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Slice of Joanna Gaines focaccia bread on a plate with olive oil dip showing airy interior and golden crust

Joanna Gaines Focaccia Bread Recipe​

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Focaccia is a soft Italian flatbread that is easy to make at home, even if you are new to baking. This bread has a crispy, golden top and a light, fluffy inside. Olive oil gives it a rich flavor, and Joanna adds garlic, green olives, and sea salt to make it even more tasty. As it bakes, the bread fills your kitchen with a wonderful smell.

This Joanna Gaines focaccia bread recipe​ is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. You can serve it with dinner, enjoy it as a snack, or use it for sandwiches. Making this bread at home is fun, simple, and very rewarding.

Key Takeaways

  • Easy to Make: Joanna Gaines’s focaccia bread recipe is simple and beginner-friendly. It uses basic ingredients and clear steps, so anyone can make it at home.
  • Big Flavor: Garlic, olive oil, green olives, and sea salt give this bread a rich and savory taste in every bite.
  • Soft and Crispy: The bread bakes with a golden top that is lightly crispy, while the inside stays soft, fluffy, and full of air pockets.
  • Many Ways to Enjoy: You can eat this focaccia by itself, dip it into soup, serve it with salads, or use it to make sandwiches.

Why This Focaccia Bread Stands Out

This focaccia bread stands out because it is simple to make but still full of flavor. The dough stays soft and slightly sticky, which helps create a light and airy texture inside. At the same time, the olive oil gives the top a golden crust that tastes rich and comforting. The touch of garlic adds flavor without being too strong.

Another reason this focaccia is special is how consistent it is. When you follow the steps, the bread rises well and bakes evenly. The inside stays soft, while the edges turn lightly crisp. It does not dry out quickly, so it still tastes good even after it cools.

Recipe for Joanna Gaines Focaccia Bread

Joanna Gaines Focaccia Bread Recipe​

Recipe by Recipe Blossom
0.0 from 0 votes
Course: BreadCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Medium
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Calories per serving

470

kcal
Rising Time

2

hours 

15

minutes
Total time

3

hours 
Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • 4½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast

  • 2 cups warm water

  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

  • ½ cup Castelvetrano green olives

  • 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley

  • 2 cloves of garlic

How to Make Joanna Gaines Focaccia Bread

  • Prepare the yeast mixture
    Pour the warm water into a large bowl. Add the yeast and stir gently. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. When the mixture looks foamy on top, the yeast is ready to use.
    Active dry yeast foaming in warm water in a mixing bowl
  • Mix and knead the dough.
    Add the flour, sugar, salt, and garlic powder to the bowl with the yeast. Pour in the olive oil. Stir everything together until it forms a rough dough. Knead the dough by hand or with a mixer for about 5 to 8 minutes. The dough should feel smooth and stretchy when it is ready.Kneading focaccia dough until smooth and stretchy
  • Let the dough rise
    Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a bowl with a little oil. Turn it once so the dough is lightly coated. Cover the bowl and place it in a warm area. Let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
    Focaccia dough rising in an oiled bowl until doubled
  • Shape the dough in the pan
    Press the air out of the dough gently. Move it to a well-oiled baking sheet that is about 13 by 18 inches. Use your hands to stretch the dough toward the edges of the pan. If the dough pulls back, let it rest for a few minutes and try again. Press the olives into the top of the dough. Cover and let it rise again for about 45 minutes, until it looks puffy.
  • Add dimples and olive oil
    Heat the oven to 375°F or 190°C. Once the dough has risen, uncover it. Use your fingers to press small holes all over the top. Drizzle olive oil over the dough so it fills the holes. Sprinkle sea salt evenly on top.
  • Bake until golden
    Bake the focaccia for 25 to 30 minutes. The top should turn golden brow,n and the edges should look crisp. While it bakes, melt the butter and mix in the garlic and parsley. When the bread comes out of the oven, brush the butter mixture over the hot focaccia. Let it cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.

Recipe Video

Chef Tips For the Perfect Focaccia Bread

  • Check your yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh and working. After mixing it with warm water, it should look foamy. If it does not foam, use new yeast so the bread does not turn out heavy.
  • Be patient while the dough rises: Let the dough rise fully both times. If your kitchen feels cool, it may take longer. Giving the dough enough time helps the bread turn out soft and fluffy.
  • Do not add too much flour: Focaccia dough should feel slightly sticky. This helps the bread stay light and airy. When handling the dough, use a little oil on your hands instead of adding more flour.
  • Try different toppings: You can change the toppings if you like. Rosemary, cherry tomatoes, or a small sprinkle of cheese work well. Do not add too many toppings, or the dough may not rise properly.

Serving Ideas for Focaccia Bread

Serving warm or at room temperature

Focaccia tastes best when it is fresh from the oven. The outside feels slightly crisp, and the inside stays soft and fluffy. You can also eat it after it cools down. The garlic and olive oil flavor still tastes great. If the bread feels a little firm later, warm it in the oven for a few minutes to bring back the softness.

Pairing with soups and salads

Focaccia pairs very well with soups and salads. You can tear off pieces and dip them into the soup. With salads, focaccia adds a filling and tasty side that makes the meal feel complete. You can also cut the bread into small pieces and toast them to make simple croutons.

Using focaccia for sandwiches

Focaccia works well as sandwich bread. Cut a piece in half and add your favorite fillings. Cheese, tomatoes, and fresh herbs are easy options. The bread is thick enough to hold the fillings and still tastes great. You can also toast the sandwich in a pan or press it to make it crispy.

Storage and Shelf Life

Short-term storage

You can keep leftover focaccia at room temperature for up to two days. Let the bread cool all the way before storing it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or place it in a sealed container. Do not store focaccia in the refrigerator because it can dry out and become hard. When you want to eat it again, warm the bread in a 350°F oven for a few minutes so it feels soft and fresh.

Freezing focaccia bread

You can freeze focaccia if you want to save it for later. First, let the bread cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen focaccia stays good for up to three months. When you are ready to eat it, let the bread thaw at room temperature. After that, warm it in the oven until it is hot and slightly crisp on the outside.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts

8 servings per container


  • Amount Per ServingCalories476
  • % Daily Value *
  • Total Fat 22g 29%
    • Saturated Fat 4.78g 20%
  • Cholesterol 11mg 4%
  • Sodium 1139mg 50%
  • Total Carbohydrate 57.4g 21%
    • Dietary Fiber 4.47g 15%
    • Total Sugars 1.79g
  • Protein 9.12g 18%

  • Calcium 49.1mg 4%
  • Vitamin C 35.5mg 40%

* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Disclaimer: Nutrition data for this recipe was calculated using the Recipe Blossom Nutrition Calculator. It’s designed to provide a reliable estimate of calories, macronutrients, and micronutrients based on standard ingredients and portion sizes.

However, actual values may vary depending on brands, substitutions, or preparation methods. For medically tailored nutrition advice, we recommend consulting with a registered dietitian or qualified healthcare provider.

FAQs

Can I make focaccia dough ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the dough, let it complete the first rise, then cover it tightly and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, bring the dough to room temperature, shape it in the pan, allow the second rise, and bake.

Can I add herbs or garlic to focaccia?

Yes. You can mix fresh or dried herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough, or sprinkle them on top before baking. You can also add minced garlic to the olive oil drizzle or brush garlic butter on the bread after baking.

Why is my focaccia bread dense?

Dense focaccia usually means the dough did not rise enough or the yeast was inactive. It can also happen if too much flour was added or the dough was kneaded too aggressively, which tightens the structure.

Can I freeze focaccia bread?

Yes. Let the focaccia cool completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven to restore the texture.

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