What Is Focaccia? Easy Guide to This Delicious Italian Bread

If you love bread, you’ll want to meet focaccia — a soft, golden flatbread from Italy that’s both simple and delicious. This article will tell you everything you need to know about focaccia: what it is, how it’s made, and why it’s so loved around the world. Whether you’re just curious or want to try making it at home, keep reading to discover the magic of focaccia.

What Is Focaccia?

Focaccia (pronounced foh-KAH-chyah) is a type of Italian flatbread. It has a soft inside, a slightly crispy outside, and a rich flavor from olive oil. People often describe it as a mix between pizza dough and traditional bread.

It’s commonly served as a side dish, sandwich bread, or a snack on its own. You can find focaccia topped with herbs like rosemary, or with extras like olives, tomatoes, garlic, and even cheese.

A Short History of Focaccia

Focaccia comes from ancient Italy. The word comes from Latin “panis focacius,” which means “hearth bread.” It was originally cooked on a hot stone or over a fire. Today, it’s usually baked in an oven, but it still keeps its rustic charm.

The recipe has changed slightly over the centuries, but the base idea remains the same: flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil.

Ingredients You Need

The traditional focaccia recipe is simple. Here’s what you need:

500g (4 cups) all-purpose or bread flour
7g (2 tsp) instant dry yeast
350ml (1.5 cups) warm water
10g (2 tsp) salt
60ml (1/4 cup) extra virgin olive oil
Fresh rosemary or toppings of your choice

These ingredients are similar across most professional recipes, including those from chefs like Gennaro Contaldo and Massimo Bottura. They all follow the same safe and classic baking method.

How to Make Focaccia: Step-by-Step

Making focaccia is easy once you try it. Here’s the safe, standard method used by professional bakers and chefs:

Step 1: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. In another bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Then slowly add the yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour. Mix until it forms a sticky dough.

Step 2: Knead and Rise

Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes by hand or 5–7 minutes with a mixer. Cover with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Pan

Grease a baking tray (around 9×13 inches or 23×33 cm) with olive oil. Spread the dough in the tray with your hands. Let it rest for 30 more minutes.

Step 4: Dimple and Top

Use your fingers to make dimples all over the dough (this helps the oil stay on top). Drizzle more olive oil on top and sprinkle with sea salt and herbs like rosemary.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let it cool slightly before cutting.

Topping Ideas

Here are some popular focaccia toppings you can try:

Classic: Olive oil, sea salt, rosemary
Mediterranean: Cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion
Cheesy: Mozzarella or Parmesan
Sweet: Grapes and honey (yes, really!)

Is Focaccia Healthy?

Focaccia contains carbs and fat (mostly from olive oil), but it’s not considered unhealthy if eaten in moderation. Olive oil is rich in healthy fats and antioxidants. You can also use whole wheat flour for more fiber.

Focaccia vs Pizza: What’s the Difference?

Focaccia and pizza may look similar, but they’re not the same.

Focaccia is thicker and fluffier.
Pizza dough is usually thinner and less oily.
Focaccia is more like a bread, while pizza is more like a full meal with sauce and cheese.

Can You Make Focaccia Without an Oven?

It’s not recommended. Traditional focaccia needs an oven to bake evenly and reach the right texture. Pan-frying or grilling doesn’t give the same result and can be unsafe if the dough is undercooked. For best results, use a preheated oven.

Final Thoughts

Focaccia is one of Italy’s tastiest gifts to the world. It’s easy to make, fun to eat, and perfect for sharing. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy a warm, golden bread that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

So why not try it yourself? Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just for fun, focaccia is a great way to bring people together — one delicious slice at a time.