Old World Italian Focaccia

Easy Tips for Perfect Italian Bread

I’ll never forget the first time I had real Italian focaccia. Not the kind you find shrink-wrapped at the grocery store, but the real deal—warm from the oven, golden, crisp-edged, and pillowy soft inside. It was in a small village bakery in Liguria, where the air smelled of olive oil and fresh herbs.

The baker, an old friend of my uncle’s, handed me a piece straight from the pan and said, “Good focaccia is simple—just respect the flour and the hands that shape it.”

That lesson stuck with me. And today, I’m passing it on to you.

This recipe is for anyone who wants to bake a true Old World focaccia without stress. You don’t need fancy techniques or years of experience, just quality ingredients, the right flour, and a little patience. We’ll be using Early Bird Farm’s Iraqi Durum Wheat Flour, which gives the bread that authentic chewy texture and deep, nutty flavor.

With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll be able to bake focaccia that tastes like it came straight from an Italian forno.

Whether you’re dipping it in olive oil, using it for sandwiches, or just eating it warm from the oven, this bread will bring a little piece of Italy into your home.

As famous chef Lidia Bastianich once said: “Bread is everything—it’s warmth, it’s love, it’s tradition.”

Let’s get baking!

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups Early Bird Farm’s Iraqi Durum Wheat Flour
• 1 cup lukewarm water
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp raw sugar
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• 1 tsp sea salt

For Topping:

• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 9 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 pinch dried basil
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Sprinkle of sea salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Slowly add lukewarm water and olive oil, stirring until a rough dough forms.

2. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

3. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 40-60 minutes, or until doubled in size.

4. Shape the Dough: Gently punch down the risen dough, then roll it out into an 8” x 10” rectangle. Transfer to an oiled baking sheet.

5. Prepare the Toppings: Use your fingers to create dimples across the dough’s surface. Drizzle olive oil over the top, then evenly sprinkle garlic, rosemary, basil, black pepper, and sea salt.

6. Second Rise: Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise again for another 30-45 minutes in a warm place.

7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the focaccia for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

8. Cool & Enjoy: Let it cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Focaccia

• Use Quality Olive Oil: The better the oil, the richer the flavor. Look for extra virgin olive oil with a fruity, peppery taste.
• Let the Dough Rest: The second rise is crucial for developing flavor and texture. Don’t rush it!
• Create Deep Dimples: Use your fingers to create deep indentations—this helps trap pockets of oil and seasoning for that signature taste.
• Customize the Toppings: Try adding sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, or olives for a personalized twist.
• Store It Right: Focaccia is best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat in the oven for a crisp finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baking focaccia is about more than just making bread—it’s about embracing tradition, slowing down, and savoring the process. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create a loaf that tastes like it came straight from an Italian bakery.

Now it’s your turn!

Try this recipe and share your results with us. Tag #EarlyBirdFarm on Instagram and let us see your beautiful, golden focaccia.

Nothing makes us happier than seeing people bring the joy of baking into their homes.

Happy baking!

Authentic Old World Italian Focaccia

Indulge in a delicious and authentic Focaccia recipe guaranteed to delight your taste buds.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2 hours hrs

Course Side Dish

Servings 1 loaf

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 cup lukewarm water
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp raw sugar
• 2 1/4 cups Senatore Cappelli Wheat Flour OR Frassinetto Wheat Flour
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• 1 tsp sea salt

Topping

• 2 cloves garlic chopped
• 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 9 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 grinding black pepper
• 1 pinch dried basil
• sprinkle sea salt

Instructions

 

• Mix all the dry ingredients together. Add the water and mix.
• Add the olive oil and mix to form a soft dough. Knead for about ten minutes on a floured surface. 
• Return the dough into the lightly floured mixing bowl and cover with lid. Leave to proof in a warm place for 40 – 60 minutes or until doubled in size.
• Remove it and knock back on a floured surface and roll out to an 8" x10" oblong.
• Place on an oiled baking sheet.
• Make 9 holes in the dough with your finger (see photo) and place a sprig of rosemary in each hole.
  
• Sprinkle on the garlic and brush on the olive oil.
• Add the black pepper and basil.
• Then cover with plastic wrap and leave to rise again, at a warmish temperature, for 30-45 minutes. 
• Bake in a pre-heated oven at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes.
• Sprinkle on sea salt.
• Let cool on wire rack for 10 minutes or so.
• Enjoy!

Notes

Experience the timeless allure of Authentic Old World Italian Focaccia, a culinary masterpiece that pays homage to heritage grains and the art of artisanal baking. This classic recipe seamlessly weaves the rich history of whole wheat, as you are invited to use our locally grown Alpowa soft white wheat and heritage Iraqi durum wheat, sourced from nearby fields and ground here at our local flour mill. The result is a golden-brown, airy focaccia that boasts a delicate balance of flavors – a symphony of ancient grains meeting the present day. Elevate your senses with each tender bite, savoring the marriage of tradition and locality in this delectable creation. Enjoy!

Keyword Bread, Italian

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