Same Day Focaccia
This Same Day Focaccia recipe delivers fresh, flavorful Italian bread with a crispy crust and soft, airy interior, ready in just a few hours. Using simple pantry ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for snacks, sandwiches, or as a versatile side without the long wait of traditional focaccia recipes.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cupsall-purpose flour
- 1packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 ⅓ cupswarm water (about 105°f/40°c)
- ¼ cupextra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 ½ tspsea salt
- 1 pinchsugar (optional, to activate yeast)
- fresh rosemary sprigs
- minced garlic or garlic-infused olive oil
- cherry tomatoes
- olives
- fresh thyme, oregano, or basil
- grated parmesan or crumbled feta cheese
- thinly sliced red onions, bell peppers, or zucchini
Directions
- 1
Combine warm water with active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until bubbly and frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
- 2
In a large bowl, stir together the flour and sea salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture along with 1/4 cup olive oil. Gently combine until a wet, sticky dough forms, which will yield the focaccia’s soft interior.
- 3
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm area. Let the dough rise until nearly doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- 4
Transfer the risen dough to an oiled baking sheet. Gently stretch and press it into a rectangular shape about 1 inch thick. Use your fingertips to create dimples all over the dough’s surface to trap oil and toppings.
- 5
Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil over the dough’s surface and sprinkle with sea salt. Add any desired herbs, garlic, cherry tomatoes, olives, or other toppings.
- 6
Let the dough rest for 20 minutes while preheating the oven to 450°F (230°C). Bake the focaccia for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown and crispy around the edges.