No-Knead Focaccia Bread Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a perfectly golden, fluffy, and chewy bread without the hassle of kneading or complex techniques, then this No-Knead Focaccia Bread recipe is going to become your absolute favorite. This simple yet stunning Italian classic boasts a crisp crust, air-pocketed crumb, and rich olive oil flavor that’s perfect for everything from sandwiches to just dipping in your favorite oils and balsamic vinegar. The best part? You don’t have to be a master baker to make it—this No-Knead Focaccia Bread delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this No-Knead Focaccia Bread recipe is straightforward and essential, coming together to create a rich texture, soulful flavor, and beautiful color. Let’s break down why each one matters so much.

• All-purpose flour: This is the foundation of your bread, providing structure and that perfect bite.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and keeps the crumb tender, plus it’s great for that golden crust on top.
• Salt: Brings out the flavor depth of every ingredient and balances the dough’s sweetness.
• Instant dry yeast: The magic agent that makes the dough rise with no fuss or active kneading needed.
• Warm water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour for a soft and airy texture.
• Coarse salt (optional): Perfect for sprinkling on top to give a salty crunch that makes each bite unforgettable.
• Dried rosemary (optional): Infuses the bread with herby aroma and a Mediterranean flair.

How to Make No-Knead Focaccia Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by generously coating a 9×13-inch pan with non-stick oil spray or olive oil. This ensures your focaccia won’t stick and helps create a wonderfully crispy bottom crust. Set the pan aside while you mix the dough.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Combine the flour, olive oil, salt, instant dry yeast, and warm water in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat everything together for about 60 seconds until the dough is just combined. Don’t worry if it looks sticky or a little shaggy—that’s actually a good sign for lovely texture.

Step 3: First Rise

Transfer that sticky dough directly into the oiled pan, spreading it gently with your hands to fill out the corners. Lightly cover the pan with plastic wrap and allow it to rise at room temperature for 1 hour. The dough will puff up beautifully during this time, developing those signature bubbles and air pockets.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

When your dough has been resting for 30 minutes, preheat your oven to 375°F. This timing ensures your oven will be perfectly hot just as your focaccia finishes rising and is ready to bake.

Step 5: Create Dimples

At the end of the 60-minute rise, use your fingers to gently press deep dimples all over the surface of the dough. These dimples not only give focaccia its distinctive look but also create perfect little wells for olive oil and seasoning to settle in.

Step 6: Oil and Season

Drizzle an ample amount of olive oil over the dough, letting it seep into those lovely dimples. If you love extra flavor and texture, sprinkle dried rosemary and flaky salt on top—these toppings really elevate the bread’s aroma and taste.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the focaccia for 28 to 30 minutes until the surface turns a gorgeous golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s crispy at the edges and smells fragrantly of olive oil and herbs.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Take the focaccia out of the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes. This brief resting time helps the crumb finish setting so every bite is light and tender. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best experience.

How to Serve No-Knead Focaccia Bread

Garnishes

While the classic rosemary and flaky salt combination is a star, you can also explore topping your No-Knead Focaccia Bread with things like sliced olives, cherry tomatoes, caramelized onions, or even thinly sliced garlic before baking. These garnishes add color, extra bursts of flavor, and make your bread look stunning on any table.

Side Dishes

This versatile bread pairs beautifully with soups, salads, and pasta dishes. Its airy crumb and crispy crust are perfect for mopping up sauces or serving alongside a fresh Caprese salad. For a lighter meal, try it with a smear of herbed goat cheese or alongside roasted vegetables.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your No-Knead Focaccia Bread into a sharing platter by cutting it into squares and serving with bowls of olive oil for dipping, various pesto or tapenade spreads, or even a selection of cured meats and cheeses. It makes any casual gathering feel like a special occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover focaccia, store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep fresh and soft for up to two days without losing that lovely texture.

Freezing

No-Knead Focaccia Bread freezes wonderfully. Once completely cooled, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back the crisp crust and soft crumb, reheat focaccia at 350°F in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes. You can also warm individual slices in a toaster oven. This simple step revives all the delicious qualities like it was just baked.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can. Just dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water first and let it proof for about 5 to 10 minutes until foamy before mixing with the other ingredients. This step is not needed with instant yeast.

Why does the recipe call for a 1-hour rise only?

This No-Knead Focaccia Bread recipe uses a higher amount of instant yeast for a quicker rise, so the dough only needs one hour at room temperature to develop flavor and volume.

What if my dough is too sticky to handle?

That’s perfectly normal for focaccia dough, which is meant to be wetter than other breads. Use oiled hands or a spatula to spread it in the pan, and resist the urge to add extra flour so the texture stays light and airy.

Can I make this focaccia in a different size pan?

Absolutely! Just adjust the thickness accordingly—using a smaller pan will create a thicker focaccia; with a larger pan, it will be thinner and crisper.

How long does this bread keep fresh after baking?

Stored properly at room temperature, this focaccia stays fresh for about two days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this No-Knead Focaccia Bread enough if you want a show-stopping homemade bread without the headache. It is truly one of those recipes you’ll reach for again and again, whether for a cozy dinner at home or to wow guests with minimal effort. Grab your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and enjoy baking a little piece of Italy’s comforting charm right in your own kitchen.

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