How to Make Focaccia Bread with Olive Oil & Herbs (Soft, Fluffy, Italian Style)

Introduction

Focaccia bread is a classic from Italy’s rich baking tradition. It is well-known for being soft, fluffy on the inside, and slightly crispy on the outside. Home bakers in India and around the world love focaccia for its comforting taste, the lovely aroma of herbs, and its simplicity. At the heart of this bread is pure olive oil, making every bite rich and delicious.

At Tedco Global Chefs Academy, we teach students to work with their hands, understand ingredients, and bake with confidence. Baking a perfect focaccia is a great achievement for any hobby baker or home chef. In this blog, we will cover what focaccia bread is, its origins, the ingredients, and the entire process, making sure you know how to make focaccia bread easily in your kitchen. We’re also including a tried-and-tested soft focaccia bread recipe with Indian-friendly measurements and a method you can trust.

Pro Tip: Master the perfect focaccia texture and herb infusion by joining an advanced culinary arts course, and learn how professional chefs balance dough hydration, fermentation, and flavours.

1. What Is Focaccia Bread?

Focaccia bread comes from Italy, where it has been a staple for centuries. The word “focaccia” comes from “focus”, which means fireplace in Latin, since the earliest focaccia was baked on the ashes of a hearth. Over time, this rustic bread became popular all over Italy and now, across the world.

What makes focaccia bread special?

• Airy crumb: Focaccia bread recipe is famous for its light, fluffy texture. The dough develops open air pockets, giving homemade focaccia bread a soft, tender bite with every slice.
• Crispy but soft: Focaccia with herbs has a golden, crispy crust on top and edges, but the inside is always pillowy soft, creating a wonderful contrast in every soft focaccia bread bite.
• Versatile: Homemade focaccia bread is very flexible; you can enjoy it plain, or customise your focaccia bread recipe by adding fresh herbs, chopped vegetables, or cheese as delicious toppings.

2. Essential Ingredients for Authentic Focaccia Bread

For best results, use these simple, authentic ingredients:

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Refined Flour (Maida)	200g	The main base gives bread its structure
Grain Sugar	15g	Adds sa light sweetness and helps the yeast work
Yeast	6g	Makes the bread rise and creates an airy texture
Salt	4g	Adds taste and controls the fermentation
Butter	10g	Adds richness and keeps finished bread soft
Oil (preferably olive)	10ml	Key for flavour, softness, and crispy edges
Mixed Vegetables & Herbs	As per taste	For topping: adds extra colour, fun, and aroma

You will also need a little lukewarm water to mix the dough and for the yeast solution.

For traditional Italian flavour, use extra virgin olive oil and herbs such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, or basil. If you want focaccia with herbs or even garlic herb focaccia, add chopped fresh or dried herbs and a bit of minced garlic to the dough or as a topping before baking.

3. Equipment Checklist

All you need is basic kitchen equipment to make homemade focaccia bread.

• 1-2 Large Mixing Bowls (for mixing and fermenting)
• Measuring Cups or a Kitchen Scale (for accuracy)
• Baking Tray, preferably pre-oiled or lined
• Stand Mixer (optional, for easy kneading)
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon
• Whisk
• Tea Towel or Cling Film (for covering during proofing)
• Pastry Brush (useful for brushing oil after baking)
• Chopping Board and Knife (for vegetables and herbs)

4. Step-by-Step Recipe: Soft & Fluffy Focaccia

Below is a detailed, stepwise process based on the Indian-friendly recipe you provided, with extra tips for success.

Ingredients (For 1 Medium Tray)

• 200g refined flour (maida)
• 15g of grain sugar
• 6g yeast (instant yeast or active dry yeast)
• 4g salt
• 10g butter
• 10ml oil (preferably extra virgin olive oil)
• Mixed vegetables and herbs, for topping
• Lukewarm water, as needed

Procedure

1. Mixing the Dough
   Start by placing flour, salt, and butter together in a large bowl. Rub the mixture with your hands to distribute the butter evenly throughout the flour. This step is important for creating a soft and tender focaccia bread texture, ensuring that every bite is light and not tough or dry after baking.
2. Activate the Yeast
   Take a separate bowl and combine yeast, sugar, and lukewarm water. The water should feel just slightly warm—never hot—to avoid killing the yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for a few minutes. When it becomes frothy and bubbly, your yeast is active and ready to help your focaccia bread rise beautifully.
3. Make a Soft Dough
   Pour the activated yeast solution into the flour mixture. Add more lukewarm water, little by little, mixing continuously, until you achieve a dough that is sticky and much softer than regular chapati dough. The dough must not be runny. Knead gently with your hands for 4-5 minutes until the dough becomes mostly smooth and cohesive.
4. First Fermentation
   Place your dough back in its bowl and cover with a damp towel or cling film. Leave it in a warm, draft-free spot for 45-60 minutes. During this time, the dough will puff up and double in size. This fermentation step allows the focaccia bread to develop classic air bubbles and its wonderfully light, airy texture.
5. Shaping and Adding Toppings
   Grease your baking tray evenly with olive oil, including the sides. Using oiled hands, gently stretch and press the risen dough into the tray, spreading it to about 1–1.5cm thickness without using a rolling pin. Next, arrange your chosen vegetables and herbs on top, gently pressing them in with your fingertips to create traditional focaccia dimples.
6. Final Proofing
   Once you’ve shaped and topped the dough, cover the tray and let it rest for another 25–30 minutes at room temperature. This final proofing stage helps the focaccia dough relax and puff up more, ensuring a soft, airy crumb and enhancing those signature dimples. The bread becomes exceptionally fluffy when you bake it after this step.
7. Baking
   Preheat your oven to 230°C (450°F). Bake your focaccia bread on the middle rack of the oven for 6–7 minutes, or until the top turns golden and the base feels firm when gently pressed. Every oven varies, so keep an eye on your bread to prevent over-baking and ensure a golden, appetizing finish.
8. Brushing
   When your focaccia comes out of the oven, immediately brush the hot surface with a little olive oil. This final touch adds extra aroma, keeps the crust moist, and helps retain a soft texture. Brushing with oil makes your herb focaccia bread shiny, flavorful, and deliciously inviting—perfect to eat fresh or later in the day.

5. Adding Olive Oil & Herbs: Tips for Flavour and Aroma

Olive Oil: Before baking, generously drizzle extra virgin olive oil all over the focaccia dough, making sure some collects in the dimples. Olive oil is essential for authentic focaccia bread—it enhances the flavour, gives the crust a beautiful golden shine, and keeps the inside of the bread moist and soft even after cooling. Always use good-quality olive oil for the best taste.

Best Herbs: Fresh rosemary is the traditional herb for focaccia bread, providing a fragrant, unmistakable Italian aroma. You can also use thyme, oregano, parsley, or basil—either alone or in combination. Fresh herbs give the best results, but dried herbs work well too. Sprinkle your chosen herbs evenly across the dough for a burst of colour and plenty of flavour in every slice.

Garlic Touch: For garlic herb focaccia, mince fresh garlic or use garlic powder and mix it into olive oil. Brush this mixture over the dough before adding vegetables and herbs. The garlic infuses every bite, creating a savoury, robust flavour that matches perfectly with soft focaccia bread. Garlic lovers can also add extra on top for even more taste.

Toppings: Focaccia bread toppings like sliced cherry tomatoes, bell peppers (capsicum), onions, or olives add both visual appeal and extra flavour. Always slice vegetables thinly so they bake evenly along with the dough. Spread your toppings evenly, but don’t overload the bread—this allows it to cook through properly and gives each piece a taste of both bread and vegetables.

Pro Tip: Want to elevate your Italian baking skills from home? Explore professional baking classes that teach you the science behind soft and fluffy breads like focaccia.

6. Baking to Perfection

Oven Temperature: For focaccia bread, use a preheated oven at 230°C (450°F). The high temperature is important to make the dough rise quickly, producing an airy, soft focaccia bread inside with crispy, golden edges outside. If your oven is not hot enough, the bread may become dense and pale instead of fluffy and nicely browned.

Timing: For a standard recipe, bake focaccia bread for 6–7 minutes in a hot oven. If you are making a larger or thicker focaccia, you may need 15–20 minutes. Always watch carefully towards the end of baking because overcooking can happen fast, especially with higher oven temperatures.

How to Tell When Done: Focaccia is ready when the top develops a golden colour and the bread sounds hollow when gently tapped underneath. If your focaccia bread still looks pale, bake it for 1–2 more minutes and check again. This helps ensure a soft inside and crispy crust.

Don’t Overbake: It’s very important not to overbake focaccia bread. If left too long in the oven, it can become dry and hard, losing its signature soft, fluffy crumb. As soon as it turns golden on top and edges, take it out for the perfect homemade focaccia bread.

7. Serving & Enjoying Focaccia

• As a Side: Focaccia bread, whether plain or topped with herbs, is a wonderful side for soups, stews, dals, or even rice dishes. Its soft, airy texture and subtle flavour make it a great match for both Western and Indian meals, adding variety and a touch of homemade comfort to any dining table.
• Snack or Lunchbox: Homemade focaccia bread is easy to cut into small squares for snacks or lunchboxes. Pair with cheese cubes, chutney, or even a bit of butter for a quick, tasty treat. Its soft texture stays appealing for hours, making it a favourite for school or office tiffins.
• Sandwich Base: Slice the focaccia bread horizontally to use as a sandwich base. Fill with grilled vegetables, cheese, paneer, or even chicken tikka for a delicious fusion sandwich. The bread’s soft interior and flavorful crust hold up well to hearty fillings, making every bite satisfying and unique.
• Party Platter: Make your party platter colourful and inviting by topping focaccia bread with roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or capsicum. Slice into small pieces and serve with dips like hummus, pesto, or herbed butter. Focaccia is always a hit at gatherings because of its versatility and flavor.
• Store Leftovers: Keep leftover focaccia bread fresh by wrapping tightly at room temperature for one to two days. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days; reheat to soften. For long-term storage, freeze slices for up to a month, then thaw and warm before eating for best texture.

8. Troubleshooting Common Focaccia Problems

Dense or Heavy Bread: Focaccia bread can become dense if the dough doesn't ferment enough—always allow it to rise until doubled in size, both times. Using old or expired yeast can also cause heavy bread. Make sure the dough feels stickier and much wetter than regular bread dough; a dry dough cannot produce that signature soft focaccia bread crumb.

Flavour or Texture Issues: If your focaccia bread tastes bland, add enough salt to both the dough and on top. Never skip olive oil—it's crucial for softness and flavor in homemade focaccia bread. Avoid piling too many thick toppings; they can weigh the dough down, making it dense. Thinly slice vegetables and herbs so the focaccia bread rises well and remains airy.

Underbaked or Overbaked: A pale focaccia bread means your oven may not be hot enough, increase the heat or add 1–2 minutes to the baking time for a golden color. If bread turns out dry, reduce baking time, maintain oven temperature, and brush with olive oil after baking to lock in softness and boost the flavor of your herb focaccia bread.

Sticky or Hard to Handle Dough: If your dough feels too sticky, avoid adding too much extra flour, or the final focaccia bread will be tough instead of soft. Instead, use oiled hands for shaping, spreading, and making dimples in the dough. This keeps sticking under control while keeping the dough soft and airy for the perfect homemade focaccia bread result.

9. Tedco’s Expert Tips for Perfect Focaccia

Quality Ingredients: Always choose high-quality flour and extra virgin olive oil for your focaccia bread recipe. Superior ingredients create a noticeably softer, fluffier crumb and enhance the bread’s fragrance. Investing in the best you can find makes a big difference in the texture and taste of your homemade focaccia bread, especially when combined with fresh herbs or garlic.

Don’t Rush: Allow ample time for your dough to rise fully during both proofing stages. Proper fermentation not only develops an airy, light-looking crumb but also deepens flavor. Rushing the rising steps leads to dense focaccia bread, so practice patience for a truly soft, fluffy loaf everyone will enjoy.

More Olive Oil, More Softness: Using generous olive oil, both inside the dough and on top before and after baking, ensures soft focaccia bread every time. The oil traps moisture, enriches flavor, and prevents the crust from turning dry, creating that irresistible tender, pillowy texture that is a hallmark of great focaccia bread recipes.

Best Herbs: Classic Italian focaccia bread uses fresh rosemary and oregano for the fullest aroma and taste. If you have a kitchen garden, freshly cut herbs elevate homemade focaccia bread with their vibrant flavour. Mix and match for variety, but always sprinkle evenly to let each herb shine through in every bite.

Toppings Are Fun, but Less Is More: While toppings like vegetables, cheese, and olives are tasty, don’t overload your focaccia bread. Too many or too thick toppings can prevent the bread from rising well and make the crust heavy. Simple, thinly sliced toppings are ideal for maintaining the signature soft, airy crumb of herb focaccia bread.

Flavorful Garlic Oil: For garlic herb focaccia bread, gently fry chopped garlic in olive oil before brushing it over your dough. This method evenly spreads rich garlic flavour and infuses aroma, creating a more balanced and delicious focaccia bread recipe, ensuring every bite includes a hint of roasted garlic without burning.

Experiment: Don’t hesitate to experiment by sprinkling sesame seeds or chilli flakes over your focaccia bread. These additions lend an Indian flair and appealing crunch or spice, making your homemade focaccia bread unique and tailored to your tastes. Small tweaks keep baking fresh and exciting each time.

Passion Counts: Baking focaccia bread is a journey of practice and improvement. Reviewing each batch, taking notes, and tasting with an open mind help you learn and get better every time. Your passion for bread-baking grows with each try, leading to satisfying, soft focaccia bread and creative new flavors.

Beginners and home bakers alike can create bakery-style focaccia at home by following these simple steps and understanding the dough. If you feel excited to learn advanced techniques and wish for more professional bakery skills, Tedco’s bakery and hobby courses in Delhi NCR are perfect for you. Our chefs make sure you learn by doing, not just by watching.

Conclusion

Baking focaccia bread at home is both fun and rewarding. With simple ingredients—flour, oil, yeast, a pinch of salt, and your favourite herbs—you can create fresh, warm, and aromatic herb focaccia bread in your own kitchen. Follow this soft focaccia bread recipe and use the tips from Tedco chefs for success.

Try making focaccia bread for your family and friends. Use different herbs, vegetables, or even experiment with garlic herb focaccia or focaccia with sweet cherry tomatoes. Homemade focaccia bread adds a special touch to any meal, be it lunch, snack time, or a holiday treat.

If you want to take your passion for baking even further, join Tedco Global Chefs Academy. Our bakery classes, taught by expert mentors, give you hands-on training, recipes, and tips. Enjoy the satisfaction of baking beautiful bread and desserts, and start your journey as a hobby baker or even a professional chef.

FAQs

1. What is focaccia bread?
Focaccia bread is a soft Italian yeast bread known for its fluffy texture, crispy crust, and aromatic herb toppings. Homemade focaccia bread uses olive oil and fresh herbs, making it a flavorful choice for sandwiches or snacks.

2. How do you make soft focaccia bread at home?
To make soft focaccia bread at home, mix flour, yeast, salt, sugar, butter, and water to form a sticky dough. After proofing, spread the dough, top with olive oil and herbs, then bake for a perfect focaccia bread recipe.

3. Which herbs are best for herb focaccia bread?
Herb focaccia bread tastes delicious with fresh rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil. Sprinkle these herbs over the dough with olive oil before baking your homemade focaccia bread for an authentic Italian flavour and aroma.

4. Can I use garlic in the focaccia bread recipe?
Yes, garlic herb focaccia is a tasty variation. Simply add chopped or minced garlic to the dough or mix with olive oil before drizzling on top, creating a flavorful, soft focaccia bread fragrant with herbs and garlic.

5. What type of flour is ideal for focaccia with herbs?
Use all-purpose flour or 00 flour for focaccia with herbs to achieve a soft focaccia bread texture. High-quality flour helps create the traditional airy and fluffy crumb found in homemade focaccia bread recipes.

6. How long does homemade focaccia bread last?
Homemade focaccia bread stays fresh for 1-2 days at room temperature. To maintain soft focaccia bread, wrap it tightly and reheat before serving. Herb focaccia bread also freezes well for longer storage.

7. Why is olive oil important in the focaccia bread recipe?
Olive oil is key in the focaccia bread recipe for creating a soft and moist texture. It enhances the flavor, especially in herb focaccia bread, and helps crisp the crust while keeping the inside fluffy.

8. How can I avoid dense or dry focaccia bread?
To avoid dense focaccia bread, use enough water for a sticky dough and allow proper proofing time. Generously drizzle olive oil and do not overbake. These tips help you achieve a soft focaccia bread at home.

9. What toppings suit a homemade focaccia bread?
For homemade focaccia bread, top with herbs, cherry tomatoes, onions, olives, and garlic. Herb focaccia bread is popular, but feel free to add more favorite vegetables for color and flavor variety in every focaccia bread recipe.

10. Why choose Tedco for learning how to make focaccia bread?
Tedco Global Chefs Academy teaches step-by-step focaccia bread recipe techniques, from soft focaccia bread basics to advanced herb focaccia bread, using hands-on training for anyone wanting to master homemade focaccia bread in India.