Easy Focaccia Bread (No Knead, One Bowl)
Focaccia is one of the most beloved Italian breads — golden, airy, slightly chewy, and infused with the rich flavor of olive oil and herbs. Traditional recipes often involve multiple bowls, long kneading sessions, and lots of patience. But this Easy Focaccia Bread (No Knead, One Bowl) recipe makes it simple for anyone to achieve bakery-quality focaccia at home, without the extra steps.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home baker, this recipe delivers soft, fluffy bread with a crispy crust in just one bowl. Perfect as a side for soups and salads, a base for sandwiches, or even on its own with a drizzle of olive oil.
Why You’ll Love This Focaccia Recipe
- No kneading required
- Uses only one bowl for easy cleanup
- Soft, airy interior with a golden, crispy top
- Flexible and customizable with herbs, olives, or toppings
- Perfect for beginners and busy home cooks
This recipe proves that delicious homemade bread doesn’t have to be complicated.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F / 43°C)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- Coarse sea salt for topping
Instructions
1. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Stir until evenly distributed.
2. Add Water and Olive Oil
Pour in warm water and 1/4 cup olive oil. Mix using a wooden spoon or spatula until a sticky dough forms. Do not knead — it’s intentionally wet and loose.
3. First Rise
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with olive oil. Transfer the risen dough to the pan and use your fingers to gently spread it to fit. Don’t worry if it doesn’t reach the edges perfectly.
5. Dimple the Dough
Using your fingers, press dimples all over the surface of the dough. Drizzle a bit more olive oil on top and sprinkle with chopped rosemary and coarse sea salt.
6. Second Rise
Cover the pan with a towel and let the dough rise again for 20–30 minutes. This ensures a light, fluffy interior.
7. Bake
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the focaccia for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
8. Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Cut into squares or slices. Serve warm with extra olive oil, or as a side to soups, salads, or pasta dishes.
Easy Focaccia Bread (No Knead, One Bowl)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add warm water and olive oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms; no kneading required.
- Cover and let dough rise 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
- Grease a 9×13 inch pan and transfer dough. Spread gently with fingers.
- Dimple the dough with fingers, drizzle olive oil, and sprinkle rosemary and coarse salt.
- Cover and let rise another 20–30 minutes.
- Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Cool slightly, cut into slices, and serve.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Focaccia
Don’t Skimp on Olive Oil
Olive oil not only adds flavor but also helps create the signature crispy crust.
Warm Water is Key
Water that’s too hot can kill yeast, while cold water slows rising. Aim for about 110°F / 43°C.
Customize Your Toppings
Try adding cherry tomatoes, olives, caramelized onions, or garlic before baking for extra flavor.
Use a Well-Greased Pan
This helps the focaccia release easily and creates a golden, slightly crisp bottom.
Variations to Try
- Herb Lovers: Mix in thyme, oregano, or basil.
- Cheesy Focaccia: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or mozzarella on top.
- Sweet Version: Add thinly sliced figs and a drizzle of honey after baking.
- Garlic Infusion: Brush dough with minced garlic mixed in olive oil before baking.
Storage & Reheating
- Store cooled focaccia in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–10 minutes to refresh the crust.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Easy Focaccia Bread with:
- Olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping
- Tomato soup or minestrone
- Sandwiches or paninis
- Charcuterie boards
It pairs beautifully with almost any meal.
Fun Facts About Focaccia
- Focaccia dates back to ancient Rome, where it was called “panis focacius,” meaning bread baked on the hearth.
- The dimples in focaccia are traditional and help hold olive oil and toppings.
- It is the Italian ancestor of pizza, though softer and fluffier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Whole Wheat?
Yes, substitute up to half of the flour with whole wheat flour. Texture may be slightly denser.
Do I Really Need Two Rises?
Yes, the second rise ensures an airy interior and soft texture.
Can I Make It Ahead?
You can prepare the dough in the fridge overnight for slow fermentation, then bake in the morning.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Focaccia Bread (No Knead, One Bowl) is perfect for anyone craving homemade bread without the fuss. With just one bowl, simple ingredients, and minimal hands-on time, you can enjoy soft, airy, golden focaccia any day of the week. Once you try it, it might just become your go-to homemade bread recipe.
