Fresh from the Oven: My Same Day Focaccia Bread Adventure

Some recipes call to you. They don’t just whisper from the pages of a cookbook — they practically wave their arms and shout, “Make me today!” That’s exactly how I felt when I stumbled on a same-day focaccia recipe.

I’ve made bread before, but focaccia has a personality all its own. It’s rustic yet elegant, simple yet endlessly adaptable. And with the promise of enjoying it the same day, I was all in.

Mix, Stretch, Fold, & Proof …

The dough came together quickly — flour, yeast, salt, water, and of course, a generous glug of olive oil. I tucked it under a tea towel and let it rise, filling the kitchen with that quiet anticipation only bakers know.

When the dough had proofed, I pressed it gently into a pan, dimpling it with my fingertips. I topped this one with fresh rosemary and a sprinkle of sea salt, but the possibilities really are endless — think roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, or even a dusting of Parmesan.

The Magic of the Bake

There’s a moment when baking bread where the whole house turns into a little bakery. The rosemary’s aroma mingled with the yeasty warmth, and before I knew it, the golden crust was ready to come out of the oven.

A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil while it was still warm made the edges glisten. The first bite? Crispy on the outside, pillowy in the middle, with that unmistakable hit of rosemary and sea salt.

Endless Possibilities

The beauty of focaccia is how it plays well with others — it’s as happy on the side of a pasta dinner, as it is sliced for sandwiches, or served with a simple dish of olive oil and balsamic for dipping. And with how easy this same-day recipe is, I know it’s going to be making regular appearances in my kitchen.

Why You Should Try It

If you’ve been hesitant to bake bread, focaccia is your perfect gateway loaf. It’s forgiving, delicious, and a little therapeutic (all that dough-dimpling is surprisingly satisfying).

Just be warned — once you taste your own homemade focaccia, store-bought will never quite measure up.

Same-Day Rosemary & Sea Salt Focaccia

Lacey Ostermann's Same-Day Focaccia is a beginner-friendly recipe that delivers a beautifully airy, golden-crusted bread in just a few hours. It's perfect for those who want to enjoy homemade focaccia without the lengthy fermentation process.

🥖 Ingredients:

• 500g (4 cups) white bread flour (12% protein or higher)

• 390–420ml (1 ⅔–1 ¾ cups) warm water (40–43°C / 105–110°F)

• 6g (1½ tsp) instant yeast

• 5g (1 tsp) honey, sugar, or agave

• 10g (2 tsp) fine sea salt

• 60ml (4 tbsp) extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

• Flaky sea salt for topping

• Optional toppings: rosemary, olives, onions, cheese, etc.

  
  

🧑‍🍳 Method:

1. Mix & Rest: In a large bowl, whisk together warm water, yeast, honey, and 15ml olive oil. Add flour and salt; mix until no dry patches remain. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes.

2. Stretch & Fold: Perform a series of stretch and folds around the dough to build gluten strength. Cover and rest for another 15 minutes, then repeat the stretch and fold.

3. First Proof: Cover the bowl and let the dough proof at room temperature for 1–1½ hours, until puffy and nearly doubled in size.

4. Prepare Tray: Line a 23×33 cm (9×13 in) metal baking tray with parchment paper and coat with 45ml olive oil.

5. Shape & Second Proof: Transfer the dough to the tray, fold it into thirds like a letter, flip it seam-side down, and gently stretch to fill the tray. Cover and proof for another 1–1½ hours.

6. Dimple & Top: Preheat oven to 220°C (430°F). Drizzle dough with olive oil, dimple using oiled fingers, add flaky sea salt and desired toppings.

7. Bake: Bake on the lowest oven rack for 18–25 minutes, until golden brown.

8. Cool & Serve: Let cool in the tray for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Cool for at least 15–20 minutes before slicing.

   
   

For a visual guide, Lacey has shared a tutorial on Instagram.

This recipe is featured in her cookbook 3 Doughs, 60 Recipes, which offers a variety of creative uses for basic doughs. 

For a sweet variation, consider trying Lacey's Brown Butter Cinnamon Roll Focaccia, which uses this same-day dough as its base. 

Enjoy your baking!