Homemade Tomato Basil Focaccia Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate bread to wow your friends and satisfy every carb craving, look no further than Homemade Tomato Basil Focaccia. Imagine tearing into a thick, crispy-edged slab of golden bread, its pillowy inside studded with sweet bursts of roasted cherry tomatoes, aromatic basil, and caramelized shallots, all soaking up just the right touch of olive oil. With its rustic Italian charm and impossibly flavorful crust, this focaccia is the showstopper your baking dreams have been waiting for.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every great Homemade Tomato Basil Focaccia starts with a short list of fresh, honest ingredients that work their magic together. Each component adds a layer of taste, tenderness, or color, transforming a simple dough into a scene-stealing bake you’ll crave again and again.

• All-purpose flour: The sturdy, neutral base that gives the focaccia its classic chewy yet airy structure.
• Salt: Don’t skip this! Salt balances flavors and highlights the subtle sweetness of roasted tomatoes and shallots.
• Active dry yeast: Key for the bread’s heavenly rise and signature pillowy texture.
• Warm water: Activates the yeast and brings the dough together for the perfect hydration and crumb.
• Olive oil: The heart of any focaccia, it ensures a crisp crust and deep, savory flavor inside and out.
• Cherry tomatoes: These sweet little gems roast beautifully on top, adding juicy pops of tartness to every bite.
• Shallot: Sliced thin, shallots caramelize as they bake, infusing your focaccia with a subtle, sweet savoriness.
• Fresh basil leaves: Torn rather than chopped for big flavor and fresh, beautiful flecks of green.
• Flaky sea salt: A sprinkle brings crunch and elevates every ingredient to its tastiest potential.
• Crushed red pepper (optional): If you love a little heat, this adds a hint of zing with each bite.

How to Make Homemade Tomato Basil Focaccia

Step 1: Mix the Dough

Begin in a large bowl by combining the flour, salt, and yeast. Stir in the warm water and olive oil, working everything together until you’ve got a sticky, shaggy dough. Don’t worry if it seems rustic or uneven—this hands-off method is part of the magic that gives Homemade Tomato Basil Focaccia its unique texture.

Step 2: Let It Rise Overnight

Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for 8–12 hours. The overnight rise is where the alchemy happens! As it sits, the yeast works slowly, coaxing out incredible depth, airy bubbles, and unbeatable flavor with zero effort from you.

Step 3: Prep the Pan and Second Rise

Generously oil a 9×13-inch pan—don’t be shy here! This extra layer of olive oil is the secret to that signature golden crust. Transfer your dough into the pan, gently stretch it to reach the corners, then cover again and allow it to rise for 1–2 more hours until it’s doubled in height and marvelously bubbly.

Step 4: Top and Dimple

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Drizzle a little more olive oil over the dough. Now, the fun part: using your fingertips, dimple the surface all over. This not only creates the focaccia’s iconic bumpy look but also helps hold all the toppings. Arrange the cherry tomato halves, sliced shallots, and torn basil leaves across the top, then add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and optional red pepper flakes if you’re feeling bold.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. Watch as Homemade Tomato Basil Focaccia transforms in front of your eyes—edges turn crisp and caramelized, the center puffs up, and the aroma will make your kitchen smell like an Italian bakery. Let it cool slightly before you slice in—you’re almost there!

How to Serve Homemade Tomato Basil Focaccia

Garnishes

Right before serving, dress up your Homemade Tomato Basil Focaccia with a final sprinkle of flaky sea salt and maybe a few extra torn basil leaves. A subtle drizzle of high-quality olive oil gives the bread extra shine and draws out every fresh, savory note.

Side Dishes

This focaccia is the perfect partner for any Mediterranean-inspired meal. Serve wedges alongside a crisp green salad, a comforting bowl of soup, or use it to mop up homemade pasta sauces. It even makes an out-of-this-world sandwich base when split and filled with roasted vegetables or cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

For a wow-worthy appetizer spread, cut your focaccia into cubes, skewer with mozzarella and more tomatoes, or serve as dipping sticks with olive oil and balsamic. Homemade Tomato Basil Focaccia also makes an impressive edible centerpiece for picnics, brunches, or any rustic table setting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Homemade Tomato Basil Focaccia, wrap slices in foil or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The crust may soften a bit but the flavor stays gorgeous.

Freezing

Want to bake ahead? Let the focaccia cool completely, then wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic and foil. It keeps beautifully in the freezer for up to two months. This way, you can always have a little Italian sunshine on hand when the craving hits.

Reheating

To bring your focaccia back to life, warm the slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–10 minutes. This refreshes the crust, revives the tomatoes and shallots, and makes the whole thing taste oven-fresh once again.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Absolutely! Instant yeast works just as well—use the same amount and follow the directions as written, no need to alter the rise times.

Do I have to let it rise overnight, or can I speed up the process?

The overnight rise gives Homemade Tomato Basil Focaccia its deep flavor and signature texture, but if you’re short on time, a minimum of 4 hours at room temperature will work in a pinch.

Can I substitute dried basil for fresh?

While fresh basil truly shines in this recipe, you can use a light sprinkling of dried basil in a pinch. For the fullest flavor and color, fresh basil leaves are best.

What other toppings can I add to this focaccia?

Anything you love! Try roasted garlic, sliced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even thin rounds of zucchini. The focaccia is endlessly customizable to your tastes.

Is it possible to make Homemade Tomato Basil Focaccia gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The results will be a bit different in texture, but you’ll still enjoy aromatic, delicious bread!

Final Thoughts

Baking your own Homemade Tomato Basil Focaccia is one of those simple joys that brings warmth, flavor, and a bit of rustic Italian magic to any table. Give it a try—your kitchen will smell incredible, and you’ll have a bread that’s every bit as beautiful as it is delicious.

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