Gluten-Free Focaccia Bread: Discover the Perfect Recipe!

Introduction

This gluten-free focaccia is simple, golden, and full of Mediterranean charm, perfect for weeknight dinners or an elegant appetizer spread. The dough comes together with pantry staples and a quick rise, so you can enjoy fresh-baked bread without a long wait. If you love visual recipes that are easy to share, this one photographs beautifully for Pinterest boards and story posts. For more gluten-free inspiration, check our full guide to gluten-free focaccia and see how this loaf can become a go-to in your baking rotation.

Why This Recipe Is a Great Choice

This recipe keeps things friendly for busy cooks while delivering the satisfying crisp edges and tender interior you want from focaccia. The olive oil creates a glossy finish and helps the coarse sea salt stick, giving each slice a savory lift. Using instant yeast means no fuss with proofing, and the short rise still produces lovely air pockets. It’s a versatile base for toppings so you can get creative with roasted garlic, sliced olives, or a scattering of cherry tomatoes. Because it’s naturally dairy free and straightforward, it’s a welcome option for shared meals and casual entertaining. If you enjoy experimenting with pastries, you might also like the texture contrasts in our decadent gluten-free cruffins for another gluten-free treat.

Flavor and Texture

The crust bakes to a golden, lightly crisp shell while the interior stays soft and slightly springy. Olive oil infuses the crumb with a rich, fruity note that pairs beautifully with rosemary and flaky sea salt. Dimples press in pools of oil that caramelize slightly during baking, giving small bursts of flavor with every bite. Coarse salt provides contrast to the tender dough, and optional dried rosemary adds piney fragrance without overpowering the bread. The result is a focaccia that feels artisan yet approachable, perfect for tearing and sharing.

Ingredients

– 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
– 1 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
– Coarse sea salt for topping

Step by Step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast.
2. Add warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth dough forms.
3. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
5. Grease a baking sheet with olive oil and spread the dough onto the sheet, pressing it out to your desired thickness.
6. Use your fingers to create dimples in the dough, then drizzle with more olive oil and sprinkle with rosemary and coarse sea salt.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Tips for Best Results

Use warm water that feels comfortably hot to the touch but not scalding to activate the instant yeast. Don’t skip the dimpling step those little wells hold oil and seasoning, which bake into pockets of concentrated flavor. If your dough seems sticky, a light dusting of flour or a small drizzle of oil on your hands will help you shape it without overworking. For a softer crumb, brush the focaccia with a little more olive oil right after it comes out of the oven. Experiment with toppings, but add delicate ingredients like herbs and tomatoes halfway through baking if you want them to keep texture and color.

Storage and Make Ahead

Store cooled focaccia wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, slice and freeze portions in a zip-top bag for up to one month; reheat in a hot oven until crisp. To refresh leftover focaccia, warm briefly under the broiler or in a toaster oven to revive the crust. You can also make the dough ahead, refrigerate it covered for a slow rise overnight, then bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Final Thought

This gluten-free focaccia proves that simple ingredients and a little attention deliver big flavor and lovely texture. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to whether you’re feeding a crowd or nibbling with a bowl of soup. Keep the pantry staples stocked and you’ll always have a quick, photogenic loaf ready to go.

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