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.
Table of Contents
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
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.






