Easy No Knead Focaccia Bread You’ll Love
If you’re craving a delicious, soft, and flavorful bread without spending hours in the kitchen, this No Knead Focaccia Bread recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with herbs, olive oil, and a light, airy texture, this focaccia comes together quickly thanks to a simple mixing process that requires zero kneading. Whether you’re new to bread baking or simply want an easy, foolproof side for your meals, this recipe is a total game changer and ready in under an hour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: No kneading means minimal hands-on time and a perfect dough every single time.
- Quick Rise: The yeast does its magic fast, so you can enjoy fresh focaccia in less than an hour.
- Delicious Flavor: Infused with olive oil and herbs for a savory taste that pairs beautifully with any meal.
- Versatile Base: Great on its own, as a sandwich bread, or dipped in your favorite oil or sauce.
- Beginner Friendly: Easy-to-follow steps make it perfect for anyone just starting to bake bread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples, this No Knead Focaccia Bread recipe makes baking incredibly accessible. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the tender crumb, crisp crust, and golden color that make this focaccia truly special.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, offering structure and a light, fluffy texture.
- Instant yeast: Speeds up the rising process without the need for proofing.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour for a soft dough.
- Olive oil: Provides moisture, richness, and contributes to a golden crust.
- Sea salt: Enhances flavor and adds a nice savory touch.
- Fresh rosemary or herbs: Adds an aromatic, earthy flavor that complements the bread perfectly.
Variations for No Knead Focaccia Bread
Feel free to personalize this No Knead Focaccia Bread recipe to match your cravings or dietary preferences. It’s incredibly flexible and welcomes creativity!
- Cheesy twist: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or parmesan on top before baking for a melty, flavorful crust.
- Garlic infusion: Add minced garlic or garlic powder to the dough or olive oil to boost flavor.
- Whole wheat version: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a heartier, nuttier taste.
- Vegan adaptation: This recipe is naturally vegan—just ensure your olive oil is pure and do not add any dairy toppings.
- Olive and sun-dried tomato: Fold chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes into the dough for a Mediterranean vibe.
How to Make No Knead Focaccia Bread
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and sea salt. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the yeast and salt throughout the flour.
Step 2: Add Water and Olive Oil
Pour warm water and olive oil into the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough comes together in a sticky, shaggy mass. No kneading required!
Step 3: First Rise
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes, until it’s puffed and bubbly.
Step 4: Prepare the Pan
Generously oil a baking sheet or pan to prevent sticking and to give the focaccia a beautiful crisp crust.
Step 5: Shape and Second Rise
Transfer the dough carefully onto the oiled pan. Using your fingers, gently stretch and press the dough out to fit the pan, creating little dimples across the surface. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes to relax and rise slightly.
Step 6: Add Toppings
Drizzle more olive oil on top, sprinkle sea salt, and scatter fresh rosemary or herbs. Feel free to add any optional toppings from the variations list.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the focaccia for 18-20 minutes or until it’s golden brown and crisp on top. Remove and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips for Making No Knead Focaccia Bread
- Use warm water: Ideal water temperature is around 100°F (38°C) to activate yeast without killing it.
- Don’t skip the dimples: Pressing dimples into the dough helps hold olive oil and toppings perfectly.
- Be generous with olive oil: Oil keeps the focaccia moist and creates that signature crispy crust.
- Let it cool before slicing: Cooling helps the crumb set, making it easier to cut without squashing.
- Use a baking stone or steel: For an extra crispy bottom crust, bake the focaccia on a preheated pizza stone if possible.
How to Serve No Knead Focaccia Bread
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme added right after baking add a fragrant finish, while a sprinkle of flaky sea salt gives a delightful crunch with each bite.
Side Dishes
No Knead Focaccia Bread pairs wonderfully with salads, soups, and pastas, or alongside a charcuterie board featuring olives, cheeses, and cured meats.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice focaccia into squares or strips and serve with dipping sauces such as balsamic vinegar with olive oil, herb-infused oils, or roasted garlic butter for an irresistible appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover focaccia tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness.
Freezing
Wrap focaccia tightly in plastic and then in foil before freezing. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer and thawed overnight in the refrigerator when ready to use.
Reheating
Reheat focaccia in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore warmth and crispness without drying it out.
FAQs
Is this No Knead Focaccia Bread recipe difficult for beginners?
Not at all! It’s designed specifically to be simple and forgiving, perfect for anyone new to baking with minimal steps and no kneading.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, but you’ll need to proof active dry yeast in warm water for 5-10 minutes before mixing it with dry ingredients to activate it.
How long does the dough rise for this recipe?
The dough needs about 45 minutes for the first rise and another 10-15 minutes after shaping before baking to develop flavor and texture.
What is the best way to store focaccia to keep it soft?
Keep it at room temperature wrapped tightly, and avoid refrigeration as it can dry out the bread quickly.
Can I add other toppings besides rosemary?
Absolutely! Try caramelized onions, olives, cherry tomatoes, or even smoked sea salt to personalize your focaccia.
Final Thoughts
Ready to bake your own mouthwatering No Knead Focaccia Bread? This easy recipe brings warmth, flavor, and a sense of accomplishment to your kitchen without complicating your day. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or use it to elevate meals, it’s sure to become one of your favorite homemade breads in no time. Happy baking!
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No Knead Focaccia Bread
This No Knead Focaccia Bread recipe delivers a soft, airy, and flavorful bread infused with olive oil and fresh herbs. Perfect for beginners and busy cooks, it requires no kneading and comes together quickly with minimal hands-on time. Enjoy freshly baked focaccia with a crisp golden crust in under an hour, ideal as a side, sandwich bread, or dipping accompaniment.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 100°F / 38°C)
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling and pan
Toppings
- Sea salt for sprinkling
- Fresh rosemary or herbs
- Optional: shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese, minced garlic or garlic powder, chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and sea salt. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the yeast and salt within the flour.
- Add Water and Olive Oil: Pour the warm water and 1/4 cup olive oil into the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough forms a sticky, shaggy mass. No kneading is needed.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and place it in a warm area. Let the dough rise for about 45 minutes until it is puffed and bubbly.
- Prepare the Pan: Generously oil a baking sheet or pan with olive oil to prevent sticking and to help create a crisp crust.
- Shape and Second Rise: Transfer the dough onto the oiled pan. Gently stretch and press it out using your fingers to fit the pan, creating characteristic dimples across the surface. Let the dough rest for 10 to 15 minutes to relax and rise slightly.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle additional olive oil over the dough, sprinkle with sea salt, and scatter fresh rosemary or herbs on top. Add any optional toppings such as cheese, garlic, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes if desired.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the focaccia for 18 to 20 minutes or until it turns golden brown and crisp on top. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use warm water at approximately 100°F (38°C) to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Don’t skip pressing dimples into the dough; they help hold olive oil and toppings perfectly.
- Be generous with olive oil for moist crumb and a signature crispy crust.
- Allow the focaccia to cool before slicing to help the crumb set and prevent squashing.
- For extra crispiness, bake on a preheated pizza stone or steel if available.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8 of the loaf)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: no knead focaccia, easy focaccia bread, quick focaccia recipe, beginner bread recipe, herb focaccia