This Rosemary and Sea Salt Focaccia is about to become your new favorite bread to make at home. If you’ve been intimidated by bread-making in the past, this easy recipe is the perfect place to start. It yields a chewy focaccia with those signature air bubbles and a perfectly golden brown, crispy focaccia crust. Plus, you don’t have to wait all day to enjoy this bread – it’s ready in under 3 hours!

The Ultimate Focaccia Bread Recipe

Making a classic Italian flatbread doesn’t require a sourdough starter recipe or days of slow fermentation. Whether it’s your first time baking or you’re a seasoned pro, this focaccia bread recipe delivers the best results with minimal effort. While some bakers prefer a high-hydration dough for a sourdough focaccia, this version uses active dry yeast to keep things simple and quick.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Flour: You can use all-purpose flour (often called plain flour or regular flour), but if you want a slightly chewier texture, bread flour works beautifully too.
• Yeast: This recipe calls for active dry yeast
• Liquid: Use lukewarm water to ensure the yeast activates without dying.
• Fat: A good olive oil is the secret to a rich flavor.
• Toppings: Fresh rosemary and flaky sea salt (or kosher salt) provide that iconic savory finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions – Read this first and then gather your ingredients!

Activate the Yeast: In a measuring cup, combine the water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until foamy.

Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine your flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and a tablespoon of olive oil. You can use a rubber spatula until a shaggy dough forms, then move to a dough hook or your hands until a rough ball becomes smooth.

The First Rise: Place the focaccia dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 1.5 hours. This first rise is crucial for flavor development.

Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch pan (like a USA pan or a standard baking pan) with tablespoons of olive oil. If you’re worried about sticking, a quick spritz of nonstick cooking spray under the oil can help.
Dimple and Season: Transfer the sticky dough ball to the prepared pan. Use a wet hand to stretch it to the edge of the dough pan. Use your fingers to create deep dimples across the surface of the dough.

The Second Rise: Drizzle more oil over the top of the dough and sprinkle with rosemary and flaky sea salt. Cover with a tea towel and let it sit for a second rise for 30 minutes.
Bake: Until the top of the bread is a stunning golden brown.

Rosemary and Sea Salt Focaccia

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (500 g)
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 ⅓ cups lukewarm water
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tsp flaky sea salt

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the bread dough: In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and a tablespoon of olive oil, then knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. First rise: Shape the dough into a ball, cover with a tea towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
4. Prepare for baking: Grease a small baking sheet or a 9×13-inch baking pan with oil. Place the dough on the prepared pan and stretch it out to the edge of the dough.
5. Dimple the dough: Use your fingers to press deep dimples into the surface of the dough. Drizzle with extra olive oil and sprinkle with fresh rosemary and flaky sea salt.
6. Second rise: Let the dough rise again for 30–40 minutes while preheating the oven to 430°F.
7. Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
8. Cool and serve: Let cool on a wire rack or cooling rack for a few minutes before slicing.

Customization Tips for Next Time

Once you master this best focaccia recipe, try adding cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, caramelized onions, or bell peppers. If time permits, you can even try an overnight rise in the fridge to develop even more rich flavor. This is one of the easiest homemade bread recipes, and it’s guaranteed to get rave reviews!