If there’s one thing I could bake every week without ever getting bored, it’s focaccia bread.
It’s soft, golden, slightly chewy, and covered with olive oil that makes the edges crisp just right.
The best part? You can turn focaccia into anything — from a herby classic to something loaded with cheese, tomatoes, or even sweet fruits.
I started baking focaccia on a lazy Sunday, thinking it’d be tricky. But it’s surprisingly simple.
And once I got that first warm bite — crunchy top, fluffy inside — I was hooked. Today, I’m sharing 16 of my favorite focaccia recipes that you’ll love baking at home.
Some are cozy and classic, others are fun and creative — all are downright delicious.
1. Classic Rosemary and Sea Salt Focaccia
Let’s start with the one that started it all — the classic rosemary focaccia. It’s simple but tastes like magic. You only need flour, yeast, olive oil, salt, and fresh rosemary. The trick? Let the dough rise long enough so it turns light and fluffy. Then drizzle it with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle flaky sea salt before baking. The smell alone will make your kitchen feel like a bakery in Italy.
2. Garlic and Herb Focaccia
If you’re like me and think garlic makes everything better, this one’s for you. Mix minced garlic, thyme, and oregano into your dough, or brush it on top before baking. When it comes out, it’s soft, buttery, and filled with flavor in every bite. Pair it with soup, pasta, or just enjoy it warm with a dip of olive oil — perfection.
3. Tomato Basil Focaccia
This one’s like summer on a baking tray. Press cherry tomatoes into your dough, drizzle with olive oil, and add fresh basil leaves before baking. The tomatoes burst as they bake, giving a sweet and tangy flavor that balances beautifully with the bread’s saltiness. It’s simple, colorful, and a total crowd-pleaser.
4. Caramelized Onion Focaccia
This is comfort food in bread form. Slowly caramelize onions until golden brown and sweet, then spread them over your focaccia dough. Add a touch of balsamic vinegar if you want a deeper flavor. When baked, the onions melt into the bread, making it soft, rich, and deeply savory. Perfect for cozy dinners.
5. Cheesy Parmesan Focaccia
Who doesn’t love cheese? Mix shredded parmesan into the dough and sprinkle more on top before baking. The cheese melts into golden, crispy pockets that add a nutty, salty flavor. It’s one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making “just one more time.”
6. Olive and Sun-Dried Tomato Focaccia
This focaccia tastes like a trip to the Mediterranean. Add chopped olives and sun-dried tomatoes into your dough or press them gently on top before baking. The salty olives and tangy tomatoes blend beautifully, especially when you finish it off with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of oregano.
7. Jalapeño Cheddar Focaccia
If you like a little kick, this one’s going to be your favorite. Add thinly sliced jalapeños and shredded cheddar cheese to your dough. The cheese gives that melty goodness, while the jalapeños bring a spicy surprise. It’s great served with chili or soup.
8. Potato and Rosemary Focaccia
This one’s traditional in parts of Italy. Thinly slice potatoes and layer them on top of your focaccia before baking. Add rosemary, salt, and olive oil. The potatoes turn golden and crispy while the inside stays soft — it’s hearty and satisfying.
9. Grape and Honey Focaccia
Here’s a sweet twist that totally works. Scatter halved grapes on your dough, drizzle honey, and bake. The grapes caramelize slightly, and the sweetness balances perfectly with the salty, olive oil-rich bread. Try it for brunch or as a dessert-style focaccia.
10. Roasted Garlic Focaccia
For garlic lovers, roasted garlic is a game changer. Roast a whole bulb until it’s soft and golden, then mash the cloves into your dough. It gives the bread a sweet, mellow garlic flavor that’s simply addictive. You’ll never look at garlic bread the same way again.
11. Pesto Focaccia
I remember the first time I tried pesto focaccia — it disappeared in 10 minutes. Spread basil pesto over the dough before baking, and it seeps into the dimples, infusing every bite with herby, cheesy flavor. Bonus tip: sprinkle a little mozzarella on top if you’re feeling fancy.
12. Everything Bagel Focaccia
Why choose between bagels and focaccia when you can have both? Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning — sesame seeds, garlic, onion, poppy seeds, salt — over the top before baking. It’s crunchy, savory, and perfect for breakfast sandwiches or dipping.
13. Cherry Tomato and Feta Focaccia
This combo is unbeatable. Scatter cherry tomatoes and crumbled feta over the dough, drizzle with olive oil, and bake until golden. The feta melts into creamy spots, while the tomatoes add juicy bursts. It’s simple, fresh, and totally addictive.
14. Lemon and Thyme Focaccia
This version feels light and bright. Add lemon zest and fresh thyme to your dough or sprinkle them on top. The citrus and herbs make it taste fresh and elegant. It pairs beautifully with seafood dishes or a summer salad.
15. Mushroom and Truffle Oil Focaccia
Okay, this one’s for when you want to impress. Sauté mushrooms in butter and garlic, then spread them over your dough. After baking, drizzle a touch of truffle oil for that fancy restaurant vibe. It’s earthy, rich, and insanely good.
16. Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Focaccia
Yes, focaccia can be dessert too! Brush the top with melted butter, sprinkle cinnamon sugar, and bake until golden. It comes out crispy on top, soft inside, and just sweet enough. Add a drizzle of honey or glaze if you want to take it up a notch.
FAQs About Focaccia Bread
Q1. What makes focaccia different from regular bread?
Focaccia has more olive oil and a softer, more open crumb than regular bread. It’s also usually pressed with dimples and baked flat instead of as a loaf.
Q2. Can I make focaccia without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! Mix the dough by hand — it’s actually quite relaxing. Just stretch and fold the dough a few times as it rises to build structure.
Q3. How do I store focaccia bread?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze it and reheat in the oven before serving.
Q4. Can I make focaccia gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free flour blend and follow the same steps. The texture will be a bit different, but still tasty.
Q5. Why do we dimple the dough?
Those little dimples help trap olive oil and toppings, giving focaccia its signature texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Focaccia is one of those breads that feels fancy but is actually simple. You can make it plain, dress it up, or even make it sweet. Every version has its own charm. Once you start experimenting, you’ll find your own favorite — maybe even invent your own topping combo.
So, grab your olive oil, flour, and that baking tray — because once you taste warm, homemade focaccia fresh from the oven, there’s no going back.
