Vegan Focaccia Bread (Italian Rosemary & Olive)

Why You Must Make This Dairy-Free Focaccia Bread

You’ll love this vegan focaccia recipe for its soft, airy texture and golden, crispy edges. It’s simple to make, with just a few basic ingredients that create delicious bakery-style bread at home. Perfect for dipping, topping, or enjoying plain, this focaccia is a versatile and tasty addition to any meal! Here are more reasons to try it:

• Soft, Airy Texture. Vegan focaccia is all about that perfect, fluffy texture with a slightly chewy bite. With this recipe, the dough rises beautifully to create a light, airy bread that’s as good as any you’d find in a bakery.
• Easy to Make. Don’t worry if you’re not an experienced baker – this recipe keeps things simple with basic ingredients and easy steps. You’ll get great results without needing any special equipment or complicated techniques.
• Versatile Flavor. Focaccia’s mild flavor is the perfect canvas for any toppings you want to add! You can keep it classic with olive oil and sea salt, or try fresh herbs, tomatoes, olives, or even caramelized onion dip for extra flavor.
• Great for Sharing. This recipe makes a large, shareable loaf that’s ideal for family gatherings, dinners, or parties. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a side dish, vegan focaccia is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
• Perfect for Dipping. The focaccia’s crispy edges and fluffy interior make it ideal for dipping into garlic-infused olive oil, balsamic vinegar, homemade eggplant dip, or even your favorite marinara sauce. Each slice is packed with flavor and texture, making it a delicious addition to any meal.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

This vegan focaccia recipe uses simple ingredients like flour, yeast, and olive oil to create delicious homemade bread with a fluffy inside and crispy edges. Each ingredient has a specific purpose, from giving the dough its soft texture to adding savory flavor. Here are our most helpful tips and substitutions to make the recipe fit your pantry and taste!

• Active Dry Yeast – This gives focaccia its signature fluffy texture and slight chewiness. For the best rise, activate the yeast in warm water (around 110°F) before mixing it with other ingredients. Instant yeast can also be used in place of active dry yeast—just skip the activation step and mix it directly with the flour.
• All Purpose Flour – Allows the bread to have a tender crumb and making it easy to knead and shape. Bread flour can be used if you prefer a chewier texture since it has a higher protein content. For a slightly nuttier flavor, swap up to 1/4 cup of the flour for whole wheat flour, though this might make the bread denser.
• Salt – Brings out the taste of the olive oil and herbs and also helps control the yeast activity, ensuring a slow, steady rise. Kosher salt or sea salt works best for focaccia. Avoid skipping the salt, as it’s essential for flavor; if you prefer a milder taste, simply reduce it by half. For a flavor twist, sprinkle a pinch of flaky salt on top before baking for a pleasant crunch.
• Olive Oil – Crucial for focaccia’s rich, savory flavor and its signature golden, slightly crispy crust. It’s also what keeps the bread moist and helps prevent sticking in the pan. Extra-virgin olive oil provides the best flavor, but you can try substituting with avocado oil or a mild vegetable oil.
• Fresh Rosemary – Brings an earthy, aromatic note to focaccia and giving it a Mediterranean touch. If fresh rosemary isn’t available, dried rosemary will work—use about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. You can also experiment with other herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil for a unique twist on traditional focaccia.

How to Make Vegan Focaccia Bread

Making vegan focaccia is easier than you might think, and it only takes a few simple steps to get bakery-quality bread at home. With basic ingredients like flour, yeast, and olive oil, you’ll create a soft, airy loaf with a golden crust. Follow these steps to learn how to mix, rise, and bake the perfect vegan focaccia for any occasion!

Step 1: Activate the Yeast – In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir and let it sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes foamy.

Step 2: Make the Dough – In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and the activated yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms, then turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes until smooth.

Then, Step 3: Let the Dough Rise – Clean the mixing bowl and coat it lightly with oil. Place the dough back in, turning it to coat with oil, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape and Second Rise – Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface, gently press out the air, and shape it. Spread the dough into an oiled baking pan or shape it into smaller loaves on a baking sheet. Cover and let it rise again for 30 minutes.

Finally, Step 5: Add Toppings and Bake – Preheat the oven to 425°F. Add toppings like rosemary and olives, pressing them into the dough, and use your fingers to make indents across the surface. Shake together 1/3 cup each of olive oil and water, pour it over the dough, and bake for 20 minutes until lightly browned.

Serving Tips and Topping Suggestions

If you love vegan focaccia as much as we do, you’ll have lots of fun playing around with different varieties! You can even split the dough in two (or three or four) and make several different varieties in a single baking session. We love these serving suggestions and hope you will, too!

• Serve with Dipping Oil – Pair your focaccia with a simple dipping oil made from extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a sprinkle of Italian herbs. This classic combo is perfect for highlighting the bread’s crispy edges and fluffy texture. How about trying with a dairy-free artichoke dip, too?
• Make a Focaccia Sandwich – Use slices of focaccia as sandwich bread for a delicious twist! Try filling it with roasted rainbow veggies, white bean hummus, or your favorite vegan deli slices for a hearty meal.
• Serve as a Side with Soup – Focaccia pairs wonderfully with soups like creamy tomato, french onion, or vegan chili. Dip a slice in your vegan soup for a cozy and satisfying meal.
• Toast and Top with Vegan Cheese – Lightly toast your focaccia and add a sprinkle of vegan cheese, then pop it under the broiler for a warm, melty treat. It’s a great snack or side dish for pasta night!
• Use for Vegan Bruschetta – Cut your focaccia into smaller pieces and top with diced tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil (or along with this Italian tomato salad!). This makes a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties or family gatherings.