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tomato and olive focaccia bread recipe

Tomato and Olive Focaccia Bread

This soft, airy Italian-style focaccia is topped with halved cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and a sprinkle of oregano. The crust is golden and crisp, with a tender, open crumb. Simple to make, it’s perfect for serving with roasted vegetables or as a snack.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 20 minutes
resting and folding time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Appetizer, Snack, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian / Mediterranean
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

  • 3 ½ cups bread flour
  • 1 packet 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
  • 1 ½ tsp fine salt
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water 100-108°F
  • 1 ½ tbsp honey
  • 3 tbsp olive oil for dough
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for pan and finishing
  • 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup olives Castelvetrano or Kalamata
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • Flaky sea salt for topping

Method
 

Mix the Dough:
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour, instant yeast, and fine salt. Add the warm water, honey, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir until the dough is evenly moistened and shaggy. The dough should be sticky, not dry.
Rest and Fold:
  1. Cover the dough and let it rest in a warm spot for 30 minutes. Then perform a quick stretch-and-fold (lift the dough, stretch it up, and fold it over). Let it rest for another hour, performing another stretch-and-fold in the second hour. Repeat for 3-4 rounds, giving the dough strength and elasticity.
Prepare the Pan:
  1. Butter a large baking pan, then line it with parchment paper. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the parchment and spread it evenly. This will help create a crisp bottom crust.
Shape and Proof the Dough:
  1. Divide the dough in half and place each portion into the prepared pans. Cover with plastic wrap and let it proof for about 30 minutes, until puffy.
Add Toppings:
  1. Use lightly oiled fingers to dimple the dough deeply. Scatter the halved tomatoes and olives over the dough. Sprinkle with oregano, black pepper, and drizzle with a little more olive oil.
Preheat the Oven:
  1. Preheat your oven to 475°F. Place the pan on the center rack.
Bake the Focaccia:
  1. Bake the focaccia for 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp. The bread should rise and form large air pockets in the crumb.
Cool and Finish:
  1. Let the focaccia cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack and let it cool for 30 minutes before slicing. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for extra flavor.

Notes

  • If you prefer a deeper flavor, let the dough rest overnight in the fridge (12-24 hours).
  • You can also make a variation using rosemary or thyme for a more herby flavor.
  • This focaccia is best eaten fresh but can be stored for a day or two at room temperature or frozen for later use.