National Dish Italy: Focaccia (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Focaccia, one of Italy’s most beloved breads! With its golden, crackling crust and a soft, pillowy crumb beneath, this simple loaf has been winning hearts far beyond its Ligurian homeland. Scented with rosemary and a generous slick of olive oil, it works just as happily as a side to a hearty meal as it does torn straight from the tray as a snack. Bring a little Italian bakery magic into your own kitchen — buon appetito!
About Focaccia
Focaccia is a traditional Italian bread prized above all for its soft, airy texture and its crisp, golden crust. Originally from Liguria, this delicious loaf has spread across Italy and well beyond. Countless variations exist, prepared with different herbs, spices and toppings according to region and personal taste. Part of what makes focaccia so popular is surely its sheer versatility — it pairs beautifully with almost any meal.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 250g plain wheat flour
- 150ml lukewarm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Half a cube of fresh yeast (or 1 teaspoon dried yeast)
- Rosemary and coarse sea salt, to taste
Shopping for the ingredients
For the best flavour, it pays to choose good-quality ingredients. Pick up fresh flour, a good olive oil and fresh yeast. Rosemary and coarse sea salt round off the recipe and give the focaccia its unmistakable character. When shopping, look for ingredients with few additives so the bread keeps its authentic, honest aroma.
Preparing the dish
Before you start making the focaccia, set out all the equipment and ingredients you will need. Make sure you have a clean work surface to hand. A mixing bowl, a hand mixer or food processor, and a baking tin or tray are all essential. It helps to weigh and measure everything in advance so the whole process runs smoothly from start to finish.
Step-by-step instructions
- Dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm water along with the sugar and leave the mixture to stand for about 10 minutes, until it turns foamy.
- Tip the flour into a large bowl and make a well in the centre.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the well, then add the salt and the olive oil.
- Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic — this takes around 10 minutes.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and leave the dough to prove in a warm spot for about an hour, until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C.
- Brush a baking tray with olive oil and press the dough out flat onto it.
- Scatter rosemary and coarse sea salt evenly over the dough and press them in lightly.
- Bake the focaccia for around 20–25 minutes, until golden.
- Let the focaccia cool a little before serving.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
If you would like to make the focaccia gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free flour. Bear in mind that some gluten-free flours need an extra binding agent. For a lactose-free version you only need to make sure the olive oil you use has not come into contact with dairy. The bread is naturally lactose-free, so there is really very little to worry about here.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Focaccia is naturally a vegan dish, as it contains no animal products. Just take care that the ingredients you use really are vegan — particularly the olive oil and any extra toppings. You can dress up the basic recipe however you like with further vegan additions such as olives, sun-dried tomatoes or caramelised onions.
More tips and tricks
One key technique when making focaccia is the famous dimpling. Using your fingertips, press deep dimples into the dough before sliding it into the oven. These dimples fill with olive oil, which gives focaccia its signature texture and unmistakable flavour. You can also work fresh herbs or garlic into the dough to intensify the aromas, much as you might in a Pesto alla Genovese.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The basic focaccia recipe is wonderfully flexible and easy to tailor to your own preferences. Black olives, sunflower seeds or even chunks of cheese can be mixed into the dough to give it an individual touch. Sweet versions are possible too — try adding raisins and cinnamon, for instance. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients until you find your perfect focaccia.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have certain ingredients to hand, or simply want to swap them out, there are plenty of alternatives. In place of fresh yeast you can use dried yeast, for example. If you are not keen on olive oil, a blend of vegetable oil and butter works too. Herbs such as thyme, basil or oregano also make lovely flavour additions should you find yourself without rosemary — the same Ligurian aromatics that lift a plate of Trofie al Pesto.
Drink pairing ideas
A freshly baked focaccia goes wonderfully with various Italian wines, such as a Chianti or a Bardolino. A light white wine or a lively Prosecco also make excellent companions. If you would rather skip the alcohol, homemade lemonades or sparkling water with slices of lemon are ideal. A freshly brewed espresso rounds off the Italian experience perfectly.
Serving and presentation ideas
An attractive presentation makes focaccia all the more appetising. Cut the bread into even pieces and arrange them on a rustic wooden board. A little sprig of fresh rosemary on each piece works as a decorative accent. Serve the bread with small dishes of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping to create an authentic Italian atmosphere — perfect alongside an Insalata Caprese.
A bit of history
Focaccia is deeply rooted in Italian culture and counts among the country’s oldest types of bread. Its origins are thought to reach back to ancient Roman times, when the bread was baked over an open hearth or on hot stones. The name “focaccia” derives from the Latin word focus, meaning “hearth” or “fireplace”. The bread played a central role in the traditional cooking of the Ligurian region and has since grown into a beloved staple throughout Italian cuisine — find more inspiration in our guide to Italian cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Focaccia
Focaccia is a versatile and much-loved Italian bread that is wonderfully simple to make. With the right choice of ingredients and a few handy tips and tricks, delicious results are all but guaranteed. The bread adapts beautifully to all kinds of preferences and can be served in both sweet and savoury versions. Give it a go yourself and enjoy a slice of Italian baking artistry right at home!
