Focaccia is a classic Italian flatbread known for its crisp, golden crust and soft, fluffy interior. It’s typically made with basic ingredients like flour, water, yeast, olive oil, and salt—but we’ve created a shortcut here to make it even easier!
Flavors & Texture
Focaccia has a rich, slightly chewy texture with a crisp, olive oil-infused crust. Its signature dimpled texture is created by pressing into the dough with your fingertips (hoo hoo!) before baking. The flavor is rich and savory, thanks to olive oil and flaky salt, but you can also amp up the flavor with herbs like rosemary, garlic, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese—whatever you have on hand!
When Is Focaccia Served?
Focaccia is super versatile—it can be served as an appetizer, a side for soups and salads, or even used as sandwich bread. It’s a staple for Italian meals, perfect for dipping into olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Whether served at a cozy family dinner or as part of a party spread, focaccia is always a crowd-pleaser.
How to Make Shortcut Focaccia
To make things extra easy, we use Pillsbury™ Original French Bread for this recipe, so there’s no fussy mixing or kneading, and the whole thing comes together in less than an hour.
Prep the Dough
Heat your oven to 400°F and coat the bottom and sides of a 13x9 ceramic or glass baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking. Unroll one French bread dough and press it into the pan. Then, unroll the second French bread dough and stretch it over the first layer, pinching the edges together to seal.
Let It Rise
Drizzle the dough with olive oil, then press your fingertips firmly into the dough to create the bread’s signature “dimples.” Let it rise and come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Bake
Dimple the dough again and drizzle with a little more olive oil. Then, into the oven it goes! Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.
Finish & Serve
As soon as it comes out of the oven, sprinkle with flaky salt. Slice and enjoy the bread warm. See the full details of this irresistibly easy take on focaccia below!
Storing and Reheating Focaccia
The best way to eat focaccia is when it’s warm. To keep it fresh after baking, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The best way to reheat it is in a toaster oven at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore its crisp edges—or, you can warm it in a regular oven at 350°F for about 3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
We recommend baking your Shortcut Focaccia in a ceramic or glass baking dish—because this type of pan is more insulated, it produces a fluffier and softer focaccia that’s most like traditional focaccia. However, if you only have a metal pan, it will still work! All the prep steps will be the same and you can bake it at the same temperature, but you’ll want to bake it for 5-7 minutes less than recommended for a glass or ceramic dish. Because a metal dish is less insulated, it will produce a crispier, slightly darker, less fluffy Shortcut Focaccia—but it will still be delicious!
Focaccia is so easy to customize and switch up the flavors. Before baking, try pressing fresh rosemary, thyme, or thinly sliced vegetables into the dough, or add sun-dried tomatoes for a rich, savory twist. Immediately after baking, finish with flaky salt, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of chili oil, sesame oil, or honey. Experiment with different toppings to make it your own!
With its crisp edges and airy texture, focaccia makes the perfect base for sandwiches. Try fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for a Caprese-style sandwich, or go bold with prosciutto, arugula, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. For a heartier sandwich, layer Italian grinder-style meats like salami, capicola, and mortadella, then add provolone, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of oil and vinegar—or for a flavorful vegetarian option, stack it with grilled vegetables and our easy Hummus.
TIP FROM THEDoughboy
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If you’re in a hurry, you don’t need to let the dough come to room temp before baking. It won’t rise as much, but it will be just as tasty!
Shortcut Focaccia
- Prep Time 5 min
- Total 55 min
- Ingredients 4
- Servings 6
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 cans (11 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Original French Bread
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin oil
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt, plus more to taste
Instructions
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Step1
Heat oven to 400°F and place an oven rack in the center of the oven.
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Step2
Pour 1/4 cup of the olive oil into a 13x9-inch ceramic or glass baking dish and shake the dish to make sure the oil coats the bottom and sides.
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Step3
Unroll 1 French bread dough and place it in the prepared dish, and using your finger tips, press the dough to the edges of the pan. Unroll and place the second French bread dough on top, stretching it to cover the bottom dough. Pinch the sides of the dough together.
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Step4
Drizzle the dough with 1/4 cup of the olive oil. Dimple the dough with your fingers by spreading your fingers and pressing them firmly into the dough. Set aside and let it come up to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
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Step5
Dimple the dough again, and drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
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Step6
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Step7
Immediately sprinkle with the flaky salt. Slice and enjoy warmed.
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Nutrition
Recipe Tips
