Old Fashioned Focaccia

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of old-fashioned rosemary and garlic focaccia baking in the oven.

This classic Italian flatbread is known for its golden crisp edges, fluffy interior, and signature dimples filled with fragrant olive oil, fresh rosemary, and roasted garlic.

Made with simple pantry staples, traditional focaccia dough is slow-risen to develop incredible flavor and that soft, airy texture that makes every bite irresistible.

This authentic rosemary garlic focaccia recipe is inspired by traditional Italian bakery methods, where quality olive oil, fresh herbs, and patience create the perfect bread.

Whether served as an appetizer, sandwich bread, or alongside pasta, soups, or salads, focaccia is one of the most versatile breads you can make at home.

If you love homemade bread that’s rustic, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare, this old-fashioned focaccia dough will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

With its crispy olive-oil crust, tender crumb, and savory rosemary garlic topping, it’s the kind of timeless recipe that never goes out of style.

Why You Will Love This Focaccia Recipe

1. Authentic Old Fashioned Italian flavor with a crisp crust and fluffy center
2. Simple pantry ingredients you probably already have at home
3. Versatile dough that works with many savory toppings
4. Beginner-friendly with easy step-by-step instructions
5. Perfect for sandwiches, appetizers, or alongside pasta and soups

Tips for the Best Focaccia Recipe

1. Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil for authentic flavor.
2. A well-oiled pan helps create the crispy bottom crust.
3. Do not skip the second rise: this creates the airy texture.
4. For extra flavor, brush the bread with olive oil immediately after baking
5. Pan Suggestions:  9 x 13-inch baking pan is recommended – This gives you a thicker, fluffy focaccia with a soft interior and crisp edges.
6. Other Pan Options:  For thinner, crisp focaccia,10 x 15-inch jelly roll pan
7. For bakery-style, thicker focaccia. 9 x 9-inch pan (very thick and fluffy)
8. Sheet pan style, Half sheet pan (13 x 18 inch). The bread will spread thinner and bake slightly faster.

Delicious Focaccia Topping Alternatives

Focaccia is incredibly versatile. Try one of these classic topping ideas before baking:

• Classic Italian fresh rosemary and sea salt
• Garlic slices, rosemary, and olive oil (as shown in the photos)
• Cherry tomatoes and basil caramelized onions
• Mediterranean-inspired Kalamata olives and oregano
• Sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan
• Roasted red peppers and feta
• Garden vegetable zucchini slices and herbs
• Thin potato slices with rosemary
• Mushrooms and thyme
• Gourmet Options
• Prosciutto and Parmesan
• Fig and goat cheese
• Pesto and mozzarella
• Serving Ideas:  Focaccia is perfect for: Sandwich bread, Dipping into olive oil and balsamic vinegar, Serving alongside pasta dishes, Making panini or Italian sliders,  Pairing with soups and salads

Pin for later Old Fashioned Focaccia Recipe

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bread dough. focaccia, Italian dough, homemade Italian dough

Italian

Yield: 12

Author: Claudia Lamascolo

Old Fashioned Focaccia

Focaccia is one of the most beloved breads in Italian baking. known for rich flavor from olive oil and simple toppings.

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 40 MinInactive time: 1 H & 30 MTotal time: 2 H & 25 M

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose or bread flour
• 2 teaspoons active yeast (1 package)
• 2 teaspoons sugar or honey
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 3/4 cups warm water (about 109 degrees using an instant-read thermometer )
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more for pan and topping)

Instructions

1. Place the water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Note: The mixture should look foamy.
3. Using a wooden spoon, mix the flour, salt, and oil into the mixture and mix (dough will be sticky).
4. Knead by hand for 10 minutes or if using an industrial mixer, for 5 minutes using the dough hook.
5. Lightly brush oil on top, cover, and rise until doubled for 2 hours.
6. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees, as this will be the second rise.
7. Grease a baking pan (see notes below for suggestions) and stretch out the dough to fit.
8. Let it rise again, covered for 30 minutes.
9. Using your fingertips, press deep dimples all over the dough.
10. Brush the top lightly or drizzle with olive oil
11. Place the desired topping from our notes below to create your favorite focaccia.
12. Bake at 425 degrees for around 40 minutes, check to see if the edges are browned. (Check the time at 35 minutes.)

Notes

Why You Will Love This Focaccia Recipe

1. Authentic Italian flavor with a crisp crust and fluffy center
2. Simple pantry ingredients you probably already have at home
3. Versatile dough that works with many savory toppings
4. Beginner-friendly with easy step-by-step instructions
5. Perfect for sandwiches, appetizers, or alongside pasta and soups

Tips for the Best Focaccia Recipe

1. Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil for authentic flavor.
2. A well-oiled pan helps create the crispy bottom crust.
3. Do not skip the second rise: this creates the airy texture.
4. For extra flavor, brush the bread with olive oil immediately after baking
5. Pan Suggestions: 9 x 13-inch baking pan is recommended – This gives you a thicker, fluffy focaccia with a soft interior and crisp edges.
6. Other Pan Options: For thinner, crisp focaccia 10 x 15-inch jelly roll pan
7. For bakery-style thicker focaccia 9 x 9-inch pan (very thick and fluffy)
8. Sheet pan style Half sheet pan (13 x 18 inch). The bread will spread thinner and bake slightly faster.

Delicious Focaccia Topping Alternatives

Focaccia is incredibly versatile. Try one of these classic topping ideas before baking:

• Classic Italian fresh rosemary and sea salt
• Garlic slices, rosemary, and olive oil (as shown in the photos)
• Cherry tomatoes and basil caramelized onions
• Mediterranean-inspired Kalamata olives and oregano
• Sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan
• Roasted red peppers and feta
• Garden vegetable zucchini slices and herbs
• Thin potato slices with rosemary
• Mushrooms and thyme
• Gourmet Options
• Prosciutto and Parmesan
• Fig and goat cheese
• Pesto and mozzarella
• Serving Ideas: Focaccia is perfect for: Sandwich bread, Dipping into olive oil and balsamic vinegar, Serving alongside pasta dishes, Making panini or Italian sliders, Pairing with soups and salads
• 
  

Nutrition Facts

Calories

199

Fat (grams)

5 g

Sat. Fat (grams)

1 g

Carbs (grams)

32 g

Fiber (grams)

2 g

Net carbs

30 g

Sugar (grams)

1 g

Protein (grams)

6 g

Sodium (milligrams)

391 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

0 mg

The default measuring system for this website is US Customary. Unit conversions are provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. While we strive to provide accurate unit conversions, please be aware that there may be some discrepancies.

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