MediterraneanBread

Traditional Focaccia Bread

Name: Traditional Focaccia Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 85 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 3.5 cups all purpose flour; 1 tbsp yeast; 1.5 tsp salt; 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1.25 cup water; 0.33333334 cup olives; 0.33333334 cup olives; 3 Sprigs thyme

This focaccia comes together in about an hour, offering a satisfyingly soft interior with a crisp, olive oil-rich crust. It uses a simple dough of flour, yeast, salt, and water, enriched with olive oil. After a quick rise, the dough is dimpled and topped with olives and thyme before baking, making it a straightforward bake for any day.

Recipes.zone

September 1, 2026

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6 steps · 1h total

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the sifted flour, instant dry yeast, salt, and 5 tablespoons of olive oil.

Add Water, Form Dough

Pour in the 1 1/4 cups of water and use your hand to bring the dough together into a shaggy mass.

Knead, Rise, and Shape

Transfer the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead by hand for 5 minutes, until it feels soft and elastic.

Lightly oil the same bowl with olive oil, place the dough back in, and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot until it has doubled in size, which will take around 30 to 60 minutes depending on your room temperature.

Once the dough has doubled, transfer it to a baking tray lined with baking paper. Use your hands to gently spread and stretch the dough across the tray until it's about 1 inch (2 1/2 cm) thick. Press your knuckles deeply into the surface to create many wells, then fill each one with pitted olives.

Top the Focaccia

Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil, then scatter the chopped thyme and a pinch of salt over the surface.

Bake the Focaccia

Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the crust feels firm. The inside should still be soft. You'll know it's done if it springs back when gently pressed between your fingers (after cutting).

Cool Before Serving

Let the focaccia cool completely on the tray before slicing and serving.

Traditional Focaccia Bread