakery. It’s perfect for beginners and a great way to bring the joy of fresh bread to your table.

Don’t forget to save this recipe or pin it to your “bread baking” board on Pinterest!

🍞 Ready to bake? Let’s make your kitchen smell amazing.

If you love this recipe, try my favorite garlic bread!