Name: Bake Same Day Focaccia for Fresh, Flavorful Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups bread flour; 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon sugar; 2 cups very warm water (100–108°F); 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 teaspoons butter (for pan); 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for pan); 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (before baking); 2 tablespoons room temperature water (before baking); Flaky or coarse sea salt (optional, for topping)

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Bake Same Day Focaccia for Fresh, Flavorful Bread is a game-changing recipe for bread lovers. It offers a beautifully crisp crust, a light and airy interior filled with those coveted artisan air bubbles, and all in just three hours from start to finish. With less than 15 minutes of hands-on work and no overnight rise required, this focaccia delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort—perfect for busy days when you still want something homemade and special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No overnight rise: Fresh, fluffy focaccia on the same day you make it.
Big air bubbles: Stretch-and-fold method creates a rustic, open crumb.
Super simple prep: Only 15 minutes of hands-on work required.
Flexible toppings: Great plain or with garlic, rosemary, cheese, or cherry tomatoes.
Versatile serving: Delicious on its own, with dips, or for sandwiches.
Beginner-friendly: Foolproof instructions with no fancy techniques.
Perfect texture: Crispy golden crust, tender inside.
Pantry-friendly: Uses everyday ingredients.
Great for entertaining: Serve warm with butter or olive oil for dipping.
Freezes well: Easy to make ahead and reheat

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough:

4 cups bread flour
2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon sugar
2 cups very warm water (100–108°F)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

For the pan:

2 teaspoons butter
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Flaky or coarse sea salt (optional, for topping)

Before baking:

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons room temperature water

Directions

In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, yeast, and sugar. Stir well.
Add half the warm water and stir until partially combined. Add most of the remaining water and continue mixing until you have a thick, shaggy dough. Add more water a tablespoon at a time if needed.
Drizzle in olive oil and stir again until mostly incorporated.
Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, perform the first “stretch and fold”: Use a spatula or wet hands to lift one side of the dough and fold it over itself. Rotate the bowl and repeat 4–5 times.
Cover and let rest for 1 hour.
Butter a 9×13-inch baking pan, line with parchment paper, and drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil.
Perform another round of stretch and folds, then transfer the dough to the prepared pan. Flip to coat with oil and press lightly to flatten. Cover and let rise for another hour.
Preheat oven to 500°F with a rack in the center position.
After the final rise, dimple the dough deeply with oiled fingers—press all the way to the bottom of the pan.
Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then sprinkle 2 tablespoons water over the top. Finish with a pinch of flaky salt if desired.
Bake for 10–20 minutes, checking at 10 minutes. The focaccia should be deeply golden brown.
Remove from the pan using a spatula and let cool on a wire rack for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Servings and timing

Servings: 16 pieces
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total time: 3 hours Bake Same Day Focaccia for Fresh, Flavorful Bread

Variations

Garlic & herb: Add minced garlic and rosemary to the dough or sprinkle on top before baking.
Cheesy top: Add grated parmesan, mozzarella, or Asiago during the final rise.
Tomato topping: Press cherry tomato halves into the dough before baking.
Sweet version: Omit garlic and herbs, add cinnamon sugar or berries for a breakfast twist.
Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the dough or drizzle with chili oil.
Stuffed focaccia: Slice in half and fill with meats, cheese, or roasted vegetables.
Olive focaccia: Add chopped Kalamata olives to the dough or scatter on top.
Sun-dried tomato: Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes with a touch of thyme.
Pesto swirl: Swirl basil pesto into the top layer of dough before baking.
Whole wheat: Swap out up to 1 cup of bread flour for whole wheat flour.

Storage/Reheating

Room temperature: Store in a zip-top bag for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Slice and freeze in an airtight container or bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Toast in a skillet, warm in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, or microwave briefly.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour. The bread may not rise quite as high, but it will still be delicious and have a good texture.

Do I have to use parchment paper?

Parchment helps prevent sticking and makes removal easier. If omitted, ensure your pan is well-buttered and oiled, and watch carefully for browning.

What if my dough is too sticky?

That’s normal. This is a high-hydration dough. If it’s excessively wet, add a little more flour, but don’t overwork it—it should be loose and shaggy.

Can I add toppings before baking?

Yes! Herbs, garlic, olives, tomatoes, or cheese can all be added after dimpling and before baking for extra flavor and texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe uses wheat-based bread flour. For gluten-free, you’d need a specially formulated GF bread flour and modified method.

What’s the stretch and fold method?

It’s a way to build gluten without kneading. You lift and fold the dough over itself in intervals, helping it strengthen and trap air.

Why do we sprinkle water on top before baking?

It creates steam in the oven, which contributes to a crisp, golden crust.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a large sheet pan (such as 13×18-inch) and extend the bake time slightly.

Why bake at 500°F?

A high temperature encourages rapid oven spring (rise) and a deep golden crust, similar to artisan-style breads.

Can I make sandwiches with this focaccia?

Absolutely. Cut into squares and slice horizontally for incredible sandwich bread.

Conclusion

Ridiculously Easy Same-Day Focaccia is the perfect answer when you’re craving homemade bread without the long wait. With its crisp crust, airy interior, and savory flavor, this bread is incredibly versatile and easy enough for anyone to master. Whether served plain, topped, dipped, or turned into sandwiches, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.