Focaccia Barese Recipe

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Focaccia Barese is a traditional Italian flatbread from the coastal city of Bari in Puglia. Known for its crisp golden crust and soft, airy interior, this focaccia stands out thanks to a dough enriched with mashed potato and semolina flour.

Topped with vibrant cherry tomatoes, olives, oregano, and a generous drizzle of olive oil, this dish is flavorful and rustic. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or side, Focaccia Barese brings the warmth of southern Italy to your table.

Why You Will Love the Focaccia Barese Recipe

Focaccia Barese delights with its delicious texture and authentic flavors. This traditional bread combines simple ingredients to create a tasty and satisfying treat, perfect for sharing or enjoying at any time.

• Mashed potato keeps the bread soft and moist.
• Semolina flour adds a pleasant, slightly crunchy texture to the crust.
• Cherry tomatoes provide juicy bursts of freshness.
• Olive oil enriches flavor and creates a golden crust.
• Oregano adds a fragrant, herbal note.
• Easy to make with pantry staples.
• Versatile for snacks, meals, or appetizers.

Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses a blend of pantry staples and fresh produce to recreate the authentic flavor and texture of Bari’s beloved focaccia.

• 300 g “00” flour
• 200 g semolina flour
• 150 g mashed potato
• 2 tsp dry yeast
• Pinch of sugar
• 1½ tsp salt
• 340 ml warm water
• 3 tbsp olive oil (for the dough)
• 250 g cherry tomatoes
• Olives (optional)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Coarse sea salt (for topping)

How to Make Focaccia Barese

Making Focaccia Barese involves simple steps, but attention to detail makes all the difference. Here’s how to create the perfect loaf at home.

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, mix “00” flour, semolina, salt, dry yeast, mashed potato, and a pinch of sugar. Add warm water gradually and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add olive oil and knead again until fully incorporated.

First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. The dough should be soft and elastic when ready.

Shape and Top the Dough

Grease a round or rectangular baking pan with olive oil. Gently stretch the dough to fit the pan. Press cherry tomatoes and olives into the dough, sprinkle with oregano and coarse salt, then drizzle with more olive oil.

Second Rise and Bake

Let the topped dough rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 475°F (250°C). Bake on the lowest oven rack for 15 minutes, then transfer to the middle rack and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Focaccia Barese

Focaccia Barese is a traditional Italian flatbread from Bari, featuring a soft, elastic dough enriched with mashed potatoes and topped with juicy cherry tomatoes, olives, and oregano. Its crispy crust and tender crumb make it perfect for snacking, dipping, or as a sandwich base.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Rise Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8 Servings

Course: Appetizer, bread

Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 300 g "00" flour
• 200 g semolina flour
• 150 g mashed potato
• 2 tsp dry yeast
• Pinch of sugar
• 1½ tsp salt
• 340 ml warm water
• 3 tbsp olive oil for the dough
• 250 g cherry tomatoes
• Olives optional
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Coarse sea salt for topping

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, mix "00" flour, semolina, salt, dry yeast, mashed potato, and sugar. Gradually add warm water, kneading until smooth and elastic. Add olive oil and knead again until fully incorporated.
2. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.
3. Grease a baking pan with olive oil. Stretch dough to fit the pan. Press cherry tomatoes and olives into the surface, sprinkle oregano and coarse salt, and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Let the dough rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 475°F (250°C). Bake on the lowest rack for 15 minutes, then move to the middle rack and bake for another 10–15 minutes until golden.
5. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Using mashed potatoes in the dough gives the focaccia its signature soft texture. Olives are optional but add a lovely briny contrast. Serve with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. Wrap leftovers in foil and reheat to refresh the crust.

Serving Tips for Focaccia Barese

This versatile bread can be served in many delicious ways. Here are a few serving ideas to enhance your Focaccia Barese experience:

• Enjoy warm or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
• Serve with a side of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
• Pair with soups like minestrone or creamy tomato for a complete meal.
• Use it as sandwich bread with mozzarella, arugula, or grilled vegetables.
• Wrap leftovers in foil and reheat in the oven to refresh the crust.

Nutritional Benefits of Focaccia Barese

Focaccia Barese is not only delicious but also contains several nutritional elements. The mashed potato and semolina add potassium, fiber, and B vitamins. Olive oil contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which contribute to improved cardiovascular health. 

Tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, an antioxidant known for its anti-inflammatory properties. While it is a bread high in carbohydrates, the natural ingredients and fats help maintain energy and satiety. Enjoyed in moderation, this focaccia can be part of a balanced Mediterranean-inspired diet.

Conclusion

Focaccia Barese is a celebration of southern Italian flavors—crisp, airy, and full of rustic charm. It’s a rewarding bake that delivers texture, aroma, and satisfaction. Share it fresh from the oven and enjoy a bite of Bari at home.