Same day Focaccia Bread Recipe

Christin
Aug 23
3 min read

Updated: Aug 24

Focaccia bread is a versatile bread can be enjoyed on its own, as a sandwich base, or served alongside soups and salads. The best part? You can make this delicious focaccia in just one day! This recipe is perfect for busy families, home cooks, and anyone seeking a quick and easy, cheap bread solution.

Ingredients Same day focaccia bread recipe

Most of these ingredients can be found in your pantry but I added my shopping cart just incase!

1 ¾ cups warm water (110°F)
1 tbsp olive oil (plus more for drizzling) – $6.80 per bottle (~$0.24 used)
6 g (2 tsp) active dry yeast – $1.88 per 3-pack (~$0.63 used)
1 tsp sugar (or honey/agave) – $2.12 per container (~pennies used)
2 tsp sea salt – $1.48 per container (~$0.05 used)
500 g (about 4 cups) bread flour – $4.44 per 5 lb bag (~$1.75 used)
Optional topping – garlic butter + parmesan cheese (~$1.50 depending on brand)

Total: = $4.12 - Per serving (8 pieces): = $0.52 each

👉 Shop my Walmart list here: Walmart Recipe List

Instructions

Begin by mixing the warm water, olive oil, instant yeast, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. The warm water activates the yeast, while the sugar gives the yeast extra food to thrive.

Once the mixture is well combined, add the sea salt and bread flour. Mix everything together until a shaggy dough forms. This process should take about five minutes. A good dough should feel slightly sticky but manageable.

Resting the Dough

After mixing, let the dough rest for 15 minutes to allow the gluten to relax. A relaxed dough is easier to shape later on.

During this time, prepare your baking pan. Grease a 9x13 inch pan generously with olive oil to prevent the bread from sticking. This step is crucial, as it helps create a crispy crust.

Folding the Dough

Once the dough has rested, it’s time to give it some structure. Perform four folds on the dough: stretch one side and fold it over to the opposite side. Repeat this for all four sides. This folding technique develops the gluten, leading to a light and airy focaccia. People often underestimate the power of this simple method; it dramatically improves the texture of the bread.

Shaping the Focaccia

After folding, transfer the dough into the oiled pan. Gently stretch the dough to fill the entire pan, ensuring it reaches the corners.

Drizzle a little more olive oil on top and sprinkle with sea salt. This added oil and salt help create a flavorful crust that enhances every bite.

Baking the Focaccia

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Once the oven is hot, place the pan inside and bake for approximately 20 minutes.

Adding the Finishing Touches

Once the focaccia comes out of the oven, enhance its flavor even further by brushing the top with garlic butter and sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

The garlic butter adds a rich, savory flavor, while the Parmesan gives it a delightful cheesy finish. You can also experiment with toppings like fresh rosemary or cherry tomatoes; both add a burst of flavor and color.