There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked focaccia wafting through your kitchen. Light, fluffy, golden, and rich with olive oil, this Italian flatbread is a crowd favorite. But many home cooks believe making focaccia requires hours of rising time and baking expertise. The good news is, you can make a quick, fluffy focaccia recipe that doesn’t compromise on texture or taste. This simple version requires minimal effort and produces a bread that’s perfect for sandwiches, appetizers, or enjoying on its own.
What Makes Focaccia Fluffy?
Focaccia’s signature fluffiness comes from a few key techniques and ingredients. While traditional recipes call for long fermentation times to develop flavor and structure, this quicker recipe uses instant yeast and a higher hydration dough to speed up the process. A warm environment and careful folding during mixing also help develop gluten without kneading, ensuring the final bread is soft, airy, and slightly chewy.
Benefits of Quick Focaccia
- Ready in under 90 minutes, including rising and baking
- No stand mixer or long proofing times required
- Versatile base for toppings like rosemary, tomatoes, olives, or garlic
- Fluffy and tender crumb, ideal for dipping or sandwiches
Quick Fluffy Focaccia Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 100°F or 38°C)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
- Flaky sea salt and fresh rosemary for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast
In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures the yeast is active and helps give the focaccia its fluffy rise.
2. Make the Dough
Add the flour and salt to the bowl. Mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a sticky dough forms. You don’t need to knead it just mix until all flour is incorporated.
3. First Rise
Pour about 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a clean large bowl. Transfer the dough into the bowl and turn it to coat with oil. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 30-40 minutes, or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Pan
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil into a 9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan. Spread the oil evenly. Transfer the risen dough to the pan, stretching it gently to fit the pan. If the dough resists, let it rest for 5 more minutes and try again.
5. Second Rise
Cover the dough lightly and let it rest for another 15-20 minutes. During this time, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
6. Dimple the Dough
Use your fingers to press dimples all over the surface of the dough. This helps distribute air bubbles and gives the focaccia its iconic look. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the top and sprinkle with flaky salt and rosemary if desired.
7. Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan before slicing and serving.
Topping Ideas for Focaccia
Classic Options:
- Fresh rosemary and sea salt
- Garlic-infused olive oil
- Chopped cherry tomatoes and basil
Creative Add-Ons:
- Caramelized onions and thyme
- Kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes
- Crumbled feta or parmesan
- Sliced red onions and za’atar
Whatever toppings you choose, always add a drizzle of olive oil to help crisp the edges and enhance flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Side Dish or Starter
Serve warm slices of focaccia as a starter with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. It also pairs well with soups like tomato basil or minestrone.
Focaccia Sandwiches
Use horizontally sliced focaccia to make hearty sandwiches filled with roasted vegetables, mozzarella, arugula, or grilled chicken.
Focaccia Pizza
Top baked focaccia with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and your favorite toppings, then return to the oven for 5-10 minutes to melt the cheese and heat through.
Storage and Reheating
Wrap leftover focaccia tightly in plastic or store in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature. To reheat, place slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread chewy rather than fluffy.
Tips for the Best Quick Focaccia
- Use warm, not hot, water to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Don’t skip the olive oil it contributes to the texture and flavor.
- Allowing the dough to rise in a warm place helps speed up fermentation.
- Use your fingertips, not palms, to dimple the dough so you don’t deflate it too much.
- Experiment with mix-ins like grated cheese or herbs for variety.
Why This Recipe Works
This quick fluffy focaccia recipe combines the best of both worlds: ease and authenticity. It doesn’t require advanced baking skills or special equipment. Yet, the texture is remarkably light, airy, and soft inside with a slightly crispy crust outside. The use of instant yeast, warm environment, and a simple shaping method helps home bakers achieve bakery-quality bread in a fraction of the time.
Baking fluffy focaccia doesn’t need to be a lengthy or intimidating process. With this quick focaccia recipe, you can enjoy the magic of homemade bread any day of the week. Whether served as an appetizer, sandwich bread, or even a main course base, it delivers the flavor and texture you love with none of the hassle. Once you try this version, it might just become your go-to recipe for all things focaccia.