Focaccia is an Italian flatbread that’s crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with simple flavor. If you don’t want to make dough from scratch, there’s a quick way to get it done—just start with store-bought pizza dough. Pizza dough is basically focaccia dough without the fancy name. That makes it a great shortcut for busy nights or last-minute meals.
You don’t need any special tools, and you don’t need to be a pro baker. Just stretch the dough out into a baking pan, let it rest, coat it with olive oil, press in some dimples with your fingers, and sprinkle herbs and sea salt on top. Bake it in a hot oven until golden and crisp. You’ll get all the flavor of fresh focaccia in less time and with way less work.
This shortcut focaccia makes a great side for pasta, soup, or salad. It also works as a sandwich bread or snack on its own. You can even top it with tomatoes, olives, or cheese if you want to dress it up a bit. But even plain, it’s good—simple, salty, and soft with a golden crust.
Shortcut Focaccia Bread Recipe
Required Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish or sheet pan
- Pastry brush or spoon
- Mixing bowl (optional, for olive oil + herbs)
- Oven
Prep and Bake Times
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Dough resting | 30 mins |
| Prep time | 10 mins |
| Baking time | 20–25 mins |
| Total time | ~1 hour |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | U.S. Measure | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Store-bought pizza dough | 1 lb | 450 g |
| Olive oil | 3 tbsp | 45 mL |
| Sea salt (flaky) | 1 tsp | 5 g |
| Dried rosemary | 1 tsp | 1 g |
| Garlic powder (optional) | ½ tsp | 1 g |
Instructions
- Prep the dough:
Take the pizza dough out of the fridge and let it sit at room temp for 30 minutes. This helps it relax so it’s easier to stretch. - Preheat the oven:
Set it to 425°F (220°C). - Grease the pan:
Add 1 tbsp of olive oil to your baking dish and spread it around. - Shape the dough:
Press and stretch the dough into the pan. If it resists, let it sit 5 more minutes, then try again. - Add toppings:
Mix the rest of the olive oil with rosemary and garlic powder. Brush it over the top. Use your fingertips to press small dimples all over the dough. Sprinkle sea salt on top. - Bake:
Place in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through. - Cool and serve:
Let cool a few minutes before cutting. Serve warm or at room temp.
Nutritional Info (per slice, based on 8 slices)
- Calories: ~190
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 27g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: ~310mg
This shortcut focaccia is simple, fast, and flexible. You can eat it plain or use it as a base for more toppings. Great for a side dish or a fast snack.
