Authentic Mediterranean Focaccia Bread: Your Ultimate Homemade Recipe

Discover the simple pleasure of baking your own Mediterranean focaccia bread—a truly irresistible, oil-infused flatbread that promises a golden, crispy exterior and a wonderfully soft, airy interior. Crowned with a fragrant Mediterranean herb rub, plump cherry tomatoes, and rich, salty feta cheese, this versatile bread is an ideal companion for a comforting bowl of soup, a flavorful dip appetizer, or simply enjoyed on its own.

Navigating recipes should be as enjoyable as the cooking itself! To make your experience seamless, we offer a “Skip to Recipe” button at the top left of this page. You’ll also find a convenient, clickable table of contents just below, guiding you through our comprehensive guide on making the perfect homemade focaccia.

At Sweet C’s, my passion is to empower every home cook. As a self-taught cook, I understand the value of knowing not just *what* to do, but *why* each step and ingredient matters. My goal is to equip even the most novice bakers with the confidence to create delicious dishes, demystifying the process and making cooking an empowering journey. This detailed guide to baking focaccia is crafted with that philosophy in mind, ensuring you achieve fantastic results every time.

The Delight of Rosemary Tomato Feta Focaccia

Focaccia holds a special place in my heart among all types of bread. Its unique texture—golden and delightfully crispy on the outside, yet incredibly soft and airy on the inside—is simply unparalleled. This particular Mediterranean focaccia recipe elevates the classic with a vibrant medley of toppings: bursting cherry tomatoes, aromatic rosemary-infused sea salt, and tangy, salty feta cheese. While this combination is a personal favorite, the beauty of focaccia lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with other toppings like oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes or a generous swirl of pesto for a different flavor profile.

Originating from ancient Rome, where it was known as “panis focacius” (bread baked on the hearth), focaccia has evolved into a beloved Italian flatbread. Its simplicity and robust flavor make it a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. This version, with its fresh, vibrant ingredients, truly captures the essence of a sun-drenched Mediterranean meal.

This rosemary tomato feta focaccia is my go-to appetizer for dinner parties. When friends arrive, I’m often still busy with dinner preparations. Having a fresh, warm focaccia bread ready to serve immediately makes for a welcoming and delicious start to the evening. It pairs exquisitely with a simple olive oil dip, a rich bacon cheese dip, or my personal favorite, a creamy baked goat cheese and bruschetta dip. Honestly, with a good dip, this focaccia can be a satisfying meal all on its own!

How to Make Mediterranean Focaccia Bread

Creating this delightful easy focaccia is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Here’s what you’ll need and how to bring it all together:

Essential Ingredients:

• Olive oil (¾ cup): The cornerstone of authentic focaccia. High-quality extra virgin olive oil imparts a rich, fruity flavor and contributes significantly to the bread’s signature crispy, golden crust.
• Warm water (1 cup): Crucial for activating the yeast. Ensure the water is between 105-115°F (40-46°C) for optimal yeast activity, which will result in a beautifully light and airy dough.
• Active yeast (2 ¼ tsp): This leavening agent is what makes the dough rise, giving focaccia its characteristic soft, pillowy texture.
• Honey (¼ tsp): A small amount of honey serves as food for the yeast, helping it to activate effectively, and adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory toppings.
• All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): A versatile flour that provides the perfect balance of structure and tenderness, essential for a classic focaccia crumb.
• Rosemary sea salt (1 tsp): This seasoned salt introduces a fragrant, herbal note and a delightful textural crunch to the bread. If unavailable, regular sea salt with a pinch of dried rosemary can be substituted.
• Mediterranean rub (1 tbsp): A specially blended mix of herbs and spices that infuses the focaccia with bold, aromatic flavors reminiscent of the Mediterranean region.
• Cherry tomatoes (1 cup): These juicy, sweet little tomatoes burst with flavor when baked and add a vibrant pop of color to the top of your focaccia. Halve them for better distribution.
• Feta cheese (½ cup): Crumbled feta cheese provides a wonderful tangy and creamy contrast, complementing the savory herbs and sweet tomatoes.

Simple Method to Bake Your Focaccia:

1. Bloom Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active yeast, and honey. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes. This allows the yeast to “bloom” or activate, indicated by a foamy layer on top, ensuring your dough will rise properly.
2. Form Dough: Add the all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of olive oil, and rosemary sea salt to the yeast mixture. Using a fork or a wooden spoon, stir until the flour is fully hydrated and a shaggy dough begins to form. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for about five minutes until it is combined and smooth. Avoid over-kneading, as focaccia benefits from a slightly softer, less developed gluten structure than other breads.
3. First Rise: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a clean large bowl. Place the dough ball into the oiled bowl, turning it to ensure it’s coated evenly with oil. This prevents the dough from sticking and helps keep it moist. Cover the bowl loosely with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for approximately one hour, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Prepare Pan: Generously coat the sides and bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Drizzle an additional 2 tablespoons of olive oil into the dish, spreading it up the sides. This combination of butter and olive oil is key to achieving that wonderfully crispy, golden crust and prevents sticking.
5. Shape and Dimple: Gently transfer the risen dough into the prepared baking dish. Using your hands, carefully stretch and press the dough to fit the size and shape of the pan. Once the dough is evenly spread, use your fingertips to create deep dimples across the entire surface of the dough. These dimples are crucial for trapping the olive oil and toppings, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
6. Top with Flavor: Pour the remaining olive oil generously over the dimpled dough. Sprinkle the Mediterranean rub evenly over the top, then use your hands to gently spread the oil and seasoning across the entire surface. Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese on top, gently pressing them into the dough so they adhere during baking.
7. Second Rise: Leave the topped focaccia uncovered in the baking dish and allow it to rise for at least another hour in a warm spot. This second rise contributes to a lighter, airier texture.
8. Preheat Oven: While the focaccia is undergoing its second rise, preheat your oven to a high temperature of 450ºF (230ºC). A hot oven is essential for achieving a perfectly crisp crust.
9. Bake: Bake the focaccia for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it; it’s ready when the crust is beautifully golden brown and the bread is cooked through and springy to the touch.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan before transferring to a cutting board. Serve fresh and warm alongside pasta, a vibrant salad, or with a simple dish of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. Enjoy your delicious homemade Mediterranean focaccia!

Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfecting Your Focaccia

Achieving the perfect homemade focaccia is simple with a few key techniques. Follow these expert tips to ensure your bread is always a resounding success:

• Use High-Quality Olive Oil: This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s essential. Extra virgin olive oil is crucial for the authentic flavor and the signature crispy crust of focaccia. Don’t skimp here—it makes a noticeable difference.
• Embrace the Double Rise: Allowing the dough to rise both before and after shaping is vital. This two-stage proofing process develops flavor and ensures a light, airy, and soft crumb. Patience during rising pays off!
• Keep Your Dough Hydrated: Focaccia dough should be noticeably stickier and wetter than typical bread dough. This high hydration level is what gives it that characteristic soft, pillowy interior. Resist the urge to add too much extra flour during kneading.
• Don’t Skip the Dimples: The distinctive dimples pressed into the dough aren’t just for aesthetics. They create pockets that trap olive oil and your chosen toppings, ensuring even distribution of flavor and preventing the dough from puffing up unevenly in the oven.
• Incorporate Herbs Early: For a more deeply infused flavor, mix dried herbs like rosemary or oregano directly into the dough itself, not just on top. This allows their essence to permeate the bread as it rises and bakes.
• Top Strategically: When adding toppings like olives, cherry tomatoes, or caramelized onions, distribute them evenly across the surface. Overloading one area can lead to soggy spots or uneven baking.
• Generously Oil the Pan: A well-oiled pan (using both butter and olive oil, as in our recipe) is paramount. It guarantees a beautiful, golden, and crispy bottom crust and prevents the focaccia from sticking.
• Sprinkle Sea Salt Before Baking: A final sprinkle of coarse sea salt (or rosemary sea salt) just before baking adds a delightful burst of flavor and a pleasing crunch to the crust.
• Bake in a Hot Oven: Focaccia loves high heat! Baking at a high temperature (around 425-450°F / 220-230°C) helps create that perfectly crisp crust while keeping the interior tender and moist.
• Cool Slightly Before Serving: While tempting to dive in immediately, allow the focaccia to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the internal structure set and locks in moisture and flavor.
• Experiment with Toppings: While our recipe features classic Mediterranean flavors, don’t be afraid to get creative! Try sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, artichoke hearts, different cheeses, or even anchovies for a bolder Mediterranean twist.
• Store and Reheat Properly: Leftover focaccia stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To revive its crispiness, reheat slices in a warm oven or toaster oven. It also freezes beautifully when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions About Focaccia

Serving Suggestions: What to Eat with Rosemary Feta Focaccia Bread

This savory rosemary feta focaccia bread is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide array of dishes. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy it:

• Decadent Dips: Focaccia is a dream come true for dipping! Try it with our simple olive oil dip, a creamy bacon cheese dip, or a luxurious baked goat cheese and bruschetta dip for an unforgettable appetizer spread.
• Grilled Vegetables: The smoky flavors of grilled zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, drizzled with olive oil and fresh herbs, are a phenomenal complement to the rustic bread.
• Creamy Hummus: A classic Mediterranean pairing. The rich, garlicky flavors of hummus beautifully echo the olive oil and herbs in the focaccia.
• Refreshing Tzatziki: This cool, creamy yogurt and cucumber dip offers a delightful contrast to the savory toppings, especially on a warm day.
• Vibrant Greek Salad: A crisp salad featuring fresh vegetables, salty feta cheese, and briny olives, all dressed in a zesty lemon and olive oil vinaigrette, creates a balanced and satisfying meal alongside the focaccia.
• Marinated Olives: Enhance the Mediterranean dining experience by serving a medley of marinated olives. Their briny, earthy notes are a perfect match.
• Hearty Shakshuka: Use slices of focaccia to scoop up the rich, spiced tomato and perfectly poached egg from this Middle Eastern and North African dish. It’s an incredible combination for brunch or dinner.
• Grilled Halloumi: The salty, squeaky texture of pan-fried or grilled halloumi cheese is a fantastic accompaniment to the focaccia’s soft interior and crispy crust.
• Roasted Red Pepper Spread: A sweet and smoky spread made from roasted red peppers adds a flavorful and colorful contrast to your bread.
• Elegant Charcuterie Board: Elevate your entertaining by including focaccia on a charcuterie board alongside cured meats, various cheeses, pickled vegetables, and fresh fruits.

If you loved creating this easy Mediterranean focaccia recipe, please take a moment to click the stars below to give it a five-star rating and leave a comment sharing your experience! Your feedback helps us grow. Also, please help us spread the word by sharing your creations on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!

Only have 30 minutes to get dinner on the table? Sign up for my 30-minute dinner plans direct to your inbox!
Find and shop my favorite kitchen products in my Amazon storefront here!

No ratings yet

Mediterranean Focaccia Bread

By:
Katherine

Servings:

8
people

Prep:

10 minutes
mins

Cook:

20 minutes
mins

Rise Time:

2 hours
hrs

Mediterranean focaccia bread is a flavorful, airy flatbread topped with olive oil, herbs, and vibrant tomatoes, and rosemary, capturing the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.

Equipment

• 1 USA Pan 9×13 Metal Pan

Ingredients

• ▢ ¾ cup olive oil
• ▢ 1 cup warm water, between 110 and 115 degrees F (43-46 C)
• ▢ 2 ¼ tsp active yeast
• ▢ ¼ tsp honey
• ▢ 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ▢ 1 tsp rosemary sea salt, or regular sea salt
• ▢ 1 tbsp Mediterranean rub
• ▢ 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ▢ ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled

Instructions

1. Mix the warm water, yeast, and honey in a large bowl and let the yeast bloom.
2. Add the flour, ¼ cup olive oil and rosemary sea salt to the yeast mixture and stir with a fork until the flour has been hydrated and a dough forms. Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and knead dough until combined and smooth, about five minutes.
3. Add 2 tbsp olive oil to a clean bowl and roll dough ball in oil to coat, this prevents dough from sticking. Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let rise for one hour.
4. Coat the sides and bottom of a 9×13” baking dish with butter. Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil into the dish and spread up the sides (both butter and olive oil prevent sticking).
5. Add the dough to the dish and use your hands to stretch and shape the dough to the size of the pan. Use your finger tips to make dimples in the dough.
6. Pour the remaining olive oil over bread and sprinkle with the Mediterranean Rub, using your hands to spread the oil and seasoning over the top of the dough. Add tomatoes and feta on top and press the toppings into the dough.
7. Leave uncovered and allow to rise at least 1 hour.
8. Preheat oven to 450ºF.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
10. Serve fresh alongside pasta or with oil and vinegar for dipping. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 353kcal
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
Monounsaturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 8mg
Sodium: 111mg
Potassium: 97mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Vitamin A: 131IU
Vitamin C: 4mg
Calcium: 55mg
Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course:
Breads

Cuisine:
Italian

Tried this recipe?
Mention @sweetcsdesigns or tag #sweetcsdesigns!