If you’re craving fresh bread fast, try our Same Day Focaccia recipe for soft, flavorful Italian bread in just hours. This delightful recipe delivers the classic airy texture, golden crust, and irresistible aroma of focaccia without the long wait, letting you enjoy homemade bread the same day you start baking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Rise: Uses a fast-acting yeast method to have bread ready in under two hours.
- Soft and Fluffy: Perfectly tender crumb with a slightly crispy crust every time.
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples come together to create classic Italian flavor.
- Versatile Base: Easy to customize with herbs, olives, or toppings to suit your mood.
- Perfect for Beginners: Minimal kneading and straightforward steps make this foolproof.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Same Day Focaccia recipe plays a key role in creating its characteristic soft texture and rich flavor. From the flour that forms the structure to the olive oil that adds that signature aroma and color, these essentials combine effortlessly.
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base with moderate protein for soft but sturdy dough.
- Warm Water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour for perfect dough consistency.
- Instant Yeast: Speeds up the leavening process to get that fluffiness fast.
- Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and aids browning for a golden crust.
- Fine Sea Salt: Enhances flavor without overpowering the bread’s subtle sweetness.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds moisture, flavor, and gives focaccia its glossy finish.
Variations for Same Day Focaccia
Same Day Focaccia is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to experiment with flavors and toppings that fit your palate or dietary needs. Here are a few easy ways to customize this classic bread.
- Rosemary and Garlic: Classic herbs that infuse the bread with fragrant, savory notes.
- Cherry Tomatoes and Basil: Adds a burst of sweetness and fresh herbal zest for a summer twist.
- Olives and Sea Salt Flakes: Brings a salty and tangy contrast, perfect for snacking or sandwiches.
- Gluten-Free Flour: Swap in a gluten-free blend to keep the recipe accessible without sacrificing texture.
- Whole Wheat: For a nuttier flavor and added fiber, replace part of the flour with whole wheat.
How to Make Same Day Focaccia
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine warm water, instant yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about five minutes until the yeast is foamy to ensure it’s active. Then add the flour, salt, and most of the olive oil. Stir everything together until a sticky dough forms.
Step 2: Knead Briefly
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth but still slightly tacky. The goal is a soft dough that feels elastic without being too dry or stiff.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes to an hour, or until it has doubled in size. This quick proofing is the key to Same Day Focaccia.
Step 4: Shape and Prep
Gently press the dough into a greased baking sheet or pan, stretching it out to cover the surface. Use your fingertips to create the classic dimples all over the dough, then drizzle with the remaining olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and your choice of toppings.
Step 5: Second Rise and Bake
Allow the dough to rest and rise for another 15-20 minutes before baking. Then bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 18-22 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
Pro Tips for Making Same Day Focaccia
- Use warm (not hot) water: Helps activate yeast without killing it for optimum rise.
- Don’t over-knead: Keep the dough soft and airy by limiting kneading time.
- Dimples are essential: They trap olive oil and seasoning, building layers of flavor and texture.
- Be generous with olive oil: It keeps the focaccia moist and gives that irresistible golden crust.
- Use a perforated baking tray: Optional but it helps promote an evenly crispy crust.
How to Serve Same Day Focaccia
Garnishes
Fresh rosemary sprigs, flaky sea salt, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper elevate the focaccia’s visual appeal and flavor profile beautifully.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with Italian antipasti like marinated olives, sliced salami, or a creamy burrata cheese for an unforgettable light meal or snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut into squares for casual sharing, or sliced thinly for sandwiches stuffed with fresh mozzarella and tomatoes. You can even hollow out sections for mini bread bowls filled with soup or dips.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to maintain softness. Stored at room temperature, it stays fresh for 1-2 days beautifully.
Freezing
Focaccia freezes well; just wrap it tightly in foil and place it in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat focaccia in a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to regain a just-baked texture and warm, fragrant softness.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, but dissolve active dry yeast in warm water with sugar first and allow it to activate for about 10 minutes before mixing with other ingredients.
What if my dough feels too sticky to handle?
Lightly flour your hands and work surface, but avoid adding too much flour which can make the focaccia dense.
How can I make the crust crispier?
Try baking on a preheated baking stone or use a perforated tray to improve heat circulation around the bread.
Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
Absolutely! This Same Day Focaccia contains no animal products and uses plant-based olive oil as the fat.
Can I add cheese into the dough?
While not traditional, mixing in grated Parmesan or adding it on top before baking creates a delicious cheesy variation.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into warm, soft focaccia fresh from your oven. With our easy Same Day Focaccia recipe, you can share that delight with friends and family in just hours. So roll up your sleeves, try it out, and treat yourself to homemade Italian goodness—fast!
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Same Day Focaccia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 focaccia bread (about 8 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Enjoy fresh, soft, and flavorful Italian focaccia bread made quickly with this Same Day Focaccia recipe. Using fast-acting yeast and simple pantry ingredients, you can have delicious homemade bread with a golden crust and airy texture in just a couple of hours.
Ingredients
Basic Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water (about 100-110°F / 38-43°C)
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet / 7g) instant yeast
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, plus additional for drizzling
Instructions
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, instant yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about five minutes until the yeast becomes foamy and active. Then add the flour, salt, and most of the olive oil. Stir everything together until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead Briefly: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth but still slightly tacky. The dough should feel soft and elastic without being too dry or stiff.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes to an hour, or until it has doubled in size. This quick proofing is essential for the same day focaccia.
- Shape and Prep: Gently press the dough into a greased baking sheet or pan, stretching it out to cover the surface evenly. Use your fingertips to create the classic dimples all over the dough. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and any desired toppings.
- Second Rise and Bake: Allow the dough to rest and rise for another 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the focaccia for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Use warm, not hot, water to activate the yeast without killing it for optimal rise.
- Don’t over-knead to keep the dough soft and airy.
- Dimples are essential to trap olive oil and seasonings, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Be generous with olive oil for moistness and a golden crust.
- Using a perforated baking tray can help promote an evenly crispy crust.
- You can substitute active dry yeast by dissolving it first in warm water and sugar, allowing to activate for 10 minutes.
- If dough feels too sticky, lightly flour hands and surface but avoid adding too much flour to prevent a dense focaccia.
- Reheat focaccia in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to refresh texture and aroma.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of focaccia)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg