Name: Focaccia Bread Art Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 ounces warm water (110ºF) divided into two bowls (2 cups); 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar; 7 grams active dry yeast (2 1/2 teaspoons); 24 ounces bread flour or all-purpose flour (5 cups spooned and leveled); 1 teaspoon salt; 2 ounces olive oil (1/4 cup); 4 ounces olive oil for pan and drizzling (1/2 cup); 1 Tablespoon flakey salt; 2 Tablespoons fresh rosemary (chopped); Vegetables, herbs, and meats for topping (as desired)

Print Recipe· 3.9 from 2 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your bread baking into a work of art, this Focaccia Bread Art Recipe is your golden ticket. Focaccia is already beloved for its pillowy texture and olive oil richness, but here, it becomes a canvas to craft edible masterpieces with fresh herbs, vegetables, and meats. Not only does this recipe deliver a delicious focaccia base, it invites you to get creative and personalize your bread with beautiful, eye-catching designs that are as enticing to look at as they are to eat. Whether you’re baking to impress guests or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this recipe blends art and flavor in the most delightful way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large rectangular metal tray is filled with an even layer of light beige dough that has a slightly glossy surface with small dimples throughout. On top of the dough, thin bright green chive stems are arranged diagonally near one corner, adding a touch of color. The dough is dotted with small spots of golden liquid, likely olive oil, scattered randomly across the top. The tray sits on a white marbled surface with some blurred colorful vegetables and herbs in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, high-quality ingredients is the first step to a memorable focaccia experience. Each plays a crucial role in achieving the right texture, flavor, and visual appeal for your bread art.

16 ounces warm water (110ºF): The perfect temperature to activate your yeast without killing it.
1 Tablespoon granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast for a lovely rise and slight sweetness.
7 grams active dry yeast (2 1/2 teaspoons): The magic behind your dough’s airy texture.
2 ounces olive oil (1/4 cup): Adds moisture and a subtle fruity undertone to the dough.
1 teaspoon salt: Balances flavor and strengthens the gluten structure.
1 Tablespoon flakey salt: Sprinkled on top for irresistible crunch and bursts of flavor.
24 ounces bread flour or all-purpose flour (5 cups): Provides the foundation for chewy, tender focaccia.
4 ounces olive oil (1/2 cup): For drizzling on the pan and over the bread, ensuring a golden crust.
2 Tablespoons fresh rosemary (chopped): Offers aromatic earthiness and visual interest.
Vegetables, herbs, and meats for topping: Your palette for designing edible art, from colorful cherry tomatoes to delicate basil leaves and savory olives.

How to Make Focaccia Bread Art Recipe

Step 1: Proof the Yeast

Start by combining half of your warm water with the sugar and active dry yeast. Stir just until blended, then let it rest for about 5 minutes or until it becomes foamy. This foamy head is your sign that the yeast is active and ready to do its job.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Pour the yeast mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer equipped with a dough hook. Add about one cup of flour and mix on low speed to combine. Next, add the remaining water, olive oil, salt, and half of the remaining flour. Keep mixing on low until the dough begins to come together. Gradually add more flour while mixing until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl but remains soft and elastic.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Continue mixing until the dough develops some gluten strength. You can test this by gently poking the dough — it should bounce back. If needed, finish kneading by hand on a floured surface for a couple of minutes. This step ensures that your focaccia will have that signature chewy bite.

Step 4: First Rise

Lightly oil a large bowl and place your dough inside. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, usually 1 to 2 hours. This patient rise is where the dough builds flavor and gets ready for artistry.

Step 5: Shape Your Canvas

Oil a 12 by 17-inch baking sheet generously. With oiled hands, gently transfer the dough onto the pan. This dough can be a bit lively and will shrink back if you stretch too much at once—walking away for 15 minutes can help relax the gluten. Once you’ve stretched the dough to roughly fit your pan, cover and refrigerate overnight to develop deeper flavor.

Step 6: Decorate Your Focaccia Bread Art Recipe

Remove the dough from the fridge and allow it to warm up for about 30 minutes. Use your fingers to dimple the surface, creating little wells that will hold the olive oil. Drizzle liberally with olive oil, sprinkle flakey salt, and then the exciting part begins—decorating! Arrange your vegetables, herbs, and meats however you like, crafting patterns and designs that make your focaccia truly one of a kind. Brush the toppings lightly with olive oil to prevent burning during baking.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop your decorated focaccia into a preheated 450ºF oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when your bread turns golden and your toppings emit irresistible aromas. Let it cool slightly before slicing to preserve your beautiful design.

How to Serve Focaccia Bread Art Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of sea salt or a few fresh herb leaves right before serving adds brightness and enhances the already complex flavors of your bread art creation. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil can also elevate each bite.

Side Dishes

This beautifully decorated focaccia pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Think fresh salads, steaming bowls of soup, or even a hearty charcuterie board. Its airy texture and flavorful crust complement both simple and elaborate meals alike.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving focaccia as an appetizer? Consider cutting it into shapes or strips and presenting it on a wooden board with small bowls of dips like pesto, hummus, or olive tapenade. For brunch, stack slices with fresh mozzarella and tomatoes to create stunning sandwiches. The visual appeal of your bread art will make any presentation feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover focaccia wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will keep well at room temperature for up to two days, though the toppings might lose some freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze focaccia by wrapping it securely in foil and then placing it in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to one month. To thaw, leave it overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

To revive the focaccia’s delightful chewiness, reheat it in a 350ºF oven for 5 to 10 minutes. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven texture and warms up the toppings.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Absolutely! While bread flour provides more gluten for chewiness, all-purpose flour works just fine for a soft, tender focaccia. Just be mindful that the texture might be a little less doughy and a bit lighter.

What toppings work best for the Focaccia Bread Art Recipe?

Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and basil, colorful vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced onions, and olives all work wonderfully. For meat lovers, thin prosciutto or salami slices add savory depth. The key is balancing aesthetics with flavor.

Do I have to refrigerate the dough overnight?

If you’re short on time, you can bake after the first rise but skipping the overnight rest means missing out on some of the flavor complexity that developing slowly in the fridge creates.

How do I prevent my toppings from burning?

Brushing toppings with olive oil before baking helps protect them from drying out and charring prematurely, keeping everything tender and delicious.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

This classic recipe relies on gluten for structure, so it’s not suitable as-is for gluten-free diets. However, experimenting with gluten-free flour blends and xanthan gum can sometimes yield good results with adjustments.

Final Thoughts

Baking focaccia is a joyous process, and this Focaccia Bread Art Recipe adds an extra layer of fun and creativity to your kitchen adventures. It’s perfect for those moments when you want your food to delight your eyes before it even touches your taste buds. Give it a try, make it your own, and enjoy the smiles that come with sharing this beautiful, delicious bread with everyone around you.