This easy No Knead Focaccia Bread is soft and airy on the inside with a golden, crispy crust. The best part is that there is no kneading required, so you can make homemade focaccia without spending a lot of time working with the dough. A simple mix, rise, and bake is all it takes.
Focaccia is one of those breads that feels impressive but is actually very easy to make. The dough is mixed together and left alone to rise, allowing the yeast and time to do the work. Before baking, the dough is covered with olive oil and gently pressed with your fingertips to create those classic focaccia dimples.
Serve this homemade focaccia as a side for dinner, use it for sandwiches, or enjoy a warm piece straight from the oven. It is especially delicious dipped into marinara sauce or served alongside pasta.
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Why This Works
The beauty of no knead focaccia is that time replaces kneading. The dough develops structure as it rests, which means you do not need to spend several minutes kneading it by hand.
The high moisture content of the dough also helps create the soft, airy texture that makes focaccia so delicious. Olive oil adds richness and helps the outside become beautifully golden and crisp.
Another reason this recipe works so well is that it is forgiving. You do not need perfect dough shaping skills. Simply transfer the dough to your pan, gently stretch it out, and use your fingertips to create the signature dimples before baking.
What Ingredients do I need?
- All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour creates a soft, chewy focaccia and is easy to keep stocked in your pantry.
- Instant Yeast: Instant yeast helps the dough rise and gives the bread its light, airy texture.
- Salt: Salt enhances the flavor of the bread and balances the other ingredients.
- Warm Water: Warm water brings the dough together and helps activate the yeast. Make sure the water is warm, not hot.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil adds flavor and helps create the crispy, golden crust that focaccia is known for.
- Butter: Melted butter can be used as a flavorful topping before baking.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds savory garlic flavor without the extra preparation required for fresh garlic.
- Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a salty, cheesy topping that becomes golden and delicious as the focaccia bakes.
How to Make Focaccia Bread
Start by adding the flour, instant yeast, and salt to a large bowl. Stir to combine.
Add the warm water and olive oil. Mix everything together with a wooden spoon or spatula until you have a sticky dough. There is no need to knead it.
Cover the bowl and let the dough rise until it becomes puffy and noticeably increases in size. Depending on the temperature of your kitchen, this can take several hours.
Generously drizzle olive oil into a baking pan. Transfer the risen dough into the pan and gently stretch it toward the edges. If the dough resists, let it rest for a few minutes before stretching again.
Allow the dough to rise again in the pan. Once it is puffy, drizzle the top with more olive oil. Use your fingertips to press dimples throughout the dough.
Prepare the garlic butter by melting butter and stirring in garlic powder. Drizzle or brush the garlic butter over the top of the focaccia, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Bake until the focaccia is golden brown, crisp around the edges, and cooked through in the center. Let it cool slightly before slicing.
Pro Tips for Focaccia Bread
Do not add too much extra flour if your dough feels sticky. Focaccia dough is supposed to be sticky and wet.
Give the dough plenty of time to rise. A slow rise allows the yeast to develop flavor and creates a lighter texture.
Use plenty of olive oil in the pan. It helps prevent sticking and gives the bottom and edges that delicious crispy texture.
When making the dimples, press your fingertips firmly into the dough but avoid completely deflating it.
For the best Parmesan flavor, spread the cheese evenly across the surface so every piece gets a little bit.
Storage
Store leftover focaccia in an airtight container or tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, freeze individual pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. This makes it easy to pull out just what you need.
Reheat leftover focaccia in the oven or air fryer until warm and crisp. You can also microwave it for a quick option, although the oven or air fryer will give you a better crust.
Serving Suggestions
Serve garlic Parmesan focaccia alongside spaghetti, lasagna, baked ziti, or your favorite pasta dish. It is also delicious with soups, salads, and roasted vegetables.
Cut the focaccia into smaller pieces and serve it as an appetizer with marinara sauce for dipping. You can also slice it and use it to make sandwiches.
For a simple snack, warm a piece of focaccia and serve it with extra butter or olive oil.
Other Recipes To Try
25 Recipes for the Slow Cooker
Maple Bacon Corn Bread Muffins
Sweet Potato and Sausage Hash
If you’ve tried this No Knead Focaccia Bread or any other recipe on the site, let me know in the comment section how it turned out. Snap a picture and upload it to Pinterest.
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No Knead Focaccia Bread
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30-35min
- Total Time: 40 minute
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Medium
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This easy no-knead focaccia bread has a soft, airy center and crispy golden edges. The dough requires no kneading, making it a simple homemade bread recipe that's perfect for beginners. Top it with garlic butter and Parmesan for an extra flavorful finish.
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon instant yeast
1 ½ cups warm water
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for the pan
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
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Add the dry yeast, honey, and 2 ½ cups of warm water to a bowl. Whisk to combine and let sit for 5 minutes.
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Add the all-purpose flour and salt and mix with a rubber spatula until a sticky dough forms. Drizzle some olive oil over the dough and place a towel over the bowl for 3- 4 hours or overnight. The dough will have tripled in size.
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With oily hands transfer the dough to an oven proof baking dish 9X13in. Spread the dough evenly to cover the whole pan. Cover that with saran wrap or a paper towel and let that rest for a few more hours.
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
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Use your fingers to dimple the dough and poke holes in it. Then drizzle more olive oil to soak inside the holes. Sprinkle rosemary and flaky sea salt and bake until golden brown 30 - 35 minutes.
Notes
Do not add too much extra flour if your dough feels sticky. Focaccia dough is supposed to be sticky and wet.
Give the dough plenty of time to rise. A slow rise allows the yeast to develop flavor and creates a lighter texture.
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