Easy No Knead Focaccia Bread Recipe to Try Now
Discover a simple No Knead Focaccia Bread recipe that’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for beginners. This easy-to-make bread offers a wonderfully crisp crust paired with a soft, airy inside that melts in your mouth. You don’t need fancy techniques or hours of prep—just a few basic ingredients and some patience to let the dough rise. Whether you’re new to baking or just want a fuss-free way to enjoy artisan-style bread, this No Knead Focaccia Bread is your new best friend in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal effort: No kneading means less mess and less time standing at the counter.
- Delicious texture: Crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy inside, the perfect balance every time.
- Beginner-friendly: Simple steps make it ideal for anyone looking to bake bread without intimidation.
- Customizable flavors: Easily add herbs, olives, or toppings to match your cravings.
- Impressive results: Looks and tastes like it took hours but comes together effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this No Knead Focaccia Bread is in its simple, staple ingredients, each contributing to the bread’s irresistible flavor and texture. From the flour that forms the base to the olive oil that creates a golden crust, every item is key to making this recipe shine.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of your bread, providing structure and crumb.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour for a tender crumb.
- Instant yeast: Keeps things rising without the wait for proofing.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness of the dough.
- Olive oil: Adds richness, moisture, and that glorious golden crust.
- Optional toppings: Rosemary, sea salt flakes, or garlic for that extra punch.
Variations for No Knead Focaccia Bread
This no-fuss recipe is incredibly versatile, inviting you to experiment and tailor it to your taste buds or dietary needs. From herbs to veggies and even gluten-free options, the base dough works beautifully with many twists.
- Herb-infused: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough or on top for aromatic flavor.
- Olive and sun-dried tomato: Mix chopped olives and sun-dried tomatoes into the dough or scatter on top for a Mediterranean touch.
- Garlic and Parmesan: Incorporate roasted garlic and sprinkle Parmesan cheese before baking for a savory boost.
- Gluten-free adaptation: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend, adjusting hydration as needed.
- Vegan variation: This recipe is naturally vegan—just ensure your toppings or additions are plant-based.
How to Make No Knead Focaccia Bread
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and salt. Pour in warm water and olive oil, then stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until everything forms a sticky, shaggy dough. No kneading required.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and leave it in a warm place for 12 to 18 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size and bubbles appear on the surface. This slow rise develops deep flavor and airy texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Pan
Drizzle a good amount of olive oil into a rimmed baking sheet or rectangular pan. Using your hands, gently transfer the dough into the pan, stretching it out to fill the corners. The oil prevents sticking and contributes to a crispy bottom crust.
Step 4: Second Rise and Dimpling
Cover the dough again and let it rest for 45 minutes to an hour. After that, use your fingers to press dimples all over the surface of the dough—this helps trap air and creates focaccia’s signature texture.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Bake
Sprinkle coarse sea salt, fresh herbs, or any toppings you love over the dough. Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 20 to 25 minutes or until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan before slicing. This resting time allows the bread to set and makes for easier cutting.
Pro Tips for Making No Knead Focaccia Bread
- Use high-quality olive oil: It enhances flavor and contributes to the crisp crust.
- Don’t skip the long rise: Patience here yields that fluffy, airy crumb.
- Stretch gently: Avoid tearing the dough when transferring to the pan.
- Get your hands wet: Dipping your fingers in water before dimpling prevents sticking.
- Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add nuts, cheeses, or caramelized onions for variety.
How to Serve No Knead Focaccia Bread
Garnishes
Add a final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving to elevate both flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
This focaccia pairs beautifully with fresh salads, soups, or even a cheese board, making it the perfect companion for any meal or casual gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut into squares or strips and serve with flavored dipping oils, such as garlic-infused olive oil or balsamic vinegar blends, to delight your guests with every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover No Knead Focaccia Bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the focaccia tightly in aluminum foil and place it inside a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months without losing quality.
Reheating
Reheat by warming in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes until crisp on the outside and soft inside. Avoid microwaving, which can make it soggy.
FAQs
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, bread flour can be used for a chewier texture, but all-purpose flour works perfectly and yields a tender crumb.
Do I have to use instant yeast for this recipe?
Instant yeast is preferred as it doesn’t require proofing and speeds up preparation, but active dry yeast can also be used with a short proofing step.
Why does the dough need to rise so long?
The long rise allows fermentation to develop flavor and create the light, airy texture that focaccia is known for.
Can I make the dough in advance and bake it later?
Absolutely! After the initial rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight and bake it within 24 hours for convenience.
How do I get those signature dimples on the focaccia?
Use your fingertips to gently press into the dough before baking. Wet fingers help prevent sticking and make dimpling easier.
Final Thoughts
This No Knead Focaccia Bread recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone craving homemade bread without the fuss. It’s simple, flexible, and delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort. Roll up your sleeves and give it a try—you’ll be enjoying warm, fragrant focaccia fresh from your oven in no time, impressing friends and family with your newfound baking skills.
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No Knead Focaccia Bread
A simple and beginner-friendly No Knead Focaccia Bread recipe that delivers a crispy golden crust and soft, airy interior with minimal effort. Perfect for those seeking artisan-style bread without the fuss, this recipe uses staple ingredients and a long, slow rise to develop rich flavor and irresistible texture. Customize with herbs, olives, or your favorite toppings for versatile and impressive home-baked focaccia.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 13 to 18 hours (including rising time)
- Yield: 1 focaccia bread (about 9x13 inch pan) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ¼ cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling and the pan
Optional Toppings
- Fresh rosemary
- Coarse sea salt flakes
- Garlic (fresh or roasted)
- Chopped olives
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and salt. Pour in the warm water and olive oil, then stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the mixture forms a sticky, shaggy dough. No kneading is required.
- Let the Dough Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and leave it in a warm spot for 12 to 18 hours, until the dough doubles in size and bubbles appear on the surface, developing deep flavor and an airy texture.
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil into a rimmed baking sheet or rectangular pan. Gently transfer the dough into the pan using your hands, stretching it out to fill the corners. The olive oil prevents sticking and helps form a crispy bottom crust.
- Second Rise and Dimpling: Cover the dough again and let it rest for 45 minutes to an hour. Then, use your fingers (wet to prevent sticking) to press dimples all over the surface to trap air and create focaccia’s signature texture.
- Add Toppings and Bake: Sprinkle coarse sea salt, fresh herbs, or other favorite toppings over the dough. Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the focaccia from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the bread to set and makes cutting easier.
Notes
- Use high-quality olive oil to enhance flavor and achieve a crispier crust.
- Do not skip the long rise; patience is key for fluffy, airy bread.
- Stretch the dough gently when transferring it to avoid tearing.
- Wet your fingers before dimpling the dough to prevent sticking.
- Feel free to experiment with a variety of toppings such as nuts, cheeses, or caramelized onions for different flavor profiles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 of focaccia)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: no knead focaccia, easy focaccia recipe, beginner bread baking, Italian bread, crispy crust bread, olive oil bread, homemade focaccia
