Big Bubble Focaccia

Written by McDonald, T.  |  Updated 17th of April 2026

Focaccia is great Italian bread that is easy to make and will impress any dinner guests.  It is light and soft with amazing bubbles, texture, and taste.  I have made a wholemeal version before using strong bread flour.  This time, I thought I would try the more common type using plain flour.  I was pleasantly suppressed on how it turned out.

Hydration is at 80%

Baker's notes

• Flour 100% (500 g)
• Water 80% (400 g)
• Yeast 1.4% (7 g) dry  [Fresh is 4% (20) g] 
• Salt 1.8% (9 g)
  

Makes one 800 g focaccia

Ingredients

• Plain flour 500 g
  
• Instant dry yeast x 7 g
  
• Salt x 9 g
  
• Water x 400 g
• Olive oil x 2 tbsp (you will need another 3 tbsp to grease the pan and more for on top)
  

Apparatus

• Dough scraper
• Danish dough whisk
  
• Spatula
• Large mixing bowl
• Large baking dish 

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Method 

1. Mix all the dry ingredients together and add the lukewarm water.  Use the Danish dough whisk to thoroughly combine the ingredients. Cover and leave to proof for 30 mins.  Do one set of folds, cover and leave in the fridge overnight. 

2. The next day, cover and use a dough scraper to gently scrape around the edge. Now, the first series of stretch and folds.  Fold the dough over 4 times.  Do this by wetting your hand and picking up the edge of the dough, pulling it up without breaking it, and folding it over. Twist the bowl and do another fold.  Leave to rest for another 30 mins.

3. Repeat step 2 one more time and leave for 30 mins.
   

4. Do one last series of folds.  Oil the baking try and then up the dough and place it in the try. Add some more olive oil to the top and very gently spread the oil over the top. 

5. Cover and leave to proof for 1 hour.

6. Oil your fingers and use them to make dimples in the dough. As you gently make the dimples, you will notice more bubbles appearing. Still using your fingers, jiggle all areas of the dough. 

7. Add topping if you wish and cover them with oil, or they will burn. 

8. Bake in a preheated oven at 200 °C for 20 -22 minutes. 

9. Remove from the oven.  Immediately take out of the dish and place on a cooling rack and leave for at least 20 mins before attempting to cut a piece off. 

Results

I really hope you give this a try, because it will make you feel great!  Please like, share and subscribe.