Vegetarian Focaccia Recipe: Easy, Flavorful, and Fresh

Focaccia is an Italian classic loved for its fluffy texture, crispy golden crust, and the delightful aroma of olive oil and herbs. This vegetarian focaccia recipe takes the traditional bread to a new level by incorporating fresh vegetables and vibrant flavors, making it perfect as a snack, appetizer, or alongside your favorite meal.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner looking to try your hand at homemade bread, this recipe is approachable, enjoyable, and delivers impressive results every time.

Imagine biting into a warm slice with pockets of air, sprinkled with rosemary and topped with sun-ripened cherry tomatoes and olives. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a wholesome bread that’s both comforting and packed with wholesome ingredients.

Plus, it’s completely customizable, so you can add your favorite veggies or herbs to suit your taste. Let’s dive into this easy, delicious vegetarian focaccia recipe that will soon become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian focaccia recipe is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it uses simple pantry staples and fresh, vibrant vegetables to create a visually stunning and delicious bread.

The dough is soft and airy thanks to proper yeast fermentation, and the olive oil drizzle ensures a crisp, flavorful crust that melts in your mouth.

It’s incredibly versatile — you can top it with anything from cherry tomatoes and olives to caramelized onions and fresh herbs. Not to mention, it’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to fancy gatherings.

Plus, making focaccia from scratch is easier than you might think, especially with our step-by-step instructions that guarantee success.

If you love baking, be sure to check out our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves for more bread inspiration!

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or ½ tsp dried rosemary)
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup pitted black olives, sliced
• Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or dough hook attachment for mixer
• 9×13 inch baking pan or equivalent
• Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
• Oven
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water, stir gently, and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together.
3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6-7 minutes.
4. First rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough inside, and cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
5. Prepare the pan: Drizzle some olive oil into the baking pan and spread it evenly. Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to the pan. Gently stretch and press the dough to fill the pan evenly.
6. Second rise: Cover the dough again and let it rise for another 30-40 minutes until puffy.
7. Add toppings: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Use your fingers to dimple the dough all over. Drizzle the remaining olive oil on top. Scatter the cherry tomatoes, olives, and rosemary evenly. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
8. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the focaccia is golden brown and cooked through.
9. Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

For the fluffiest focaccia, make sure your yeast is fresh and your water temperature is just right — not too hot to kill the yeast, not too cold to slow fermentation.

You can customize your focaccia by adding different toppings such as caramelized onions, roasted garlic cloves, sliced bell peppers, or artichoke hearts. Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil for varied flavor profiles.

If you want a cheesy twist, sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or Parmesan just before baking. For a vegan option, omit the cheese and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor boost.

To save time, prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the fridge overnight. This slow fermentation enhances flavor and texture.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Focaccia is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with many dishes. Serve it as a side with your favorite soup or salad for a light meal.

It’s also fantastic as a base for sandwiches — simply slice horizontally and fill with fresh vegetables, cheeses, or spreads.

Try it alongside a hearty vegetarian pasta dish or with a bowl of classic tomato soup for a comforting combo. If you want more inspiration, check out our Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners or explore Vegetarian Middle Eastern Recipes for Easy, Flavorful Meals for complementary dishes that elevate your focaccia experience.

Conclusion

This vegetarian focaccia recipe is a wonderful addition to your home baking repertoire, combining simplicity and deliciousness in every bite. The light, airy crumb and crisp, flavorful crust make it a perfect bread for any time of day.

From a casual snack with olive oil dip to a complement to a sophisticated meal, this focaccia fits seamlessly into any occasion.

With easy-to-follow steps and flexible topping options, you can make this recipe your own and impress family and friends alike. Don’t forget to experiment with different herbs and vegetables to keep your focaccia fresh and exciting each time you bake.

For more fantastic vegetarian recipes, visit our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or try a sweet finish with our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

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