Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, and kosher salt until evenly combined.
- Pour in the lukewarm water and stir with a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon until no dry flour remains and a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over the surface of the dough and turn it lightly so the top is coated.
- Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 12 hours and up to 24 hours, with 18 hours being ideal.
- Generously oil a 9 x 13-inch metal baking pan with 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator and gently release it from the sides of the bowl with oiled hands or two forks. Transfer it to the prepared pan.
- Turn the dough once in the pan so it is lightly coated with oil on both sides, then nudge it into a rough rectangle.
- Let the dough rise at room temperature for 2 to 4 hours, until it looks soft, puffy, and nearly fills the pan.
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over the dough and sprinkle with rosemary, if using.
- Lightly oil your fingertips and press straight down all over the dough to create deep dimples. Sprinkle evenly with flaky sea salt.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, rotating the pan once if needed, until the top is deeply golden brown and the edges are crisp.
- Remove the focaccia from the pan and cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This is a high-hydration dough, so it should look sticky and loose rather than firm.
- Bread flour gives a slightly chewier texture, while all-purpose flour gives a softer crumb.
- The overnight refrigerator rest develops better flavor and a more open, airy structure.
- Do not skip oiling the bowl well, or the dough surface can dry out during the cold rise.
- Use a metal pan for the best crisp, golden bottom crust.
- Let the dough rise fully in the pan before dimpling so the finished bread stays light and airy.
- Do not force the dough into the corners too early; it will relax and spread as it proofs.
- Flaky sea salt should be added just before baking so it stays visible and crisp on top.
- Wet or heavily loaded toppings can weigh down the dough, so use them lightly.
- Cool the bread on a wire rack to prevent steam from softening the crust.
- For the best next-day texture, reheat slices in a 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Refrigeration is not ideal for storage because it can dry the bread out faster than room temperature.
- Freeze only after the focaccia has cooled completely so excess moisture does not get trapped.
- If using the bread for sandwiches, cool completely before slicing so the crumb stays neat.
- A pale top usually means the focaccia needs a little more oven time for proper crust and flavor.
- Calories: 191
- Carbohydrates: 31 grams
- Protein: 5 grams
- Fat: 5 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1 gram
- Sugar: 0 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sodium: 537 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
