Easy Focaccia Bread (No Knead, One Bowl)

Focaccia bread is one of Italy’s most beloved breads — golden, soft, and fragrant with olive oil and herbs. This easy focaccia bread recipe simplifies the process: no kneading required, only one bowl to mix, and minimal hands-on time.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, sandwiches, or as an appetizer with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, this bread delivers bakery-quality flavor without the effort. The key is patience: letting the dough rise slowly allows the gluten to develop naturally, giving the focaccia its soft, airy texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No kneading — easy for beginners
• Only one bowl — minimal cleanup
• Soft, fluffy interior with golden crust
• Flavorful with olive oil, rosemary, and sea salt
• Perfect for sandwiches, dips, or as a side

Even first-time bakers can achieve beautiful, aromatic focaccia with this simple approach.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (105–110°F / 40–43°C)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
• 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• Coarse sea salt, for topping

Optional: Sliced cherry tomatoes or olives for garnish

Instructions

1. Activate Yeast
   In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add Dry Ingredients
   Stir in flour and salt until a sticky dough forms. Add 3 tablespoons olive oil and mix until just combined.
3. First Rise
   Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let dough rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, until doubled in size.
4. Prepare Pan
   Generously oil a 9×13-inch baking pan or similar. Transfer dough to the pan, spreading gently with oiled hands to fit the pan.
5. Dimple the Dough
   Press fingertips into the dough to create dimples all over the surface. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle rosemary leaves and coarse sea salt. Add cherry tomatoes or olives if desired.
6. Second Rise
   Cover loosely and let dough rise another 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
7. Bake
   Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake focaccia for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and crusty on top.
8. Cool & Serve
   Let cool slightly on a wire rack. Slice and serve warm with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, or as a sandwich base.

Easy Focaccia Bread (No Knead, One Bowl)

A beginner-friendly, no-knead focaccia bread recipe that uses only one bowl and delivers soft, airy bread with a golden crust.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Rise Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Bread

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 220

Ingredients

  

Focaccia Dough

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2.25 tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
• 1.25 cups warm water 105–110°F / 40–43°C
• 3 tbsp olive oil plus extra for drizzling
• 2 tsp fresh rosemary leaves or 1 tsp dried
• to taste coarse sea salt for topping

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking pan or sheet
• Measuring cups
• Wire rack

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour and salt. Stir until a sticky dough forms, then mix in 3 tbsp olive oil.
3. Cover bowl and let dough rise 1–2 hours until doubled.
4. Oil a baking pan. Transfer dough and spread gently to fit pan.
5. Dimple dough with fingertips. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle rosemary and coarse salt.
6. Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.
7. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Optional toppings include cherry tomatoes, olives, or garlic slices.

Tips for Perfect Focaccia

• Use warm water: It helps activate yeast effectively.
• Don’t skip dimpling: It gives focaccia its classic texture and holds olive oil and toppings.
• Let it rise fully: Patience is key to soft, airy bread.
• Experiment with toppings: Rosemary, thyme, olives, cherry tomatoes, or caramelized onions.
• Extra Crispy Bottom: Bake on a preheated baking sheet for a crisper crust.

Variations

• Garlic Focaccia: Mix minced garlic into the dough or brush on top before baking.
• Cheese Focaccia: Add shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top for a cheesy twist.
• Herb Mix: Combine rosemary, thyme, and oregano for layered flavor.
• Mini Focaccia: Make individual-sized portions for parties or lunchboxes.

Serving Suggestions

• Cut into squares for dipping in olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
• Slice horizontally to make sandwiches.
• Serve alongside soups, stews, or pasta dishes.
• Toast lightly and top with avocado or hummus for a savory snack.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Focaccia originates from Liguria, Italy, and has been enjoyed for centuries as a simple flatbread. Traditionally baked in wood-fired ovens, it’s topped with herbs and olive oil, making it fragrant, flavorful, and versatile. Its rustic dimples are iconic and practical: they hold olive oil and toppings while baking, creating a soft interior and golden exterior.

This no-knead version makes the traditional recipe accessible for home bakers, proving you don’t need special tools or skills to enjoy authentic Italian bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the bread will be denser. Consider a 50/50 mix with all-purpose flour.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, dough can rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Bring to room temperature before baking.

Can I freeze focaccia?
Absolutely. Wrap cooled focaccia tightly in plastic wrap and freeze up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.

Why is my focaccia dense?
Likely under-proofed. Ensure dough doubles in size during the first rise.

Final Thoughts

Easy Focaccia Bread (No Knead, One Bowl) is a foolproof, beginner-friendly way to enjoy fresh, aromatic Italian bread at home. With soft, airy interior, golden crust, and endless topping possibilities, it’s perfect for any meal or snack. Once you try this method, you’ll see why focaccia remains a timeless favorite worldwide.