Easy Anne Burrell Focaccia Bread Recipe

Table of Contents

Introduction

If you’ve been dreaming of baking a soft, golden, and beautifully dimpled focaccia bread right at home, you’re in the right place! This Easy Anne Burrell Focaccia Bread Recipe is the perfect choice for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike. With its crispy crust and tender, airy inside, this Italian favorite is a true crowd-pleaser and yes, it’s easier than you think!

Did you know that focaccia is often called the “pizza of bread”? It’s that versatile you can top it with herbs, sea salt, or even roasted vegetables to make it uniquely yours. The best part? This recipe, inspired by the talented Anne Burrell, takes all the guesswork out of the process and delivers foolproof results every time.

Why is this focaccia special? Besides being quick to prep and family-friendly, it’s a one-bowl, no-fuss recipe that requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor. If you loved my “No-Knead Artisan Bread” recipe, this focaccia will easily become your next baking obsession!

So grab your olive oil and let’s bake some magic you won’t believe how simple and rewarding homemade focaccia can be!

What is Anne Burrell Focaccia Bread Recipe?

So what exactly is Anne Burrell’s famous focaccia bread? Think of it as Italy’s answer to the perfect comfort bread — a fluffy, salty, and slightly chewy bread that’s bursting with olive oil goodness. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love tearing into a warm, homemade bread that’s crisp on the outside and soft in the center?

But why is it named after Anne Burrell? Because she makes one of the easiest and most flavorful focaccia recipes out there — and if anyone knows how to win hearts through the stomach, it’s Anne! You know what they say, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”, but let’s be real — this focaccia will win over anyone.

So why not roll up those sleeves and give it a shot? You’ll thank yourself when that first bite melts in your mouth!

Why You’ll Love This Anne Burrell Focaccia Bread Recipe

1. Simple, Foolproof, and Beginner-Friendly

You don’t need to be a baking expert to make this focaccia! With easy-to-follow steps, no fancy tools, and basic pantry ingredients, this recipe is designed for success. Even if you’re new to bread making, you’ve got this!

2. Save Money, Skip the Bakery

Why spend money at the bakery when you can make restaurant-quality focaccia at home? This recipe is budget-friendly — using flour, yeast, olive oil, and salt yet the results are so impressive that your friends will think you bought it fresh from an Italian bakery!

3. Endless Topping Options for Flavor Fun

Want to add rosemary? Cherry tomatoes? Garlic? Go for it! The beauty of focaccia is that you can customize it to suit any meal or craving. My favorite is a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and rosemary, but you can get creative.

If you enjoyed my “Herbed Garlic Breadsticks”, this focaccia is like their more elegant cousin — and it goes with everything!

How to Make Anne Burrell Focaccia Bread Recipe

Quick Overview

This easy focaccia bread recipe is soft, airy, and full of flavor with a crisp crust. Prep time is only about 15 minutes, with additional time for rising. The oven does most of the work!

Key Ingredients for Anne Burrell Focaccia Bread Recipe

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
• 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• ¼ cup olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
• Flaky sea salt for topping
• Optional toppings: Fresh rosemary, cherry tomatoes, olives, garlic

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix with a spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. (You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook too!)

Step 4: First Rise

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Focaccia

Punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Gently stretch it out to fit the pan. Cover and let rise for another 20-30 minutes.

Step 6: Add Toppings

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Dimple the dough using your fingers (the fun part!), drizzle generously with olive oil, sprinkle flaky salt, and add your favorite toppings.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp on top.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let it cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

What to Serve Anne Burrell Focaccia Bread Recipe With

• Olive oil and balsamic vinegar dip
• Italian pasta dishes like spaghetti Bolognese
• Charcuterie boards with cheese, meats, and fruits
• Soups and stews, like tomato basil soup or minestrone
• Fresh salads, like Caprese or Caesar salad

Pro tip: Use leftovers for sandwiches focaccia makes an amazing sandwich bread!

Top Tips for Perfecting Anne Burrell Focaccia Bread

• Use good quality olive oil :it makes a difference in flavor!
• Don’t skip the second rise : it ensures a fluffy texture.
• Dimple deeply but gently : to hold all that delicious oil and toppings.
• Try flavored oils (garlic-infused, chili oil) for an extra twist.
• Add cheese on top for a cheesy focaccia variation!

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Storage: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Store for up to 5 days, but bring to room temp before eating for best texture.
• Freezing: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and foil, freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.

Table: Health Benefits of Anne Burrell Focaccia Bread

Ready to Bake Your Own?

Easy Anne Burrell Focaccia Bread Recipe

Recipe by MaryCourse: breadCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Calories

220

kcal

Enjoy the easiest Anne Burrell Focaccia Bread Recipe — a soft, golden, and herb-infused Italian bread that’s perfect for beginners! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a delicious homemade bread that pairs wonderfully with any meal.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)

• 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)

• 2 teaspoons sugar

• 1 tablespoon salt

• ¼ cup olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)

• Flaky sea salt for topping

• Optional toppings: Fresh rosemary, cherry tomatoes, olives, garlic

Directions

• Step 1: Activate the Yeast
  In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
• Step 2: Mix the Dough
  Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix with a spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
• Step 3: Knead the Dough
  Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. (You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook too!)
• Step 4: First Rise
  Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
• Step 5: Shape the Focaccia
  Punch down the dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Gently stretch it out to fit the pan. Cover and let rise for another 20-30 minutes.
• Step 6: Add Toppings
  Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Dimple the dough using your fingers (the fun part!), drizzle generously with olive oil, sprinkle flaky salt, and add your favorite toppings.
• Step 7: Bake
  Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp on top.
• Step 8: Cool and Serve
  Let it cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
• 

Notes

• You can customize it with herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil.
  Serve it alongside cheese, soup, or salad for a complete meal.
  Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

FAQs: Alpha Gal Friendly Recipes​

Share Your Twist!

add extra herbs like rosemary or thyme? Maybe you sprinkled some cheese or added olives for that Mediterranean vibe? Or perhaps you turned it into a sandwich base?

No matter how you customized it, share your creative version with us! Your twist might inspire others to try something new.

📸 Snap a photo of your focaccia masterpiece and share it in the comments below, or tag us on social media using #MyFocacciaTwist — we can’t wait to see what you create!

Remember: Cooking is all about having fun and making recipes fit your taste. So don’t be shy, show off your delicious twist!

References

Focaccia Recipe

Easy recipe squash and kidney beans

iowa-party-bites-recipe

chicken-pastry-recipe