Traditional Italian Focaccia – Easy, Fluffy and Delicious Recipe

Imagine a soft, golden, and fragrant Italian focaccia filling your kitchen with its irresistible aroma straight from the oven. Perfect to accompany your meals or to share as an appetizer, this quick and easy Italian recipe elevates the simplicity of high-quality Italian ingredients.

 Make it your own: fresh herbs, olives, or cherry tomatoes for an even more flavorful and authentic result!

Homemade Focaccia: a soft and aromatic Italian specialty

Origin and Tradition

Among the treasures of Italian cuisine, focaccia holds a unique place. Originating from the stunning Liguria region, it is more than just bread: it is a symbol of warmth, sharing, and conviviality at the heart of Italian culture. Often considered the ancestor of pizza, it shares the same basic ingredients, but its soft texture and delicate preparation make it stand out entirely.

Also read: Homemade Margherita Pizza – Easy Recipe

Traditionally, focaccia is enjoyed plain, simply drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with salt, and sometimes fresh rosemary. But its golden, airy surface invites endless variations: black olives, cherry tomatoes, caramelized onions, cheeses, aromatic herbs… Each version tells a story and reflects the soul of the person preparing it.

Making focaccia at home lets you enjoy crispy bread on the outside and incredibly tender on the inside, scented with olive oil. It’s also the perfect opportunity to unleash your creativity: as an appetizer, a side, or topped as a main dish, it always brings a touch of Dolce Vita to your table.

Also read: 5 Easy & Authentic Italian Antipasti Recipes

Here’s the detailed recipe from Casa Bandera, to help you master this iconic focaccia with homemade dough and carefully selected ingredients. In my kitchen, every gesture recalls the love and tradition of my nonna, and every bite tells an Italian story.

▶︎

1 Prepare the dough. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the water at room temperature. Let it rest for 5 minutes until the yeast activates (a light foamy layer should appear). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually pour in the yeast mixture and water, then add the olive oil. Mix until you get a smooth dough. Knead for 10 minutes (by hand or using a mixer). Cover the bowl with a dish towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour 30, or until the dough doubles in size.

2 Roll out the dough. Once it has risen, gently deflate the dough. On a lightly oiled surface, roll it out to form a rectangle or circle depending on your baking sheet. Place the dough on a sheet lined with parchment paper or oiled. Use your fingers to create small indentations all over the surface.

3 Garnish and bake. Preheat your oven to 220 °C. Generously drizzle the focaccia with olive oil, sprinkle with coarse salt, and add your favorite toppings (rosemary, cherry tomatoes, olives…). Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until the focaccia is golden and crispy at the edges.

4 Serve. Let it cool slightly before serving. Focaccia can be enjoyed both hot and cold, plain or with charcuterie and cheese. Enjoy your meal!

Also read: 12 Must-Have Utensils for Italian Cooking - Chef’s Essentials!

Recommended wine pairing with a traditional Italian focaccia

To elevate the flavors of your focaccia, pair it with a dry Italian white wine like a Vermentino or a Prosecco. The combination with olive oil and rosemary will transport your taste buds straight to Italy. Tip: enjoy this moment with friends or family for a true Dolce Vita at home!

Also read: 5 Classic Italian Desserts from Nonna You Must Try

Buon Appetito !

Our Mouthwatering Pasta Recipes!

Discover secret Italian recipes to create delicious and unforgettable dishes. Quick, easy, and tasty: your dinner will get applause from everyone!

Discover our pasta recipes that will impress