This Rosemary Focaccia Bread comes together in about 1 hour and is perfect for a sheet pan meal that your family will love! It’s a wonderful weeknight dinner option that is not only a crowd-pleaser, but also incredibly versatile. You can switch up the ingredients to suit your taste, think sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or even a sprinkle of cheese. Or hey, this is a great recipe to help you clean out the fridge!

Ingredient Breakdown

All-Purpose Flour

I chose all-purpose flour because it gives the focaccia that perfect chewy texture while still being easy to work with. You can substitute bread flour if you want an even chewier crust. It’s a little more gluten-rich, which helps with the chewiness, but honestly? All-purpose flour rocks for this!

Warm Water

Warm water is key! It activates the yeast, making your focaccia rise beautifully. I usually aim for about 110°F, which feels warm to the touch but not hot! If you don’t have warm water handy, you can substitute with milk, just make sure to heat it slightly. Using water is great, as it won’t add extra flavor, allowing the rosemary and olive oil to shine!

Sugar

Just a teaspoon of sugar here, friends! This helps feed the yeast and boosts the rising process. You can also use honey or agave syrup if you’re feeling fancy. Interestingly, sugar is what gets that yeast party started, and it’s also crucial for developing flavor.

Salt

A teaspoon of salt is non-negotiable! It adds so much flavor and balance to your focaccia. I prefer using kosher salt for bready recipes because it dissolves nicely and distributes evenly. You might want to steer clear of table salt, though you’re going to want this to taste incredible!

Active Dry Yeast

The magic ingredient! Just one packet, or about 2 ¼ teaspoons, of active dry yeast is all you need here. This is your rising agent, so make sure it’s fresh for the best results. You can also use instant yeast, and you won’t need to dissolve it beforehand, just mix it right into the dry ingredients!

Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil ahh, this is the heart of your focaccia. You’ll use 2 tablespoons for the dough and more for drizzling on top. It provides flavor and contributes to the gorgeous golden crust. You can substitute with avocado oil, same great results, as long as it has a light flavor.

Fresh Rosemary

You really want to use fresh rosemary for this! Nothing beats the aromatic scent and taste it brings. It should be about 2 tablespoons, chopped. Dried rosemary will work in a pinch, but it doesn’t have quite the same pop. And oh! If rosemary isn’t your thing, feel free to get creative with other herbs like thyme or oregano.

Sea Salt for Topping

This isn’t just a finishing touch; it’s essential! A sprinkle of sea salt right before baking elevates the flavor to a whole new level. You can also mix in some flaky sea salt to give that delightful crunch and burst of flavor as you bite into the focaccia.

How to Make Rosemary Focaccia Bread

Here’s how it goes down! Let’s dive into the steps of creating this quick and easy rosemary focaccia bread.

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of warm water, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and your yeast. Stir it a bit and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s frothy. The smell oh my gosh, it’s like magic in a bowl!
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Create a little well in the center and pour in that frothy yeast mixture along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix it together with a wooden spoon until a dough starts to form.
Knead the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and get your hands messy! Knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You’ll know it’s ready when it springs back a little when poked. Pro tip: Don’t skip this step; kneading helps gluten develop, which is key to that lovely texture.
First Rise: Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it’s doubled in size, about 1 hour. You’ll know it’s done when it looks puffy and is just begging to be punched down.
Preheat Your Oven: At the hour mark, crank your oven up to 400°F (200°C).
Shape the Dough: Punch the risen dough down (feels great, right?), and turn it out onto a greased baking sheet. Stretch it out gently with your fingers until it fills the sheet. Don’t worry about being perfect; rustic is part of the charm!
Dimple the Dough: Use your fingers to poke dimples all over the dough. Trust me on this, this step is not just for looks! These little pockets will hold onto tons of flavor once you sprinkle your toppings.
Herb It Up: Sprinkle just-chopped rosemary and sea salt over the top. Drizzle a little more olive oil here, too, because, yes please!
Second Rise: Let the dough sit for another 20 minutes to puff up a bit again. It’s all about those layers, y’all!
Bake: Slide your focaccia into the preheated oven and let it rise and shine, baking for 20-25 minutes or until it’s beautifully golden brown. When you take it out, the aroma will be like a cozy hug.
Cool & Serve: Allow it to cool slightly (if you can!) before slicing and serving to your family. That first bite? Pure bliss.

Why I Love This Recipe

Honestly? This is my go-to recipe when I want something warm, comforting, and utterly delightful. Focaccia has a special place in my heart (and in my family’s stomachs!). Plus, I always love seeing how each version turns out with different toppings. My picky 8-year-old even asked for seconds the last time I made it, with just rosemary! That’s saying something. The best part is the total versatility you can use whatever you’ve got on hand or jazz it up however you like!

If you loved this focaccia recipe, be sure to check out my Festive Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread, my Country Apple Fritter Bread, or my Air Fryer Garlic Knots!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This focaccia recipe comes together all in about 1 hour! It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want that homemade feel without the fuss.

Customizable

Feeling adventurous with toppings? You can make this focaccia suit whatever flavors you’re into, sun-dried tomatoes? Awesome. Parmesan cheese? Yes, please! Whatever you have on hand will work just fine.

Crowd-Pleaser

This bread is perfectly shareable, whether as a side for soup or just on its own with a dip. The whole family will love it, and friends will be begging for your secret recipe!

Budget-Friendly

With straightforward ingredients, this focaccia is a great pick for a budget-friendly meal. Everything you need is probably already in your pantry!

Comfort Food

What says cozy like fresh bread? It’s loaded with tons of flavor, buttery goodness, and that warm, inviting aroma. It’s like a warm hug… if hugs were edible!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

This focaccia is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm with butter, dip it in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, or use it as a sandwich base! Pair it with a hearty soup or salad for a complete meal.

Storage

After it cools completely, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. (Let’s be real, there might not be any leftovers!). If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, just pop it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through. You could even slice it and toast it in a pan with a little butter for extra crispiness!

Oh! And remember, freezing works best when you slice the focaccia first, wrapping each piece individually before placing them into a larger freezer bag.

Focaccia is definitely a winner in my home, and I know your family will love it just as much! Happy baking, my friends! Follow us on Pinterest for daily baking inspiration that brings warmth to your table!