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Full overnight focaccia bread recipe baked until golden brown with deep dimples, olive oil sheen, flaky sea salt, and rosemary in a 9 x 13-inch pan.

Focaccia Bread Recipe

Focaccia Bread Recipe
This overnight focaccia bakes up with a deeply golden crust, crisp olive oil edges, and a soft, airy interior filled with irregular bubbles. It is a simple no-knead bread designed for home bakers who want bakery-style focaccia for serving alongside dinner, building sandwiches, or slicing for snacking.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting/Cooling Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 12 Slices
Course: Bread
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 cups lukewarm water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for coating the bowl
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil for the pan and topping
  • 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt for finishing
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves optional

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 9 x 13-inch metal baking pan
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Bench scraper or sharp knife for slicing
  • Pastry brush, optional for spreading oil evenly

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, and kosher salt until evenly combined.
  2. 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.
  3. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over the surface of the dough and turn it lightly so the top is coated.
  4. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 12 hours and up to 24 hours, with 18 hours being ideal.
  5. Generously oil a 9 x 13-inch metal baking pan with 2 tablespoons olive oil.
  6. 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.
  7. Turn the dough once in the pan so it is lightly coated with oil on both sides, then nudge it into a rough rectangle.
  8. Let the dough rise at room temperature for 2 to 4 hours, until it looks soft, puffy, and nearly fills the pan.
  9. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  10. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over the dough and sprinkle with rosemary, if using.
  11. Lightly oil your fingertips and press straight down all over the dough to create deep dimples. Sprinkle evenly with flaky sea salt.
  12. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, rotating the pan once if needed, until the top is deeply golden brown and the edges are crisp.
  13. 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.
Nutrition Information
  • 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