Quick Focaccia Recipe: Fluffy, Golden, and Ready in Under Two Hours

If you love homemade bread but don’t have hours to spare, this quick focaccia recipe is exactly what you need. Focaccia is a flat, oven-baked Italian bread known for its airy texture, golden crust, and delicious olive oil flavor. With this streamlined method, you’ll have a warm, fluffy focaccia on the table in less than two hours without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Perfect as a side for pasta, a base for sandwiches, or simply dipped in olive oil, this focaccia is easy enough for beginners and fast enough for weeknight dinners.

What Makes This Focaccia Recipe Quick

Traditional focaccia recipes involve long fermentation or overnight rises. This version shortens the proofing time by using a bit more yeast and warm water to kick-start fermentation. It also skips any complicated kneading, relying on a sticky, hydrated dough that bakes up soft inside with a crisp, golden exterior.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 3/4 cups warm water (about 100°F)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 5 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing and drizzling)
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• Flaky sea salt for topping
• Fresh herbs (optional: rosemary, thyme, oregano)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, stir together warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. This shows the yeast is active and ready.

Step 2: Make the Dough
Add flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until a shaggy dough forms. The dough will be sticky, which is exactly what you want for soft focaccia.

Step 3: First Rise
Grease a large bowl or use the same bowl if it’s clean around the edges. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to coat the dough. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for 45 to 60 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Prepare the Pan
While the dough rises, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or large sheet tray with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Step 5: Shape and Second Rise
Transfer the risen dough to the prepared pan. Use oiled fingers to stretch and gently press the dough into the corners. It might resist at first. Let it rest for 10 minutes, then stretch again if needed.

Cover and let it rise for another 20 to 30 minutes until puffy. Preheat your oven to 425°F during this time.

Step 6: Dimple and Top
Once risen, drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the top of the dough. Use your fingertips to dimple the surface all over, pressing deeply without deflating the dough. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and herbs if using.

Step 7: Bake
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are crisp. If you like a more golden crust, broil for the last 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely.

Step 8: Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack or slice directly from the pan. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Best Results

• Use fresh yeast. If your yeast doesn’t foam during activation, start over with a new packet.
• Don’t skip the dimpling. This step prevents large bubbles and gives focaccia its signature look and texture.
• Add toppings before baking. Fresh herbs, olives, thin onion slices, or cherry tomatoes work well.
• Extra oil equals extra flavor. Don’t skimp on the olive oil, especially for the pan and top.

Storage and Reheating

Store cooled focaccia in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place slices in a 350°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes until warmed through.

You can also freeze focaccia. Wrap slices in foil and place in freezer bags. Reheat straight from frozen in a preheated oven.

Variations to Try

This quick focaccia is a blank canvas. Customize it with:

• Caramelized onions and garlic
• Sun-dried tomatoes and basil
• Black olives and feta cheese
• Everything bagel seasoning
• Parmesan cheese and cracked pepper

Serving Suggestions

Quick focaccia makes a great addition to nearly any meal. Serve it with:

• Pasta dishes like spaghetti, lasagna, or baked ziti
• Soups such as minestrone, tomato basil, or creamy potato
• Charcuterie boards with meats, cheeses, and dips
• Breakfast with eggs, avocado, or as a sandwich base
• Salad like Caesar, Greek, or arugula with lemon vinaigrette

Final Thoughts

This quick focaccia recipe is proof that you don’t need an all-day baking project to get bakery-quality bread at home. With simple ingredients, no mixer required, and under two hours from start to finish, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous baking.