Our delightful no-yeast focaccia offers a fresh twist on the classic Italian bread. Made with love and expertise, this yeast-free version boasts a unique texture and a swift baking process. By utilising baking powder, our focaccia retains its characteristic lightness and airy crumb, delivering a distinct flavour that will enchant your palate. Generously seasoned with aromatic herbs, drizzled with rich olive oil, and topped with a sprinkle of sea salt, this focaccia is a delectable treat to satisfy your cravings.
Whether you are catering to dietary restrictions or simply seeking a novel take on this beloved bread, our no-yeast focaccia is a delightful option. Savour the fresh taste of homemade focaccia without yeast and elevate your meals with this quick and easy bread.
Focaccia Recipe Made Without Yeast
Servings: 2
Time: 40min
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
320 grams plain flour, plus extra for kneading
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, chives, or basil, plus extra to garnish)
3 finely chopped garlic cloves
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
120 millilitres water
120 millilitres milk (your preferred type)
Method
Preheat the Oven: Heat the oven to 190°C/170°C fan/gas mark 5. Lightly grease a baking tray (approximately 20cm wide) with olive oil and line it with baking parchment. Tip: A round loose-bottom baking tin can simplify removing the focaccia once baked.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir in the water, milk, and olive oil using a spatula.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about a minute, adding more flour as necessary. The dough should be slightly sticky and somewhat tacky. Tip: This recipe makes the dough easier to handle without yeast, but ample flour is essential during kneading.
Prepare for Baking: Coat your hands with a bit of olive oil and move the kneaded dough to the baking tray. Spread the dough evenly and create shallow indentations across the surface with your fingertips or the end of a wooden spoon handle. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the top, ensuring some settles in the indentations, and sprinkle with additional herbs. Tip: At this stage, you can add extra toppings like sun-dried tomatoes or olives.
Bake: Bake the dough for 20-25 minutes until it turns lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve with a garnish of sea salt and fresh herbs, accompanied by olive oil or garlic aioli for dipping, if desired.
Enjoying Your Delicious Focaccia
Focaccia is an incredibly versatile bread that can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Here are several ideas to inspire you:
Sandwiches: Slice the focaccia horizontally and use it to create delicious sandwiches filled with roasted vegetables, cheese, deli meats, or spreads. The soft yet sturdy texture of the focaccia makes it an excellent choice for holding a variety of fillings, ensuring a satisfying bite each time.
Dipping: Cut the focaccia into strips or cubes and serve with a selection of dips such as hummus, baba ganoush, or marinara sauce. The bread's airy crumb and crispy crust are perfect for soaking up these rich and flavourful dips, making it an ideal starter or snack.
Bruschetta: Toast slices of focaccia and top with a mixture of fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil for a delightful bruschetta appetiser. This classic Italian starter showcases the fresh, vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean and pairs beautifully with the herb-infused focaccia.
Pizza Base: Use focaccia as a base for individual pizzas. Top it with your favourite sauce, cheese, and toppings, then bake until the cheese is melted and bubbling. This creates a quick and easy homemade pizza with a deliciously crisp yet fluffy base.
Panini: Grill sliced focaccia with your chosen fillings in a panini press or pan to create a crispy, satisfying sandwich. The robust texture of focaccia holds up well under the pressure of the grill, ensuring your panini is both crunchy and filled with warm, gooey fillings.
Breakfast or Brunch: Enjoy fresh or toasted focaccia with butter, jam, or cream cheese, or serve it with eggs, smoked salmon, or avocado for a tasty start to your day. The versatility of focaccia means it can be paired with both sweet and savoury toppings, making it a perfect addition to any breakfast or brunch spread.
Tear and Share: Tear off pieces of warm focaccia to serve as part of a bread basket or alongside soups, stews, or pasta dishes. The communal nature of tearing and sharing focaccia makes it a wonderful accompaniment to family meals or dinner parties, fostering a sense of togetherness.
Additional Tips and Variations
To ensure your no-yeast focaccia is a culinary success, consider these additional tips and variations:
Herb Selection: Feel free to experiment with different herbs to flavour your focaccia. While thyme, rosemary, chives, and basil are classic choices, you can also try oregano, sage, or even a blend of your favourite herbs for a unique twist.
Flavour Enhancements: Beyond herbs, you can add other ingredients to the dough to enhance its flavour. Try incorporating finely grated cheese such as Parmesan or Pecorino, chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelised onions for an extra burst of taste.
Gluten-Free Option: This recipe can easily be adapted to be gluten-free by using a suitable gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the consistency of the dough, as gluten-free flours can behave differently from regular flour.
Dairy-Free Alternative: If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with plant-based alternatives such as oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk. The texture and flavour of the focaccia will remain deliciously light and fluffy.
Storage Tips: To keep your focaccia fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, wrap the focaccia tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Reheating: If you have leftover focaccia, reheat it in the oven at a low temperature to regain its crispness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the bread chewy and less enjoyable.
Historical Tidbits on Focaccia
The name "focaccia" is derived from the Latin term "panis focacius," meaning "hearth bread." This form of flatbread was traditionally baked in the coals of a hearth by the Romans. In some regions of Italy, focaccia is known as "pizza bianca," or "white pizza," highlighting its versatile and beloved status in Italian cuisine.
Conclusion
The no-yeast focaccia recipe offers a delightful and speedy alternative to traditional yeast-based breads. Its light, airy texture and rich, herb-infused flavour make it a versatile addition to any meal. Whether you’re using it to create sandwiches, dipping it in sauces, or enjoying it with breakfast, this focaccia is sure to impress. With the added convenience of a quicker preparation time, this no-yeast focaccia is perfect for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or anytime you crave the comforting taste of freshly baked bread.
Remember, the possibilities with focaccia are endless.
Feel free to get creative and experiment with different herbs, toppings, and serving ideas to make this recipe truly your own. Enjoy the delicious taste and texture of this easy homemade no-yeast focaccia, and elevate your culinary creations with this delightful bread.
Looking for more of a challenge? Try our Olive and Rosemary Bread Crown