Rating: 3.69
(92)

Focaccia Genovese

March 27, 2025

Focaccia Genovese is a classic Italian bread known for its crispy exterior, soft interior, and a rich flavor enhanced by olive oil and coarse sea salt. It’s perfect as a side, sandwich base, or enjoyed on its own.

Focaccia Genovese originates from the Liguria region, particularly from the city of Genoa. Known for its soft, airy texture and golden, crispy crust, this focaccia is a true staple of Italian cuisine. Unlike many other types of bread, focaccia Genovese is generously seasoned with olive oil, salt, and fresh rosemary, creating a savory, aromatic flavor that makes it the perfect accompaniment to any meal.

The dough for focaccia Genovese is made from simple ingredients: flour, water, yeast, and salt, but it is the liberal use of high-quality olive oil that truly defines its character. The oil is incorporated into the dough, and then the surface is generously drizzled with more olive oil before baking. This results in a rich, moist crumb with a crisp, golden crust that is both tender and flavorful. The signature topping of rosemary adds a fragrant herbal note, while the salt balances out the richness of the olive oil.

What sets focaccia Genovese apart from other types of focaccia is its depth of flavor, achieved through a careful baking technique that encourages the dough to rise and form deep pockets, perfect for holding the oil and seasoning. The bread is typically baked until it’s golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges, while remaining soft and chewy inside.

Focaccia Genovese can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It’s often served as a side dish with pasta, salads, or soups, or enjoyed on its own as a snack. It also makes an excellent base for sandwiches, especially when filled with meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables. For an even more flavorful twist, some variations include toppings such as olives, onions, or sun-dried tomatoes.

Whether served as a snack, side dish, or main course, focaccia Genovese’s irresistible combination of flavors and textures makes it a beloved part of Italian culinary tradition.

Focaccia Genovese
Focaccia Genovese
3.69 from 92 votes
Focaccia Genovese is a classic Italian bread known for its crispy exterior, soft interior, and a rich flavor enhanced by olive oil and coarse sea salt. It’s perfect as a side, sandwich base, or enjoyed on its own.
Servings 1 people
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
  • 300 ml warm water
  • 7 grams dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 100 ml extra virgin olive oil divided
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt for topping

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in warm water. Let it sit until it becomes frothy, about 10 minutes.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and 50 ml of olive oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
  • Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  • Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F).
  • Punch down the dough and place it on a well-oiled baking sheet. Stretch it out to fit the pan, then dimple the surface with your fingers.
  • Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the dough and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 250mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gCalcium: 1mgIron: 10mg
Calories: 200kcal
Meal Type: Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Bread, focaccia, italian cuisine
Cooking Method: Baked
Time: 30-45 Min
Level: Easy
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar mario.runolfsson says:

    5 stars
    This focaccia turned out AMAZING! So fluffy and flavorful! Will definitely make again. 😊

    1. User avatar wellRespected says:

      3 stars
      Really? I tried the same recipe and mine didn’t fluff up at all… Maybe I messed up the yeast? 🤔

    2. 4 stars
      I’m glad to hear it turned out well! I’ve always been a bit nervous about making focaccia. Any tips for a beginner?

  2. User avatar Ryuu Shenlong says:

    5 stars
    This recipe was super easy to follow! My focaccia turned out perfect and fluffy. Will make again!

  3. User avatar rolland.connelly21 says:

    4 stars
    Low effort, high payoff. The dough is really sticky at first but it smooths out. I’ll definitely make this again.

    1. User avatar rich.landlord says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree—mine was super sticky at first too, but after kneading it turned smooth fast. The olive oil + coarse salt combo is *chef’s kiss*. Definitely saving this one.

    2. User avatar Questular Rontok says:

      3 stars
      I dunno… mine didn’t really smooth out. I baked it at 220°C like the recipe, but the top came out kinda pale and the crumb felt gummy. Maybe I needed more flour? Still tasted okay though.

  4. User avatar boyce.cormier83 says:

    4 stars
    Just made this! But I think I burned it… Oops! Next time will check sooner. 😅

  5. User avatar nicholas.thiel says:

    3 stars
    Recipe is good but my focaccia turned out too salty. I don’t know why.

    1. User avatar darin.kuphal1968 says:

      4 stars
      Maybe you added too much sea salt on top? It’s easy to do that! Try using less next time.

  6. 2 stars
    How is it possible to make bread with just flour and water? I thought you needed more stuff?!

    1. 5 stars
      Bread-making is pretty simple! The large gluten proteins in the flour help to give it structure, and the yeast works to leaven the bread. So no worries, it can be done with just a few ingredients!

  7. User avatar ernie.johns2019 says:

    5 stars
    This is the best focaccia I’ve ever made! So soft and fluffy. Thanks for sharing!

  8. User avatar spencer.koepp72 says:

    5 stars
    Delicious! 💖

    1. User avatar genna.green1964 says:

      3 stars
      Looks good and all but isn’t 220°C a bit too hot? I usually bake bread at 180°C.

    2. User avatar cristen.heathcote says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree! Focaccia is the best! 🍞✨

  9. User avatar lester.stroman says:

    4 stars
    Easiest recipe ever! I just mixed and baked. Totally worth it.

  10. User avatar Dan Hesho says:

    2 stars
    I tried this recipe but my dough didn’t rise. Did I do something wrong?

    1. User avatar jamel.braun91 says:

      4 stars
      Maybe your water was too hot? That can kill the yeast. Try again, it’s worth it!

    2. User avatar rickiestmorty says:

      3 stars
      Sounds like you missed a step or something. Did the yeast really get frothy before you mixed it? That’s important.

  11. 4 stars
    Lol, is this bread or pizza? Either way, I love it!

    1. User avatar alejandro.leannon2003 says:

      4 stars
      Bread is raise, pizza is flat! But really, does it matter? I’m in for that deliciousness!

    2. 5 stars
      Haha, right? It’s like the best of both worlds! Either way, I bet it tastes amazing! 🍞🍕

  12. 3 stars
    Focaccia is easy to make but this one took forever to rise. Maybe too much yeast?

    1. User avatar carmelita.crooks says:

      4 stars
      I had the same issue! Mine took forever to rise too, but I figured it was just the weather. Maybe try with less yeast next time?

  13. User avatar Leto II Atreides says:

    1 star
    Not so great! It was hard as a rock. I followed it step by step!

  14. User avatar arron.hoppe says:

    3 stars
    I didn’t know you had to knead it for so long. Mine turned out too dense. Next time I’ll knead less and see how it goes.

  15. User avatar Dr. Eusebio Conn says:

    5 stars
    Delicious! The olive oil really makes a difference. Can’t stop eating it!

  16. User avatar felisa.kohler says:

    5 stars
    1 word: Delicious.

  17. User avatar Corrupted Shade says:

    5 stars
    Just wow! Perfect side for my pasta dinner. Will definitely make again!

  18. 5 stars
    Absolutely loved this recipe! It turned out perfectly crispy and fluffy. Will make again!

  19. User avatar Thanatos says:

    3 stars
    Can you use whole wheat flour instead? I hope it don’t ruin it…

  20. 2 stars
    I’m probably messing up but mine never got elastic. Also my oven runs hot. Still, it smelled amazing while baking.

    1. 3 stars
      Mine never got elastic either lol. I added more flour and it turned out more like bread bricks. But yeah, smell was still great—maybe that’s all that matters 😅

    2. User avatar bart.purdy1951 says:

      4 stars
      Hmm “elastic” can be tricky—if your oven runs hot, the dough can set up too fast before it fully develops. Also, sounds like you might need a bit more kneading or slightly cooler water next time. Did you wait for full rise (doubled)?

  21. User avatar mohamed.goldner says:

    5 stars
    Wow, it’s mind-blowing! Everyone should try it! So soft and fluffy!

  22. 2 stars
    Hmm. Not great. Seemed too oily and salty for me. 🤷‍♂️

  23. User avatar rich.landlord says:

    3 stars
    I followed the recipe but somehow my dough didn’t rise. What did I do wrong? 🤔

    1. User avatar jesusita.osinski2000 says:

      4 stars
      Maybe your water was too hot? It can kill the yeast if it’s over 40°C. 🙁

  24. 2 stars
    The amount of salt felt a little heavy to me. Next time I’ll do slightly less for the topping—still tasty though.

  25. User avatar jamar.casper1981 says:

    5 stars
    This is just like my grandma used to make! So nostalgic and delicious. Thank you!

  26. User avatar tracy.quitzon1987 says:

    5 stars
    YUM! My family loved it. Can I add cheese on top next time??

  27. 2 stars
    I dunno, I think this recipe was overly complicated. Who has 1 hour to wait? 😒

  28. 5 stars
    I love focaccia! Thumbs up from me. 👌

    1. User avatar angel.hermann1985 says:

      3 stars
      Hmmm, it looks easy, but I’m not sure if mine would turn out like yours. 🤔

    2. User avatar emanuel.turner13 says:

      5 stars
      Focaccia is the best! I always make it for parties, everyone loves it! 😊

  29. User avatar saul.considine says:

    5 stars
    Super easy and fun to make! I added some rosemary and olives on top, and it was amazing. 🌿

  30. User avatar Majin Vegeta says:

    2 stars
    Is it really that simple? I don’t think it’s gonna work for me. Guess I’ll see…

  31. User avatar marian.marquardt says:

    5 stars
    Wow this is the best focaccia I’ve tried! My family can’t get enough of it. Will be making again!

  32. User avatar elana.waters12 says:

    2 stars
    I think the yeast step is wrong? 7 grams for that much flour seems low/high depending on the yeast type. Mine looked frothy but the dough didn’t rise much.

    1. User avatar fredric.rowe says:

      4 stars
      I get what you mean—7g is usually fine for ~500g flour if your yeast is fresh and your water is actually “warm,” but if it wasn’t frothy/active it won’t rise much. How warm was the water?

  33. User avatar aaron.schultz53 says:

    1 star
    Focaccia? More like focaccia-less! Didn’t like it.

  34. User avatar Lonnie Hermann says:

    2 stars
    Focaccia is supposed to be easy. Didn’t this take too long?

  35. 2 stars
    I don’t understand how my dough didn’t rise. I checked my yeast and it’s still good. Did I do somethin wrong?

  36. User avatar beau.hane94 says:

    3 stars
    Not sure about 220°C—my bottom browned fast around 18 minutes. I’d recommend keeping an eye on it and maybe rotating the pan.

  37. User avatar Rhoam Bosphoramus Hyrule says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is really good! My family loved it. Definitely making it again! 🍞

  38. 3 stars
    Mine didn’t get super elastic after kneading (maybe my kneading is weak lol). Still tasted good, though—olive oil flavor is nice and salty.

  39. User avatar milagro.rohan says:

    5 stars
    This focaccia recipe is amazing! So easy to follow and the taste is to die for. I added some rosemary and it was a hit!

  40. 2 stars
    This sounds fancy, but isn’t it just bread? I guess it looks nice tho.

  41. User avatar sha.sporer says:

    2 stars
    I tried making this but it didn’t rise well. Maybe my yeast was old? 😩

  42. User avatar smartestRedditor says:

    5 stars
    So good! I ate half standing over the counter. 10 minutes of kneading is no joke, but it’s worth it.

  43. 5 stars
    Focaccia? More like foco-yeah! I’m a fan!

  44. User avatar jerrod.little51 says:

    3 stars
    Is the yeast really necessary? I was gonna leave it out but decided agains. Came out okay.

    1. User avatar Supreme Kai says:

      4 stars
      Yeast is super important for the rise! It gives the focaccia that fluffy texture. Glad yours turned out okay though!

  45. User avatar mervin.kertzmann2018 says:

    3 stars
    I followed this exactly and it was okay but I’ve had better. Maybe I make better pizza dough instead?

  46. User avatar sandie.brekke15 says:

    4 stars
    I like how straightforward it is. Mine took a bit longer to rise (maybe my kitchen was colder), but the flavor was still great.

  47. User avatar iola.rutherford2013 says:

    5 stars
    This turned out way better than I expected—crispy edges, fluffy inside. The dimple trick really helps. I used a little extra sea salt on top and it was perfect.

  48. User avatar Laverna Homenick II says:

    4 stars
    Took longer than I thought to bake but it was worth it! Yum!

    1. User avatar wallace.gislason34 says:

      2 stars
      I dunno, it seems a bit too complicated for bread. Can’t you just buy it at the store?

    2. User avatar inell.bins36 says:

      5 stars
      That’s great to hear! The longer bake really brings out the flavors. What toppings did you try?

  49. User avatar kari.howe33 says:

    5 stars
    so good. wow.

  50. User avatar leigh.cassin1979 says:

    2 stars
    I don’t understand what’s the point of punching the dough?! My last loaf didn’t raise at all. Ugh.

  51. 3 stars
    Is it really supposed to be that oily? Mine was dripping! Next time, I’ll use less olive oil.

    1. 4 stars
      It might be a bit oily, but that’s part of what makes focaccia delicious! The oil helps in giving it a nice crust and flavor. 🥖

    2. User avatar tanna.adams2004 says:

      3 stars
      Are you sure you followed the recipe right? Sounds like too much oil, try measuring it more accurately next time.

  52. User avatar Falmer Nightprowler says:

    2 stars
    I accidentally used self-rising flour (long story) and it still baked, but the texture was kinda bready. I’ll try again with regular flour like the recipe says.

  53. User avatar elinore.fay6 says:

    5 stars
    Made this today—so easy and the crust came out really golden. The dimples + coarse salt are a game changer!

    1. User avatar ethan.jacobson says:

      5 stars
      Yes! Those dimples really do make it—love the golden crust. 😄 I’ve started adding the coarse salt last second and it stays crunchy.

  54. User avatar kenneth.donnelly17 says:

    3 stars
    You forgot to mention that flour is not always the same in every country. It’s complicated!

  55. User avatar soraya.lemke1984 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is amazing! The focaccia turned out perfect and fluffy. Totally worth it!

  56. 2 stars
    I tried this but it didn’t rise at all. Not sure what went wrong, maybe my yeast was old? Disappointing.

    1. 3 stars
      Maybe you didn’t let it rise long enough? I don’t really trust the yeast thing tbh, but sometimes patience is key. 🤷‍♂️

    2. User avatar magaret.kutch5 says:

      4 stars
      I had the same issue once! The yeast is definitely the culprit. Make sure it’s fresh, otherwise your dough won’t rise. Good luck next time!

  57. User avatar dwayne.lakin1956 says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious! I added some rosemary on top before baking, and it made it even better.

  58. User avatar woodchuck says:

    3 stars
    I love bread but this one was a bit bland for my taste. Needs more seasoning, I think.

  59. User avatar ivan.harris15 says:

    4 stars
    Super easy to follow and oh-so-delicious! Will definitely make it again.

  60. User avatar yuriko.krajcik30 says:

    5 stars
    OMG, wow! Made this for a party and everyone loved it! So crusty and good!

  61. User avatar nicky.hane32 says:

    3 stars
    This isn’t real focaccia. It should have more herbs and flavour. Disappointing.

  62. User avatar ulrike.hessel17 says:

    4 stars
    Simple and delicious, simple to make, even I could do it! Haha! Great!

  63. User avatar Mistral says:

    4 stars
    Pretty straightforward recipe. I was worried 220°C would be too hot but the color came out great. Next time I’ll let it proof a bit longer for an even airier crumb.

  64. 4 stars
    The dough was super sticky at first, but after kneading it became smooth like the recipe said. I’d totally make it again.

  65. User avatar rebeca.reichert98 says:

    3 stars
    I followed the steps exactly but didn’t get much froth from the yeast. Turned out edible, just less airy than I hoped. Could be my yeast.

3.69 from 92 votes
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